The holiday season is here, and that means photos with family, friends, and others. If you’re self-conscious about your smile, teeth whitening could be a great gift you give yourself.
With the holiday season comes lots of pictures. Does this make you uneasy? Do you have dental stains, or are your teeth dingy and dull? If so, we can help you get the bright, white smile you desire.
At Image Dental in Stockton, California, our team offers a range of cosmetic dentistry options, including teeth whitening. In this blog, we explain why teeth can lose their luster and how a Philips® Zoom! Whitening treatment can help you get it back.
Why teeth get stained
There are a variety of reasons why stains can occur. However, the most common reason is due to what people consume or put in their mouth. For example, smoking or chewing tobacco can cause staining as can drinking red wine, dark soda, coffee, or tea.
When it comes to using or consuming substances, such as the ones listed above, these usually cause surface stains. Surface stains can usually be removed through teeth whitening. However, there are other ways teeth can lose their luster, which can’t be treated with whitening.
For example, taking certain medications, such as tetracycline, can cause staining that can’t be removed through whitening. Furthermore, if the enamel wears down due to aging, the dentin underneath — which is darker in color — can show through, which can make teeth look dingy. And, some people can have darker teeth due to genetics. However, these issues can be covered up by veneers.
The basics of Zoom! Whitening
Zoom! Whitening is the perfect solution for teeth that have surface stains. With Zoom! Whitening, a single appointment can brighten your smile by up to eight shades.
How Zoom! Whitening works
A Zoom! Whitening treatment takes about an hour, and you lie back in a comfortable dental chair the whole time. First, we put a barrier on your gums, so the whitening solution won’t irritate them. Then, we paint the surfaces of your teeth with a hydrogen peroxide-based gel.
Then we shine a special light onto your teeth to activate the whitening gel. There are generally three phases for the light, and each phase takes about 15 minutes. Once the phases are finished, we remove the barriers from your gums and your treatment is complete.
Following your Zoom! Whitening treatment
Once your treatment is finished, your results will be immediately visible. The only side effect may be tooth and gum sensitivity for a few days after your appointment.
Zoom! Whitening is safe and effective when applied correctly by a dental professional. Our providers are trained in using Zoom! Whitening, so you can get the smile of your dreams just in time for holiday gatherings.
To learn more about Zoom! Whitening and to see if it could help you, call 209-392-5688 or book an appointment online with Image Dental today.
Dr. Stephen Nozaki is the owner and lead dentist at Image Dental in Stockton. He is a dedicated professional born and raised in California's Central Valley. With a commitment to his community, he brings advanced dental techniques learned from extensive education and continuous training from around the world. A third-generation Japanese American, Dr. Nozaki has a rich background that includes international living and a deep passion for both dentistry and outdoor activities. His focus in dentistry aligns with his passion for cosmetics and dental implants.
