Tooth whitening by bleaching is a successful, conservative, relatively inexpensive and safe treatment with few side effects. Below we have briefly identified the causes and candidates for tooth whitening and reviewed the most popular treatment forms for your convenience.

 

Causes of Tooth Discolouration

 

There are two types of tooth discolouration, internal and external. Typical whitening treatments are targeted at external tooth discolouration. This darkening of your teeth over time can be caused by the food or beverages you consume (like coffee, tea and pop), childhood medications or illnesses, tobacco use or improper oral hygiene.

 

Am I a Candidate for Whitening?

 

Book an appointment to find out if professional whitening is a good option for you. Most people can benefit from tooth whitening, however, sensitivity is a commonly cited effect that some individuals are more susceptible to than others.

If you have had cosmetic or restorative dentistry previously, it is important to speak to a professional beforehand as bleaching can have little or no effect on these materials.

 

 

Professionally Applied In-Office Whitening

Dear Doctor describes professionally applied whitening as the “…procedure of choice for whitening teeth.”

 

Phillips Zoom! Whitening

 

If you’re looking for a fast way to dramatically whiten your teeth, Phillips Zoom! Professional Whitening System may be the answer for you. Phillips Zoom! bleaching is done in our office. One session generally lasts one and a half to two hours, during which you can read, watch TV or listen to music and relax during the treatment.

 

In just a couple of hours, this safe and effective system can give you the instant results you’ve been wanting. A specially designed light activates the Phillips Zoom! Whitening Gel to gently break down stains on your teeth and put the sparkle back in your smile!

 

Phillips Zoom! Whitening is very safe when used under the supervision of a trained dentist. It is one of the safest procedures in cosmetic dentistry. We do not recommend this procedure for pregnant women or children under age 16. You will be given some post-whitening care instructions after your procedure. It is important to maintain a good oral hygiene regimen post-whitening to preserve your bright, white smile. We also recommend occasional touch-ups with the Zoom! Take-Home Gel. Your smile will always be brighter than it was before the procedure, but by following these simple instructions, you can retain your results for a long time!

 

Although the Phillips Zoom! System can help almost anyone, it may not be equally effective in every case. We can determine if tooth whitening is a possible option for your case.

 

 

Home Whitening Systems

 

At-home kits are a common choice because these systems are easy to use and are a less expensive alternative to professional bleaching.  Home bleaching requires a longer contact time compared to professional bleaching, however results are still safe and are often quite good. 

 

Zoom Weekender Tray Whitening

 

Sleep Dentistry Barrie Offers Phillips Zoom! Weekender for At-Home Whitening. Ask your Dentist about the Phillips Zoom! Weekender Whitening Kit. Let our receptionists know and we can make an impression of your bite during your regular visit. We will schedule a return visit in two to three days to ensure your bleaching tray(s) fit precisely and explain how to use the Phillips Zoom! Weekender whitening kit. A lighter, brighter, whiter smile is only one visit away!

 

Tray Whitening

 

Tray whitening kits are available over the counter or at our office. When you choose the Phillips Zoom! Weekender at-home whitening kit from Sleep Dentistry Barrie we will take an impression of your bite, and custom make your tray so that the whitening gel will reach all necessary areas of your teeth and your results are flawless. Simply, fill the bleaching tray with a small amount of bleaching gel and wear it for approximately 20 minutes during the day for 3 or 4 days. The Phillips Zoom! Weekender at home kit provides a number of advantages including custom-fit trays and Zoom!’s patented whitening gel formula, the only at-home whitening product to contain amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP), which is clinically proven to reduce sensitivity, protect enamel and help improve the luster and smoothness of the teeth.

 

Over-the-counter whitening kits are another whitening option. Remember to follow your dentists or manufacturers guidelines exactly to avoid damage to teeth or skin. To ensure adequate results when choosing an over-the-counter tray whitening kit, pick a kit that’s tray molds to your teeth, rather than a one-size-fits-all tray.

 

Whitening Strips

 

Whitening strips are a common and easy to use whitening method. Typical brands claim to whiten teeth 3 shades and expect those results to last approximately one year. Treatments are usually one-two times a day for a week. Complaints about whitening strips usually involve the slipping of the strips off the teeth, the extra saliva they can create or the fact that they are easily noticed.

 

Whitening Gels, Whitening Toothpastes & Whitening Gum 

 

Whitening Gels — Often a lower level of hydrogen peroxide that comes in a tube with a brush or sponge applicator. The gel is then applied to and left on the teeth. **Most brands recommend application 1-2 times per day for two weeks.

 

Common negative comments about whitening gel are that it is hard to use, sticky and may make your mouth salivate. On the other hand products are usually quite inexpensive, the treatment is nearly invisible when applied and the gel does not have to be wiped off.

 

Whitening Toothpastes – These toothpastes contain mild abrasives and clean the surface of your teeth removing plaque or extrinsic surface stains. They are also a great way to keep you teeth white after completing a professional or in-home whitening treatment.

 

Whitening Gum – A much less effective whitening product, it does not contain peroxide although it is marketed as a product that breaks up the surface stains on teeth. Chewing teeth whitening gum has the added benefit of stimulating saliva, which neutralizes the acids that contribute to tooth decay. Be wary that you must chew a very large number of whitening gum pieces before you see a noticeable difference. Dear Doctor in their article, “Brighter, Lighter, Whiter” states that you would have to chew over 4 pieces for 20 minutes each day to make a noticeable difference over time.