- Cerec Crowns
- Invisalign Clear Braces
- Composite Fillings
- Porcelain Crowns (Caps)
- Porcelain Bridges
- Porcelain Veneers
- Cosmetic Bonding
- Tooth Whitening
At Lifesmiles Family Dentistry, we offer ZOOM! Whitening to whiten and brighten the smiles of our patients.
The most popular method is using the ZOOM! home tooth whitening system that will whiten teeth dramatically. Since tooth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, Dr. Robbie Huot will evaluate replacement of any old fillings, crowns, etc. Replacement of any restorations should be done after Whitening so they will match the newly whitened teeth.
Tooth whitening is not permanent. A touch-up may be needed every several years, and more often if you smoke, drink coffee, tea, or wine.
Reasons for tooth whitening:
- Fluorosis (excessive fluoridation during tooth development).
- Normal wear of outer tooth layer.
- Stained teeth due to medications (tetracycline, etc.).
- Yellow, brown stained teeth.
- What does tooth whitening involve?
Take home Trays
During your appointment, impressions (molds) will be made of your teeth to fabricate custom, clear plastic, trays. You will try on the trays for proper fit, and adjustments will be made if necessary. The trays are worn with the whitening solution for about 30 minutes each day for a series of days until your desired level of whitening is achieved. It is normal to experience some tooth sensitivity during the time you are whitening your teeth, but it will subside shortly after you have stopped bleaching. We will train you in the proper placement and amount of solution to use. Using the correct amount of solution, and proper placement will cut down on sensitivity.
In Office Zoom! Whitening
If you have sensitive teeth, you will be advised to brush with a toothpaste Lifesmiles will provide that is designed for sensitive teeth ahead of time and afterwards. We also advise patients to take an over the counter pain reliever prior to your teeth whitening procedure. We will also monitor your comfort carefully throughout the procedure.
A barrier gel designed to isolate and protect your gums and lips will be carefully applied. Then, a gel made of a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution will be applied to your teeth. We will then turn on the chair-side ZOOM! light to illuminate your teeth, which aids in the whitening. You will be carefully monitored throughout the procedure. After fifteen minutes, we will check the improvements in the shading of your teeth, reapply the hydrogen peroxide solution, and repeat the procedure. If further whitening is desired, the process will continue for a third treatment.
Post Treatment
If you have sensitivity, or “zingers”, Dr. Huot advises to take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Dr. Huot has a specific prescription for this over the counter reliever, and will advise you of it prior to your treatment. You will also be advised to brush with a sensitive toothpaste we’ll provide. It is important to note that most patients feel no pain or sensitivity, but should there be any, an over the counter pain reliever will certainly clear the pain.
In the first 48 hours after treatment it will be important to avoid certain foods and beverages to maintain your newly whitened teeth. We will provide you with a list of dietary restrictions. If you simply cannot give up coffee or other restricted beverages for 2 days, we advise using a straw and immediately brushing your teeth afterwards. During the whitening process, the teeth can become dehydrated, so it is important to drink lots of water following the ZOOM! Whitening procedure.
Contact Lifesmiles Family Dentistry in Bloomington, Minnesota today to schedule your Zoom! Whitening treatment.