Tooth Whitening
If you are happy with everything about your teeth except the color, then you may be a good candidate for tooth whitening. Two methods of bleaching are available. In-office whitening has the advantage of being the quickest and most predictable. Our office uses the popular “Zoom” system that utilizes a blue light to enhance the bleaching agent. At-home kits use custom trays to deliver the bleaching gel, and are worn 30min per day. This method takes at least a few weeks to achieve full results.
- Length of Procedure: In-office “Zoom” takes about 120 minutes. At-home bleaching requires 30 minutes per day for at least two weeks.
- Number of Visits: Zoom takes only one visit. If a significant shade change is desired then it may take two visits.
- Anesthesia: none
- Duration of Results: Generally it lasts at least a year. Factors that reduce final results and duration of results include amounts of tobacco use, wine consumption, coffee and tea, and original tooth color.
- Recovery Time: None
- Risks: Reports of tooth sensitivity that lasts 1-4 days before subsiding. This is easily managed when it occurs.
