Tooth discoloration can happen over time due to many factors, such as eating colorful foods, drinking red wine, smoking, genetics, age, environment, and various diseases. Fortunately, there are many teeth whitening options available today.
You may be trying to decide whether to try an over-the-counter self-whitening treatment, or whether it would be better to have it professionally done at a dentist’s office. Let’s talk about how teeth whitening works, whether it causes damage to the teeth, and where you can go to get helpful advice about which dental treatment would work best to give you a dazzling smile.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Many do-it-yourself teeth whitening kits are popular nowadays because they seem quick and convenient. However, teeth whitening products usually contain a bleaching agent called hydrogen peroxide, and some whitening gels contain a very high dose of hydrogen peroxide – which may cause dentin damage.
Dentin is denser and harder than bone tissue, and it is what comprises most of each tooth. It is also slightly yellowish, which is why thinning teeth begin to look yellow, as the dentin shows through.
In order to avoid causing irreparable damage to your teeth, the safest way to whiten your teeth is to visit a dentist. Dentists offer many in-office procedures and products that are proven to be safe and effective, from porcelain veneers to Zoom whitening.
Is Zoom Whitening Safe for My Teeth?
Professional teeth whitening is safe, painless, and effective. Plus, Zoom whitening requires just one session at the dentist’s office, and it will only take a little over an hour. In comparison to home-based treatments, the results tend to be much more long-lasting.
During the Zoom whitening procedure, your dentist will use a special guard to cover your lips and gums before applying the whitening gel. Next, the dentist will use a bleaching lamp to help the gel penetrate deeply into your teeth.
Because home-based teeth whiteners require precision and special care to follow the directions to the letter – otherwise you could cause permanent harm to your gums and inner teeth – it is in the best interest of your health to have this done professionally, by a dentist. Be sure to choose a dentist who has performed this whitening procedure successfully many, many times.
Dentist Performing Teeth Whitening in Eugene, Oregon
Here at 360 Dental, our own Dr. Ari Binder will first examine your teeth and gums in order to assess whether you are a good candidate for Zoom whitening. He will explain all of your options and delineate which treatments would work best for you.
Dr. Binder will make sure that you get back that confident smile. No more discolored teeth, no more keeping your lips closed when posing for pictures!
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Binder, contact our friendly staff at 360 Dental today by calling us at (541) 689-1645 or by filling out our online appointment request form now. We look forward to helping you restore that beautiful smile!