Tooth Whitening
Tooth whitening is a very safe and cost effective way to improve your smile at Molloy Dental Practice we offer both night time tray bleaching and Zoom! 45 min whitening and sometimes a combination of both to get the best results.
How does the Zoom! In-off ice system work?
The Zoom! light activated whitening gel's active ingredient is Hydrogen Peroxide. As the Hydrogen Peroxide is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin, bleaching coloured substances while the structure of the tooth is unchanged. The Zoom! light aids in activating the hydrogen peroxide and helps it penetrate the surface of the tooth. A study has shown that use of the Zoom! lamp increases the effectiveness of the Zoom! Gel by 26% or more, giving an average improvement of up to eight shades.
How long does Zoom! Chairside Whitening take?
The complete procedure takes just over an hour in total. The procedure begins with a preparation period followed as little as by 45 minutes of bleaching. A scale and polish is recommended prior to the actual Zoom! whitening session.
Are there any side effects?
Sensitivity during the treatment may occur with some patients. The Zoom! light generates minimal heat which is the usual source of discomfort. On rare occasions, minor tingling sensations are experienced immediately after the procedure, but always dissipate. You can also ask your dentist to supply you with anti-sensitivity toothpaste for use prior to treatment. The sensitivity if there is always temporary and usually pain relief that you might take for a headache is enough to take away any discomfort.
Is whitening safe?
Yes. Extensive research and clinical studies indicate that whitening teeth under the supervision of a dentist is safe. In fact, you might consider whitening the safest cosmetic dental procedure available as it is non-invasive. As with any tooth whitening product, Zoom! is not recommended for children under 13 years of age and pregnant or lactating women.
What will I experience during the Zoom! In-Office Procedure?
During the procedure, patients may comfortably watch television or listen to music. Individuals with a strong gag reflex or anxiety may have difficulty undergoing the entire procedure. Bring your ipod as it gets a bit boring or you can have a snooze!
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 and occasional touch-ups with Zoom! Weekender or Nite White gel. These are professional formula products designed specifically to keep your teeth their brightest. They are available only through your dental professional. A good rule of thumb is that you may have to top up i.e. wear your shields once every three months for a night or two to maintain the whiteness.
Who may benefit from tooth whitening?
Almost anyone. However, treatment may not be as effective for some as it is for others. We always perform an examination prior to any whitening procedure to check suitability, including a shade assessment and before and after photos.
What about over the counter whitening products?
There are two major issues with the products sold over the counter firstly they are much weaker than the ones that we can prescribe so they take much longer to work sometimes months to see any great difference, secondly the trays provided are always poorly fitting and so saliva can leak into the trays which dilutes the already weak solution making it less effective. The trays we provide are made using impressions of your mouth and thus are fabricated individually for you which allow the whitening product to work more efficiently without any leakage.
If your teeth would benefit from whitening then please contact us.
