Tooth Whitening – An Easy Way To Achieve A Winning Smile

Your smile is more important than you think. A warm, inviting smile lets other people know that you are approachable and friendly. It is perceived as an attractive feature and can help you in many social interactions, both in your personal and professional life.


Unfortunately, many people feel embarrassed by their smile and go to great lengths to cover it up. There are many reasons people feel self-conscious about their smile. Some of the most common include:

• Crooked or misshapen teeth
• Discolored teeth
• Overcrowding or gaps in teeth
• Ugly metallic blotches in the mouth caused by metal fillings


Cosmetic dentistry affords you many ways to improve your smile through a smile makeover. One of the easiest ways to brighten your smile in a short period of time is tooth whitening.


Tooth Whitening


As you age, your teeth gradually become discolored. Some of the most common causes of tooth discoloration include:

• Drinking coffee, black tea, red wine, or colas
• Smoking
• Fluoride treatments as a child
• Metal fillings
• Tooth decay


By going to your cosmetic dentist for a tooth whitening procedure, you can restore the bright shine your teeth once had. It is a quick and safe procedure that leaves you with minimal discomfort. Tooth whitening can also be combined with other procedures such as porcelain veneers for enhanced effectiveness.


You can either have your teeth whitened in your cosmetic dentist’s office, or he can provide you with a take-home kit that will gradually whiten your teeth over the course of a week or two. Either way, your smile will become up to eight shades brighter from your tooth whitening session.


It is important to go for a professional tooth whitening session provided by your cosmetic dentist. Over-the-counter tooth whitening kits will not give you nearly the same results, and since they use generic whitening trays that are not custom fit to your mouth, you may experience greater gum irritation.


Zoom!® Tooth Whitening

One of the most popular professional tooth whitening systems available today is the Zoom!® tooth whitening system. The entire process can be completed in one 90 minute visit to your cosmetic dentist.


Zoom! tooth whitening uses a hydrogen peroxide-based gel to brighten your teeth. Your cosmetic dentist will apply a protective covering to your lips and gums to prevent irritation. He will then apply the whitening gel to your teeth. A special laser light will activate the whitening agent in the gel. Your dentist will give you three 20 minute treatments during your session. For enhanced results, you can use a Zoom! take-home kit in conjunction with your in-office treatment.


Effectiveness of Tooth Whitening


The results of your tooth whitening session should last several years. Over time, your teeth will become discolored again and you may require another whitening session. However, by practicing good oral hygiene, refraining from smoking, and cutting staining foods and beverages out of your diet, you can make your whitening session last a little longer.