Teeth Whitening Houston, TX

Stains, discoloration, and yellowing can wear down a smile’s natural confidence over time, but these cosmetic concerns don’t have to be permanent with ZOOM! Teeth Whitening. This professional-strength treatment can dramatically improve your enamel by several shades in as little as one, hour-long appointment with Dr. Krell. If you’d like to learn more about ZOOM!, how it works, and the benefits it offers here in Houston, keep reading below:

What is ZOOM! Teeth Whitening?

ZOOM! is a teeth whitening process that lightens the discoloration of enamel and dentin.

What causes the discoloration of teeth?

There are many causes, the most common including aging and the consumption of staining substances such as coffee, tea, sodas, tobacco, red wine, etc. During the formation of teeth, the consumption of tetracycline, certain antibiotics, or excessive fluoride may also cause tooth discoloration.

Who can benefit from ZOOM! Teeth Whitening?

Almost anyone! However, teeth whitening may not be as effective for some as it is for others. We can determine if you are a viable candidate for ZOOM! Teeth Whitening during a thorough oral exam, including a teeth shade assessment.

Do many people whiten their teeth?

More people whiten their teeth than you might imagine. A bright, sparkling smile can make a big difference for your overall appearance. The ZOOM! Teeth Whitening System makes it easier and faster than ever before.

Is ZOOM! Teeth Whitening safe?

Yes, extensive research and clinical studies indicate that whitening teeth under the supervision of a dentist is safe. In fact, many dentists consider teeth whitening the safest cosmetic dental procedure available. As with any teeth whitening product, ZOOM! Teeth Whitening is not recommended for children under 13 years of age and pregnant or lactating women.

How long do the results last?

By following some simple post teeth whitening care instructions, your teeth will always be lighter than they were before. To keep your teeth looking their best, we recommend flossing, brushing twice daily, and the occasional touch-up with ZOOM! take-home gel. These are professional formula products designed specifically to keep your teeth their brightest. They are available through our office.

Is there any difference between over-the-counter teeth whiteners and ZOOM! Teeth Whitening?

Yes! Over-the-counter teeth whitening strips, brush-on gels, and toothpastes take weeks or months to whiten your teeth just a few shades. ZOOM! is clinically proven to whiten your teeth in 45 minutes. Only a dentist can get your teeth white this fast.

How does the ZOOM! Teeth Whitening In-Office System work?

The ZOOM! light-activated teeth whitening gel’s active ingredient is hydrogen peroxide. As the hydrogen peroxide gel is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin, bleaching colored substances while the structure of the tooth is unchanged. The ZOOM! Teeth Whitening light aids in activating the hydrogen peroxide and helps it penetrate deeper into the surface of the tooth.

What does a patient experience during the ZOOM! Teeth Whitening procedure?

During the teeth whitening procedure, patients may comfortably watch television or listen to music. We offer blankets, pillows, back massagers, and other enjoyable touches for your comfort.

Are there any side effects to ZOOM! Teeth Whitening?

With teeth whitening, some people experience temporarily increased dental sensitivity to cold temperatures. These symptoms should disappear within 1-3 days after the completion of teeth whitening treatment.

How is exposure to the ZOOM! Teeth Whitening light-controlled?

The ZOOM! Teeth Whitening procedure requires that all soft tissue in and around the mouth be protected. The clinician is required to monitor the procedure to insure any exposed skin or tissue is isolated and protected. Protective eye-wear is also required during the procedure. Light sensitive individuals, including those undergoing PUVA (Psoralen+UV Radiation) therapy or other photo-chemotherapy, as well as patients with melanoma, should not undergo the ZOOM! Teeth Whitening procedure. Also, patients taking light-sensitive drugs or substances should consult their physician prior to getting ZOOM! Teeth Whitening.

How long does ZOOM! In-Office Whitening take?

The complete teeth whitening procedure takes just over an hour. The teeth whitening begins with a preparation period, followed by 45 minutes of whitening. A cleaning is recommended prior to the actual ZOOM! Teeth Whitening session as well. Ready to make your smile truly shine? Still have questions? Contact us today, and before you know it, your smile will be 8-10 shades whiter!

Will Teeth Whitening Work for Me?

Many patients with significant teeth discoloration benefit from professional teeth whitening services. However, the results will vary based on the severity of the stains. Additionally, whitening is only effective on natural teeth; the color of tooth-colored restorations cannot be changed with this service. Fortunately, many natural-looking restorations are resistant to stains.

Intrinsic vs Extrinsic Discoloration

Tooth discoloration can be categorized as either intrinsic or extrinsic.

Intrinsic tooth discoloration: When discoloration affects the inside of the tooth, it is known as intrinsic discoloration. The dentin is the layer beneath the enamel, which is the hard outer shell of the tooth. It is usually caused by injuries to the teeth or the use of certain medications.

Extrinsic tooth discoloration: This type of discoloration is also known as surface stains, and it is caused by the exposure of the enamel to things such as dark-colored beverages and foods.

Smoking and Tooth Discoloration

Smoking can significantly impact your oral health as well as the appearance of your teeth. This harmful habit can lead to bothersome stains that may appear brown or yellow, especially for those who have used cigarettes or tobacco products for years. If you continue to smoke after receiving teeth whitening services, your results may not be as long-lasting.

Teeth Whitening and Sensitivity

A common side effect of professional or at-home teeth whitening is sensitivity. This can be more noticeable in cases where a higher concentration of active ingredients in the whitening solution is used, which may cause pulp inflammation during treatment. In addition, the length of time exposed to the active ingredients can influence the amount of tooth sensitivity experienced. However, post-treatment sensitivity is usually short-lived.