Stains can develop on tooth enamel in a number of different ways. While there are many products available in stores that claim to remove any and all stains on teeth, they can’t hold a candle to the professional-grade bleaching options available at Westlake Hills Dental Arts! Our dental office is happy to offer in-house and take-home teeth whitening options for added convenience, so don’t wait to give Dr. Long a call today to start your next cosmetic treatment - Philips Zoom! teeth whitening in our West Lake Hills, TX dental office. !
Dental bleaching can be used to correct many tooth discolorations. These discolorations may have been caused by natural staining, aging, or damage to the teeth. Using the latest in bleaching technology, we can offer a safe method for creating a beautiful, white smile. The degree of whitening that can be achieved varies from person to person. Here are a few of the several ways to achieve a whiter smile:
Although these are the most economical methods, the results are usually limited due to their low strength of the bleaching agent and the numerous applications needed to get noticeable results.
These dental office-fabricated bleaching trays are more effective than the “whitening strips” due to the increased strength of the bleaching agent and the better coverage of the teeth. Again, repeated applications with the trays with the bleaching agent are needed to provide results.
Philips Zoom is the most efficient bleaching method. This in-office bleaching procedure requires only one appointment that takes about 2 hours. Although this is a more expensive method, most people greatly prefer the immediate result and like that they don’t have to deal with the repeated applications required by the other two methods. At our dental office, we provide Zoom patients with complimentary custom bleaching trays and a tube of the bleaching solution for optional at-home future touch ups.
In cases of extreme tooth discoloration, crowns or veneers may be recommended to give you the brilliant white smile you’re looking for. If you’re not sure which method is best for you, call Dr. Long now to set up a complimentary whitening consultation!
While both generic store-bought whitening and professional systems generally use the same chemicals, there is no comparison for the results. Over-the-counter kits may take multiple applications to achieve the same level of whitening that a single application of our professional-grade agents at Westlake Hills Dental Arts can produce. We use concentrated Philips Zoom! whitening chemicals that mix carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide to produce a superior shine. Over time, using less concentrated chemicals repeatedly can start to make your teeth sensitive. That’s why Dr. Long uses only the best whitening agents to brighten your smile whether you opt for in-office or at-home treatment.
The duration of your results with our teeth whitening system depends mostly on how well you take care of your smile! Your diet, level of oral hygiene, and adherence to follow-up appointments can make all the difference. Most patients who keep up with their results report a duration of anywhere from 12 to 24 months. However, there are some general guidelines you should follow for the best results.
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Your teeth are porous and the pigments from food and drink can seep into them, causing stains. Whitening agents penetrate the enamel and break up these pigments. In the aftermath, you may feel a little sensitivity in your teeth, but this is mild and temporary. When used responsibly and applied correctly, teeth whitening treatments have little to no effect on healthy enamel. However, if you have decay or gum disease, the chemicals can cause issues. This is why Dr. Long always begins every teeth whitening consultation with a thorough examination of your oral health.
Dental restorations like crowns, fillings, and bridges don’t have a porous structure like natural teeth do. Because of this, they are resistant to staining, but it also makes them impossible to brighten with whitening treatments. If you want your restorations to match your newly polished smile, you may need to have them replaced. Luckily, you can keep your restorations from becoming dull by following a good oral hygiene routine. So, be sure to brush and floss regularly so your smile stays brilliant and healthy.