Why do teeth become discolored?
There are a lot of reasons, both biological and environmental, that your teeth may change color. Some of the most common reasons include:
Aging: As you get older, your teeth begin to yellow. This is natural and unavoidable. As your enamel wears down, the dentin, the darker inner portion of your teeth, begins to show through.- Medical reasons: Some tooth discoloration can be attributed to medications or medical conditions. Certain antibiotics, antihistamines, and even chemotherapy have been known to affect tooth color. Dr. Moser will take a detailed medical history before recommending or beginning whitening treatment.
- Genetics: Some individuals naturally have a thicker or thinner enamel layer, which in turn allows more or less of the darker-colored dentin to show through. Everyone has a variable natural tooth coloration.
- Unhealthy habits: Poor oral hygiene and tobacco use are both associated with teeth staining and discoloration. Allowing plaque and tartar to build up damages the enamel of your teeth, and the tar from smoke and the high nicotine content of E-cigarettes and chew makes your teeth more susceptible to staining as well.
- Consuming heavily pigmented foods and drinks: Food and drinks that are naturally high in tannins are known to cause staining. These include red wine, teas, coffee, and dark berries. Rinsing your mouth with water immediately after consuming these foods and beverages can help prevent staining.
Before beginning a tooth whitening treatment with Dr. Moser, she will ask questions about your health history, lifestyle, and habits to help her understand not only the root cause of your discoloration but to help you identify habits that you can adopt to prevent re-staining your teeth. The last thing you want to is to stain your newly-brightened smile.
How does Zoom® whitening work?
Phillips Zoom® whitening uses the power of a 25% hydrogen peroxide solution and an intense blue LED light that serves to activate the hydrogen peroxide in order to remove yellowing, staining, and any other discoloration.
Am I a good candidate for Zoom® Whitening?
Yes. Almost all patients are good candidates for Zoom® whitening! If you feel that the color of your teeth is holding you back from being your most confident self, schedule a consultation today at Moser Family & Cosmetic Dentistry!
What does Zoom® treatment look like?
Dr. Moser will start your treatment by identifying the current shade of your teeth to identify a beginning and end point for the shade of your smile. Your teeth whitening treatment follows four simple steps:
- Dr. Moser prepares your teeth by applying the hydrogen peroxide solution to them.
- Dr. Moser uses a very intense blue LED light to accelerate the whitening process.
- The first two steps are repeated three times total over the course of approximately 45 minutes.
- Once your desired shade has been reached, the treatment is over.
The best part about Zoom® whitening is that the results are immediate. You will leave the office with a brighter, whiter smile you’ll be thrilled to share!
Does Zoom® Whitening hurt?
While it is possible to experience some post treatment sensitivity, the whitening process itself should not be painful at all. If you are concerned about sensitivity or already have sensitive teeth, Dr. Moser recommends switching to a sensitive teeth toothpaste several weeks prior to treatment. If you have a history of sensitive teeth, talk to your Buda dentist about it prior to beginning treatment; she will be able to make other recommendations based on your history and personal experience.
Why Choose Zoom® whitening over at-home treatments?
These days, its hard to spend more than a few minutes on social media without seeing an at-home DIY whitening treatment being advertised. They’re everywhere and promise astonishing results. But is that really the case? Let’s take a look at a few of the most popular types of DIY teeth whitening options because the truth is that at-home treatments over-promise results and can actually lead you to unintentionally damage your teeth.
- Trays or Gels: These are often advertised as comparable to the treatment you’d receive at the dentists but are touted as more affordable and something you can complete in your own home. The truth is: the chemical solution in these products is often much weaker than would be used in a dentist’s office, and awkward poorly fitting trays can make this DIY option a real hassle and a waste of money.
- Whitening strips: This option is relatively straightforward and can be effective. However, the weak solution used can take several days to weeks of use to obtain the shade you desire. Leaving you waiting for a brighter smile in the meantime, and potentially over-exposing you and your teeth to harsh chemicals that can damage your teeth.
- Whitening toothpastes: Toothpastes are likely the least effective option for long-term teeth whitening. The simple reality is you may see a small difference, but most of these pastes are more polish than whitening.
By choosing Zoom® whitening at Moser Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, you are guaranteed to see results in a single short appointment under the careful supervision of a trained dentist who, at every point, takes the long term health of your teeth seriously. Not only will you see immediate results, you can rest easy knowing you are not being over-exposed to harsh chemicals or wasting money on a treatment that may or may not work.
Ready to get that bright white smile?
If you are ready to get the bright, white smile you’ve always wanted, don’t hesitate to call! Schedule a consultation with Dr. Moser at Moser Family & Cosmetic Dentistry today by calling (512)361-0932 to schedule an appointment for teeth whitening in Buda, TX.