Zoom Tooth Whitening Questions

Serving Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe and Scottsdale, Arizona

What causes tooth discoloration?

There are two types of tooth discoloration:

Extrinsic staining – caused by pigments in food and beverages, by tobacco use, some bacteria, accumulated plaque, metallic compounds, and topical medications. These stains are on the outside surfaces of teeth and can be removed with either professional cleaning by your dentist’s hygienist, or by a zoom tooth whitening procedure, or both.

Intrinsic staining – caused by infections, trauma, nutritional deficiencies and some health problems, tetracycline given in childhood, hereditary factors and dental amalgam (which shows through the tooth enamel). This staining is difficult or impossible to remove, because it is deeper within the tooth than extrinsic staining.

Stains from Tetracycline given during childhood are a category on their own in that they happen while the teeth are still forming. Stains that are deep inside the teeth become darker as you work more deeply in the tooth and will show through dental restorative materials. Tetracycline stains are gray or brown, either bands of discoloration, or an overall discoloration. A qualified cosmetic dentist can sometimes treat them successfully, but in most cases the teeth will need to be covered with porcelain veneers.

What type of tooth whitening do Dr. LeSueur and Dr. Dodaro use?

Cosmetic & neuromuscular dentist Dr. LeSueur and Dr. Dodaro offer you the option of a speed treatment in his office using BioLase Laser Bleaching or a gentle treatment using the UltraDent take-home kit.

How is it done?

Our in-office BioLase Laser Bleaching applies a light-activated gel to your teeth, and a protective gel to your gums and lips. The laser light is then used to bleach your teeth quickly and painlessly.

The UltraDent take-home kit uses trays that are specially made to fit your teeth. You can wear the trays while you sleep or for about 60 minutes each day. The whitening gel ceases to act after about 60 minutes, but wearing them at night may be more convenient than during the day.

Will tooth whitening damage or weaken my teeth?

No. Tooth whitening is gentle and non-invasive. It will not harm the enamel or weaken the structure of your teeth.

Is the procedure painful?

No. The laser we use to lighten your teeth in-office avoids excess heat, and the protective gel we put on your lips and gums blocks it from that soft tissue. Both the in-office and take-home treatments are gentle and non-invasive.

How long will my teeth stay white and bright?

The results of Zoom tooth whitening can last for several years. You can extend the results by taking good care of your teeth with proper brushing and flossing and by avoiding staining foods and beverages and the use of touch up procedures including gels, strips and toothpaste.
 
My teeth are crooked. Will whitening still work for me?

Yes. Zoom tooth whitening is a great option for people with crooked teeth. The BioLase method treats each individual tooth. Our take-home kits include trays which are specially made to fit your teeth, so your entire tooth is whitened, not just the most prominent areas. Tooth whitening will not change the alignment of your teeth, but it can make any misalignment appear less important, in view of their beautiful whiteness.

Can I whiten fillings and crowns?

No. Metal alloys and porcelain do not respond to tooth whitening agents. If you have dark or discolored fillings we can replace them with porcelain fillings, or with white composite fillings, which are both color-matched to your teeth and almost impossible to detect with the naked eye.

Dr. LeSueur and Dr. Dodaro, serving Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe and other East Valley Cities in Arizona, combine LVI training and state-of-the-art technology to bring you, and your entire family, the very best and healthiest cosmetic dentistry solutions. If you still have questions, please read our tooth discoloration, and Zoom tooth Whitening. Email us to schedule your initial zoom tooth whitening consultation.