Brushing and flossing are vital to a healthy smile, but let’s be honest, a healthy smile doesn’t mean much to most patients if it is not an equally attractive smile. While healthy teeth often reflect the results of good oral hygiene habits, tooth color is one aspect of the teeth that is likely to be unresponsive to even the best oral hygiene routine. This is because tooth color is dependent on much more than just how clean the teeth are. Even the healthiest teeth may be in need of teeth whitening to improve tooth color or remove surface stains. Wear and tear, foods, beverages, and oral habits are all factors that can affect tooth color or the formation of dental stains. At his practice, Dr. Steven Hochfelder offers his Lake Mary patients the Zoom!® teeth whitening technique, which can safely and dramatically improve tooth color.
Teeth Whitening Candidates
Most patients who are dissatisfied with the color of their teeth or the presence of surface stains are good candidates for Zoom!® teeth whitening. This treatment is safe and non-invasive, so the only real requirement for treatment is that the patient has clean and healthy teeth and gums. Dr. Hochfelder will clean the teeth before the whitening treatment to ensure that they are in prime form for the procedure. Additionally, teeth whitening works best on stains and discoloration that exist on the surface of the teeth, so Dr. Hochfelder will not recommend teeth whitening for those patients with intrinsic staining, or stains on the inner layers of the tooth.
The Procedure
The Zoom!® teeth whitening procedure is completed in just under an hour. Dr. Hochfelder will apply the Zoom!® whitening gel to the surface of the patient’s teeth. Professional application ensures that the gums and other soft tissues of the mouth will not be damaged by the strong effects of the whitening gel. Once applied, the teeth will be exposed to a special dental light. This light activates the bleaching ingredients in the whitening gel and creates a chemical reaction that allows the stains of the teeth to be broken up and eliminated. Typically, after 15 minutes of exposure to this special light, the teeth will be cleaned of the whitening gel and a new layer will be applied. Each Zoom!® treatment will consist of three series of this application process.
Results
Patients can expect dramatic results from Zoom!® teeth whitening. An average treatment results in teeth that are up to eight shades whiter than before treatment, with some patients improving tooth color even more. The results of teeth whitening are long-lasting and can be maintained with at-home teeth whitening options, which are also offered by Dr. Hochfelder.
The side effects of teeth whitening treatment are minimal. Although some patients may experience temporary heightened tooth sensitivity, others report no side effects of treatment. The Zoom!® whitening gel actually contains a desensitizing agent that protects the enamel and helps to minimize the side effects of treatment.
Contact Us
Professional teeth whitening is the safest and most effective way to improve tooth color and brighten the smile. If you are interested in enhancing your smile and eliminating stains, contact us to learn more about our teeth whitening treatment options. We can help you achieve the bright, white smile you desire.
