Teeth Technology

What is tooth whitening?

It is a simple noninvasive way of using various materials to enhance the color of your natural teeth enamel and it is the ideal way to transform your smile. Having whiter teeth is the number 1 priority in most patients’ recent studies show; there are a number of ways in which to whiten your teeth.

We categorize this in 2 ways:

  1. At-home systems; this is the most popular system worldwide. A whitening kit is used to whiten your teeth at home while you work and sleep using trays specifically made for you at your dentist. This system involves a tremendous amount of self-discipline but is generally cheaper than the in-office system.
  2. In-Office systems; at our practice we use the ZOOM whitening system which is proven to have great results and the least post-op sensitivity. This system involves 3x 15 min sessions in the chair with great results up to 8 shades on average whiter. We utilize modern light-activating whitening agents to get the desired results, with no sensitivity. After whitening a take-home kit is also given to do touch-ups when needed, especially with coffee, wine, and smoking habits.

Reasons to do tooth whitening:

  • Fluorosis is caused by excessive fluoride intake during the development of the teeth.
  • Normal wear of tooth enamel.
  • When teeth are stained by various medications or habits.
  • Yellow discolored teeth.

important aspect to remember

An important aspect to remember is that restorations e.g. Crowns, fillings, veneers, etc. cannot be whitened, so it is very important that this be addressed before whitening commence. If the desired color of the teeth has been established by the whitening process, the restorations can then be altered to match the new white color of the natural teeth.

So, to answer the question, there is definitely a wrong and right, with the right system in the right-hand great results can be achieved but the wrong system and incapable hands will have dramatic effects including post-op sensitivity, burning lesions on gums, and even sunburn from the extremely sharp UV light.