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Virtually everyone wanting to brighten their smile can benefit from teeth whitening. Patients with teeth that are discolored due to age, smoking or other extrinsic staining factors are excellent candidates for teeth whitening. Research indicates that teeth whitening is completely effective in more than 78% of people. As teeth whitening continues to grow in popularity, research continues into all types of whitening systems.

Teeth whitening is not permanent, and works by removing the organic materials in the enamel by dissolving them with a peroxide derivative. Also, teeth whitening is only effective if there is a lot of enamel.

There are two principle forms of teeth whitening: professional whitening and teeth whitening kits.

Professional Teeth Whitening

The most effective and safest method of teeth whitening is the dentist-supervised procedure. First, the dentist will determine whether you are a candidate for teeth whitening and what type of whitening system would provide the best results. The dentist should also go over what you personally can expect for your individual situation. Before the teeth whitening treatment, most dentists clean the teeth, fill any cavities, and make sure the patient’s gums are healthy.

Dentists will usually advise trying teeth whitening first, to avoid the need for more complex cosmetic work. Complications that can occur in professional teeth whitening are infrequent and are usually minor in nature. Overall, teeth whitening under professional supervision is an effective method for whitening the teeth.

Teeth Whitening Kits

An alternative method to professional teeth whitening is to use a teeth whitening system or kit. Most teeth whitening systems consists of a whitening gel that is placed in mouthpieces that fit over your teeth for various amounts of time. On average, quality teeth whitening kits cost approximately $500 to $800. Budget teeth whitening systems start at around $29.95, though they are generally less effective.

The American Dental Association has granted its seal of approval to some teeth whitening products, so be sure and look for the ADA mark of approval if you are going to purchase a whitening kit. It is important that the manufacturer’s directions are followed precisely when using an at home teeth whitening kit. Also, do not use a teeth whitening product for more than 14 days without consulting a dental professional.

Disadvantages and Limitations of Teeth Whitening

Although teeth whitening is very effective, there can be short term disadvantages, such as sore gums or sore teeth from the bleach. Crowns, bridges, bonding, and fillings only return to their original coloring; they do not lighten any further with professional teeth whitening. Different stains require different solutions, therefore it is important to have a consultation with an oral health professional before trying a teeth whitening product.

While teeth whitening does create brighter smiles, some people’s expectations are very high and they are disappointed with the results.

Research continues into all types of whitening systems. Due to its effectiveness, teeth whitening is sure to continue to grow in popularity. Regular professional teeth cleaning by your dentist will help support the lasting success of teeth whitening.

Consider teeth whitening if your teeth are darkened from age, coffee, tea or smoking.

Jonathan Leger runs a website devoted to the latest in dental care. It has a section dedicated to tooth whitening

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Let me tell you about my Zoom Whitening experience. For those of you who are unaware about teeth whitening products, the Zoom product is professional use only. Works rather quickly as opposed to the every night crest whitestrips. But it does cost more.

I went to the dentist’s office and was setup with the dental assistant. She went over my teeth to remove and plaque or residue to have a clean tooth surface to apply the zoom gel. They put something on my gums to protect them from the gel. It felt like rubber, but it was a gel that was in a tube. They had an appliance to hold my mouth open so I didn’t have to hold a terror scream position the entire time I was there.

Cotton ball rolls were used to hold my lips off my teeth. They basically want your teeth exposed, only your teeth, and to just let them hang there in the air while they apply the gel. She painted on the gel, which is a hydrogen peroxide gel. Then they used a Zoom light to enhance the whitening. It looked like a black light. She told me that it made the peroxide act quicker and faster, and after researching, I found that using the light helps by over 33%.

They did my six front teeth, top and bottom, 12 total. First, they applied the gel, did the zoom lamp, and then they wiped off the gel, and applied more gel. They did this 3 times to the same set of teeth. So, overall, it took about an hour and a half before I was ready to go. I got to catnap in between whitening.

What happened after I left?

The zoom whitening continued to whiten my teeth for 12-18 hours after the procedure. So, I couldn’t drink any heavy staining drinks like coffee, cokes, or tea. But wait, I’ll miss my caffeine rush. You might need a caffeine pill or take an Excedrin migraine pill. I think they have caffeine.

It was uncomfortable to have my mouth propped open for so long, and the chemical gets into the enamel, dentin or pores of the teeth so they were sensitive to everything. But, about 20 hours later, I was good as new. The whitening had taken effect and my teeth were no longer sensitive. I heard some people it takes up to 3 days to get back to normal, but I was fine.

I wanted to share my experience with you if you were thinking about the zoom whitening in office treatment. They also had a home treatment you could use, but I wanted to take advantage of the 33% more whitening with that zoom lamp they used. I can tell they are whiter. Suppose to get up to 8 shades whiter. I don’t know how much I got, but it does look better.

Cost? Mine was about $250 total. I’m sure it varies depending on where you go.

Stuart Simpson
http://www.teeth-whitening-review.com

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