HOME TEETH WHITENING VS. ZOOM! TEETH WHITENING
With today’s heightened focus on appearance due to the rise of video conferencing and social media platforms, having a bright, attractive smile is more important than ever. Teeth whitening is a popular, effective treatment for reducing stains and discoloration that have occurred due to aging, injury, illness, or diet.
Many people want to try whitening their teeth at home first before pursuing treatment at the dentist’s office. Below we will explore the pros and cons of each option and discuss which choice might be ideal for your goals.
What are the most common causes of discolored teeth?
Diet — As delicious as they are, drinks like colas, coffee, tea, and wine are notorious for darkening the teeth over time. The pigments in these beverages are drawn to the white tooth enamel, leaving their marks.
Smoking — Nicotine and tar in tobacco products can leave behind stains that are quite difficult to erase. Tar is naturally pigmented, but nicotine needs oxygen in order to turn yellow. Once the smoking process occurs, these two chemicals work together to compromise your once-pristine smile.
Aging — The teeth contain multiple layers. The outermost layer is the white tooth enamel, but beneath it sits the dentin layer, which is naturally more yellow in color. As the enamel gets worn down with time, the dentin layer begins to show through, causing the smile to appear discolored.
Injury and trauma — If the blood flow to your teeth is interrupted due to an injury or accident, they may change color. The teeth may then heal on their own over time, or they could eventually die. If you’ve been injured in the mouth, it’s important to see a dentist right away so they can address the cosmetic aspects of your treatment plan.
Medications — Medications such as antihistamines, hypertension pills, and antipsychotics can lead to the darkening of the teeth as a side effect. In kids, antibiotics used while the teeth are still forming can lead to discoloration down the line. Finally, chemotherapy and radiation treatments can impact tooth color.
What are the at-home options for teeth whitening?
Whitening toothpaste — Whitening toothpaste works to remove stains gently, which is ideal for those with sensitive teeth. Instead of using bleaches or chemicals, the toothpaste polishes the teeth with few side effects. However, whitening toothpaste is rarely effective enough to provide dramatic improvements and may not be cost-effective in the long run.
Teeth whitening kits — Kits can be purchased directly from a dentist or at the drugstore. There are a wide array of kit types, ranging from strips, trays, rinses, brushes, and lights. Many contain peroxide to help brighten the tooth enamel over a period of weeks. If used incorrectly, at-home whitening gels can irritate the gums. Overall, results may not be as dramatic as those obtained from a professional treatment.
What is professional teeth whitening?
Professional teeth whitening provides significant advantages over at-home whitening methods. Zoom! Teeth Whitening with laser technology is extremely efficient, rapid, and powerful. It avoids the mess and stress of bleaches and gels and can help achieve lightening up to ten shades whiter, enhancing your self-confidence and self-image. Zoom! is more cost-effective than conventional whitening methods, as beautiful results can be achieved in a single session.
What are the advantages of professional teeth whitening with Zoom!?
More dramatic, impressive whitening results
A brighter, more attractive smile
Long-lasting improvements from 1-2 years
Cost-effective
No messy trays, gels, or pastes
No discomfort or downtime
Increased satisfaction with one’s appearance
What is the takeaway?
Teeth whitening is among the most requested dental procedures nationwide for a reason. It’s a quick painless procedure that helps you to look and feel your best. When your smile looks good, the world is your oyster! It may be tempting to cut corners and take teeth whitening into your own hands at home, but going the professional route with cutting-edge innovative treatments such as Zoom! Laser Teeth Whitening can actually reduce costs while achieving the maximum benefits. Speak with your Bayview Naples dentist today to learn more about Zoom! Teeth Whitening!