How it works
The basic bleaching process consists of the oxidation of the organic colored material within the tooth leading to a reduction of the intensity of these colored materials. The process does not weaken the structure of teeth, but can cause some sensitivity that the majority of time is mild, but can in more rare cases be severe. The most commonly used agents in the bleaching process are hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. Carbamide peroxide breaks down to Hydrogen peroxide and urea and the Hydrogen peroxide further breaks down to water and oxygen. The peroxide diffuses though the enamel into the dentin where it has the greatest effect on the color change of the tooth. Higher concentration materials work quicker and achieve lightening effect faster. Expect the same final results from less concentration products, but you need to increase the contact time.
Maintain the white
During whitening avoid discoloring foods and beverages. For a complete list see our appendix of staining things to avoid. Get on a regular cleaning schedule where surface stains will be removed by the dentist. Claims by OTC whitening toothpastes and mouth washes are unsubstantiated and use course abrasives to remove surface stains that scratch and wear away the natural surface textures of teeth. Remember to always brush gently and use a soft tooth brush.
Most of our clients are getting in-office and trays made at the same appointment. This allows for the in-office appointment to be a boost 8-10 shades and the take-home tray can continue to whiten at home for 3-10 days for stubborn teeth. The trays can then be used to touch up at home monthly for whitening maintenance. Our goal from whitening is to get your teeth as white as they can get and maintain that white. Our recommendations are based on that goal. You can do it with trays alone, but it takes longer and teeth get sensitive so whitening application compliance goes down and your whitest smile is never achieved. Stick with us to make them their whitest.
What results to expect from whitening.
In office or dentist supplied take home whiteners may get your teeth 8-10 shades whiter. When you compare two shades together on a shade tab that are 10 shades apart, there is many times an obvious difference; however it may not by that dramatic. For people who are looking for dramatic results it is often times necessary to get porcelain veneers which can be made to be just about any whiteness you desire.
Everyone's teeth respond differently. We found our patients received the best results when they did 1 hour ZOOM! first, the touch up with take home trays once a month or so. We also have patients who don't want to be bothered with trays, so they'll ZOOM! every six months when they're having their teeth cleaned.
We also have seen many patients who have spent hundreds, even thousands of dollars trying to whiten their teeth, but their teeth just didn't bleach well. They come to us to see if there is anything else we can try. At this point, we start talking about veneers to achieve the level of white they want.
Post op instructions
After the ZOOM! procedure, it's recommended that you avoid dark staining foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, smoking, red wine, mustard, ketchup, soy sauce, red sauce, and berry sauce. You should also brush and floss normally.
Dentists have been straightening teeth with wires for 50 years. The reasons why straightening is important is for cosmetics and health. Braces are not just for kids anymore, especially with Invisalign. Invisalign is a nearly invisible, comfortable way to move teeth for adults. It is a series of clear trays, or aligners as an alternative to metal braces. Invisalign is fast and easy. They are removable so you can take them out to eat and to clean your teeth. According to the Invisalign Company, nearly 80 percent of all adults are good candidates for the aligners.
<<< Previous Page | Next Page >>>
© copyright 2005-2007, Olitsky Smiles, all rights reserved
