Widespread tooth discoloration can result from long-term exposure to staining agents such as red wine, coffee, and cigarette smoke. Professional whitening can lift tooth stains and make your teeth appear whiter and brighter in less than one hour. Find out how we can enhance your smile with Zoom teeth whitening at Bailey Dental Group in Richmond, MI.
Benefits of Teeth whitening
Dramatic Results
We use the Zoom whitening product because it whitens patients' teeth by an average of eight shades in one appointment session. Patients leave our office with a noticeably improved smile.
Quick Treatment
Whitening toothpastes and other over-the-counter whitening products take weeks or months to achieve minimal results. With Zoom, you can achieve transformative results in just one hour.
Lower Cost
Compared to other cosmetic dental treatments such as porcelain veneers and Invisalign, professional teeth whitening with Zoom is an incredibly inexpensive smile makeover solution.
How does Zoom Teeth whitening work?
Because the Zoom tooth whitening gel contains a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide, it is important to protect the gums with a barrier or custom tray throughout the treatment process. This prevents gum irritation and sensitivity for patients at our Richmond dental office.
Zoom Whitening vs. Store-Bought Products
| Zoom Whitening | Store-Bought Products | |
|---|---|---|
| Hydrogen Peroxide: | 25% | 3% |
| Treatment Length: | One Hour | Several Weeks |
| Dentist Supervision: | Yes | No |
Contact Our Dental Practice
To Experience a More Brilliant Smile
Our dentists, Cynthia Bailey and Tess Marie Finley, provide a range of orthodontic, cosmetic, restorative, implant, and general dentistry services at our practice. Dr. Bailey opened the practice in 1984 and her daughter, Dr. Finley, joined the practice in 2019. Together, they are committed to providing the local community with excellent dental care.
To find out if tooth whitening is right for you, schedule an appointment with our dentists. Contact our dentistry practice online or call us in Richmond, MI, at (586) 800-2250.
The in-office Zoom whitening treatment process:
The entire treatment process takes about one hour, making this one of the quickest and most cost effective treatments available.
1. Consultation
During a consultation at our Richmond, MI, practice, one of our dentists can determine if in-office teeth whitening is the right treatment for your needs. Patients with significant tooth sensitivity or deep dental stains may be better candidates for an alternative treatment.
2. Barrier Placement
When you come in for your tooth whitening procedure, we will prepare you for treatment by placing a barrier that protects the soft tissues of the mouth, including the lips and gums.
3. Gel Application
Next, the hydrogen peroxide-based gel is evenly applied to each tooth, along with the crevices between each tooth. The gel will penetrate the enamel and remove stains from the surface of the teeth.
4. Light Activation
For the next 15 minutes, the LED light will be directed at the teeth so it can activate the gel and accelerate the whitening treatment process. During this time, you can check your phone or read magazines to relax.
5. Repeat
We will remove the gel from your teeth, and then repeat this treatment process two more times to achieve the best results.
Post-whitening Instructions
Our team in Richmond recommends that patients take extra precautions for the first couple of days after treatment to prevent stains and achieve the best possible results.
No Smoking
Don't smoke for at least two hours after the procedure. If possible, wait at least 48 hours. To maintain your results, it's best to quit for good.
Avoid Certain Foods and Drinks
For the first 48 hours after your appointment, avoid dark-colored foods and drinks that can stain the enamel, such as red wine, coffee, soda, and soy sauce.
Brush with Sensitive-Formula Toothpaste
Since you may experience tooth sensitivity, brush with a sensitive-formula toothpaste so you feel more comfortable when brushing in the days after treatment.
How can I maintain my whiter teeth?
Long-term Care:
Zoom Take-Home Kit
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Avoid Stain-Causing Products
To maintain whiter teeth at home, we will send you home with the Zoom at-home whitening kit. This allows you to perform touch-up treatments as needed so you can continue to feel more confident about the appearance of your smile.
Certain drinks such as red wine, coffee, dark teas, and dark sodas can stain the enamel over time. Reduce consumption of these beverages or rinse the mouth out with water after drinking. In addition, avoid smoking to prevent discoloration.
Practice good oral hygiene habits by brushing twice a day with a regular or whitening toothpaste. Floss daily to keep the areas between your teeth clean. Finally, attend exams and cleanings at our Richmond, MI, practice twice a year.
Teeth whitening side effects:
While discomfort can be frustrating after any procedure, keep in mind that these side effects are temporary and will subside within a few days.
Sensitivity
Your teeth may feel sensitive for a few days after the teeth whitening procedure. This is because the whitening gel temporarily opens up the pores in the tooth enamel, exposing the more sensitive interior structures of the tooth. After a few days, the pores will close and tooth sensitivity will subside. In the meantime, we recommend avoiding extremely hot, cold, crunchy, or chewy foods to reduce discomfort in the days after treatment.
Gum Irritation
The risk of gum irritation is greatly reduced when patients undergo whitening treatment with a dentist. Because we place a barrier, we prevent the gel from coming into contact with the soft tissues of the mouth. That said, it is inevitable that a small amount of gel will touch the gum line. As a result, patients may experience slight gum irritation for a few days after treatment. Taking over-the-counter pain medication can reduce discomfort.