Nice looking teeth are more than just about physical appearance. In many cases, it’s also a matter of self confidence. That’s why teeth whitening procedures are a hit, whether at-home or in-office. People often start with an at-home treatment such as whitening toothpaste or mouthwash for convenience.
Unfortunately, the stains on our teeth sometimes become too much for the standard toothpaste or whitening kit. This is where talking to your dentist comes in. They can offer you more comprehensive solutions for whitening your teeth. And many dentists offer special kits you can use at home in addition to the in-office treatments.
Why Do Our Teeth Change Colour?
Age is one reason our teeth become stained over time, but there are other causes too. For example, tartar and plaque left behind from improper brushing and flossing can affect teeth colour.
In addition, the common culprits like coffee, smoking, and certain food dyes can also contribute to our discoloured teeth. And in some cases, a damaged or dying tooth can also be discoloured. For this reason, we must get regular dental oral assessments because this type of tooth may need additional work outside of whitening.
A genetic condition is another cause of tooth discolouration that is often overlooked. The inherited disorder called amelogenesis imperfecta is typically characterized by abnormal enamel growth, which can make your teeth look yellow. This condition can also lead to other problems such as tooth sensitivity or easily chipping teeth.
What is Zoom Whitening?
Zoom whitening is a bleach treatment for your teeth. Rather than simply getting rid of surface stains, this type of treatment can get much deeper and rid your teeth of intrinsic stains. An intrinsic stain is a discolouration within or below the tooth’s enamel layer.
It’s a straightforward treatment, and each session typically lasts around 2 hours. Your dentist places a liquid dam that is cured in place around your gums in order to protect them. Once your gums are protected, with only your teeth exposed, the Zoom whitening gel is applied to the teeth. Then your dentist uses a UV light to activate the gel. This activation causes the gel to penetrate and break up stains and discolouration.
While the treatment is very safe, there are occasionally minor side effects. For example, those with strong gag reflexes may struggle with the gum dams in the mouth. And some people experience a bit of sensitivity during the procedure. However, the dentist typically applies a fluoride gel immediately after finishing the procedure to reduce the sensitivity.
Another thing to note is that if you have braces or other dental fixtures, your dentist will likely need to remove them before the treatment can take place.
How Long Will Zoom Treatments Last
Generally, you can expect your zoom whitening to last anywhere from 12 to 24 months. The length of time your teeth stay white depends entirely on how you care for them after the treatment.
Keeping Your Teeth White
Even after a comprehensive treatment like Zoom, it’s still essential that you take care of your teeth. Proper oral hygiene is one of the biggest keys to keeping your teeth white (along with keeping them healthy and tooth decay-free).
Taking care of your mouth isn’t tricky; it just takes good habits. For example, you should brush 2 to 3 times per day with the correct toothbrush and dentist-approved fluoride toothpaste. In addition, you should be flossing daily and rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash.
Seeing your dentists for an oral assessment and cleaning regularly is also a key to white and healthy teeth. In Canada, the Canadian Dental Association recommends that you see your dentist at least twice a year.
Avoiding certain things is also a great way to keep your teeth white after the Zoom whitening. For example, reducing your consumption of beverages like coffee and black tea or limiting foods with a lot of food dye. In addition, eliminating smoking is an excellent way to keep your teeth white. Plus, your entire body will thank you for dropping that one.
Finding Out if Zoom Is Right for You
If you’ve tried other solutions, such as whitening toothpaste or strips, and they just can’t cut it. Zoom might be an excellent option for you. If you’re unsure, talking with your dentist is the first step to getting more information.
Depending on your situation, they may even recommend a different treatment for discoloured teeth. For example, tooth veneers are another potential whitening option you can discuss with your doctor. If your teeth need other repairs, this may be the best solution.
Give our office a shout today. The professional and knowledgeable staff at Hometown Dental are happy to answer all your questions and book you in for an appointment with our dentist.
