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Tooth Whitening
Tooth bleaching, also known as tooth whitening, is a common procedure in general dentistry but most especially in the field of cosmetic dentistry. Many people consider white teeth to be an attractive feature of a smile. A child's deciduous teeth are generally whiter than the adult teeth that follow. As a person ages the adult teeth often increase in value, which is to say, they become darker. This darkening is due to changes in the mineral structure of the tooth, as the enamel becomes less porous. Teeth can also become stained by bacterial pigments, foodstuffs and tobacco.
As white teeth are subconsciously associated with youth, they have become desirable. This has been made more apparent with the spread of American culture worldwide, where an especially white smile has been called a "Hollywood smile".
The procedure to bleach teeth uses oxidising agents such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to lighten the shade of the tooth. The oxidising agent penetrates the porosities in the rod-like crystal structure of enamel and oxidises interprismatic stain deposits; over a period of time, the dentine layer, lying underneath the enamel, is also bleached.
There are two main methods of bleaching. The first involves applying a high concentration of oxidising agent for a short period of time, which is the so-called office bleach. This produces quick results but risks chemical burns to the soft tissues. Therefore, most in-office bleaching procedures use a light-cured protective layer that is carefully painted on the gums and papilla (the tips of the gums between the teeth). The bleaching agent is either carbamide peroxide, which breaks down in the mouth to form hydrogen peroxide, or hydrogen peroxide itself. The bleaching gel typically contains up to 35% hydrogen peroxide equivalent.
The alternative method involves using a thin mouth guard or strip to hold a low concentration of oxidising agent next to the teeth for as long as several hours a day for a period of 5 to 14 days. This is known as take-home or over-the-counter bleaching. This is a slower process but has fewer risks to the soft tissues. The bleaching agent is typically less than 10% hydrogen peroxide equivalent.
A typical course of bleaching can produce dramatic improvements in the cosmetic appearance of most stained teeth; however, some stains do not respond to bleaching. Tetracycline staining may require prolonged bleaching, as it takes longer for the bleach to reach the dentine layer. White-spot decalcifications may also be highlighted and become more noticeable.
Recently, efforts have been made to accelerate the bleaching process by the use of light. Studies have shown varying results as to the efficacy of light-activated bleaching.
ZOOM! 2™ Chairside Whitening System
If you're looking for a fast way to whiten your teeth, ZOOM! 2™ Chairside Whitening System may be the answer for you. ZOOM! 2™ Tooth Whitening is the latest, most effective in-office tooth whitening procedure available. Our Practice works with this powerful system. With ZOOM! 2™ patients see results almost immediately. Unlike other teeth whitening procedures, with ZOOM! 2™ your teeth get 6 to 10 shades lighter in one short office visit, in only 45 minutes! Also with this bleaching procedure our patients experience up to 67% less sensitivity than with the previous ZOOM! System.
=How ZOOM! 2™ Tooth Whitening works?
This very safe teeth whitening procedure is easily performed in our Practice. First of all, at least 1 week before whitening scale and polishing has to be done on your teeth for a greater result. The ZOOM! 2™ Tooth Whitening gel is applied to the enamel (the protective coating) of the tooth and heated with a special lamp (UV-A light). The heat breaks down the gel and releases oxygen into the teeth’s dentin (the main, hard part of the tooth). This oxygen bleaches the teeth without harming them (the gel contains 25% hydrogen peroxide).
After the ZOOM! 2™ Tooth Whitening treatment, our patients are given a fluoride treatment. The results of this tooth whitening procedure are whiter teeth that are fundamentally free of coffee, tea, soft drink, wine, or tobacco stains! For the best result and to maintain your white shade we ask you not to drink, eat or smoke the above mentioned products for 3 days after whitening.
Most of our ZOOM! 2™ Tooth Whitening patients experience no ill effects during this teeth whitening process. However, ZOOM! 2™ is not for everyone. Women who are nursing or pregnant should not use this teeth whitening method. People who are sensitive to light should not undergo the ZOOM! 2™ Tooth Whitening procedure. This system is not for patients involved in photo-chemotherapy or diagnosed with melanoma. Those who are taking over-the-counter or prescription light sensitive medications should talk to their doctors before using the system.
Is whitening safe?
Yes. Extensive research and clinical studies indicate that whitening under the supervision of a dentist is safe. In fact, many dentists consider whitening the safest cosmetic dental procedure available. However, we do not recommend this procedure for children under the age of 13.
How long do the results last?
By following some simple post-whitening care instructions, your teeth will always be lighter than they were before. To keep your teeth looking their best, we recommend flossing, brushing twice daily, regular dental cleanings and occasional touch-ups with Nite or Day White home whitening gel once every half year for 2-3 days. These are professional formula products designed specifically to keep your teeth their brightest. They are available only through your dental professional.
Watch the short film on ZOOM! 2™ Chairside Whitening: http://www.zoomnow.com/about.php
Day/Night White Home Whitening
1.Day White ACP Tray is needed for home use in which Gel is applied! Why Day White ACP? 60% of patients, when asked, indicated a preference for day-time whitening. Day White is a low sensitivity (because of ACP- amorf calcium phosphate) daytime tooth whitener formulated exclusively for use in a patented dual barrel syringe. In only 1 hour once a day, or 30 minutes twice a day you will achieve the whiter smile you've always dreamed of! Key Features 7.5% Hydrogen Peroxide concentrations Advanced ACP -calcium phosphate technology - Low sensitivity Delicious Cool Mint Flavor 2.4-cc Syringe Designed to give you more control over the amount of gel you dispense, each Day White syringe contains three dual arch applications. Now you can decide just how much is enough. Dual Barrel Syringe Technology The advanced technology of the patented dual barrel syringe allows the Peroxide chamber to remain separate from the activator chamber until the moment of use. This allows the freshest blend of gel to be dispensed every time you whiten! How long do I have to use? The Day White Home Whitening has to be used for 10-12 days. Within this period of time the minimum of 8 shades can be achieved. 1.Nite White ACP Tray is needed for home use in which Gel is applied! Why Nite White Excel ACP? The highly effective formulas of Nite White can transform smiles to their whitest in only a few days. Each Nite White is made specifically for use in a patented dual barrel syringe.
Key Features 10%, 16% and 22% Carbamide Peroxide equivalent concentrations. Advanced ACP -Calcium Phosphate Technology - Low sensitivity. Delicious Cool Mint Flavor. 2.6g Syringe Designed to give you more control over the amount of gel you dispense, each Nite White syringe contains three dual arch applications. Now you can decide just how much is enough. Dual Barrel Syringe Technology The advanced dual barrel syringe features two chambers -- one isolates a powerful and stabilized Carbamide Peroxide and Hydrogen Peroxide formula; the second chamber contains an activation gel. Administered through an automixing nozzle, the gel is mixed precisely at the time of use for peak performance.
How long do I have to use? The Nite White Home Whitening has to be used for 10-12 nights. The concentration of 10% has to be on for 6-8 hours at night, the 16% concentration for 4 hours and the 22% concentration for 1 hour. After 10-12 nights the minimum of 8 shades can be achieved.
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- Dental Implant Guide
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- Dental Implant Types
- Accelerated Dental Implant Treatment
- Zirconium Dental Implants
- Specialist Dental Equipment
- Dental Implant Treatment Plan
- Information about the Crowns
- Galvanized Gold
- Ceramic Fused Zirconium
- Metal Porcelain Crowns
- Teeth Whitening
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