The path to your ideal smile can involve a variety of dental procedures. Some restore cracks, chips, and missing teeth. Others address crooked teeth and misaligned bites.
One popular cosmetic treatment is teeth whitening—a transformative technique with the potential to refresh and brighten your smile. Philips Zoom WhiteSpeed teeth whitening uses LED lights and peroxide gels to remove stains and whiten your teeth.
How Do Teeth Become Stained?
There are quite a few reasons why teeth can become stained. Some of the most common causes include:
- Drinking dark-coloured beverages such as coffee, tea, or red wine
- Smoking or using other tobacco products
- Eating heavily pigmented food, such as berries or tomato sauce
- Simple sugars
- Certain medications, such as tetracycline antibiotics
- Aging
Other than natural yellowing caused by aging, there are 2 types of stains:
- Extrinsic stains sit on the outside of the tooth, called the enamel. They’re typically caused by food, beverages, or tobacco.
- Intrinsic stains are inside the tooth and can be more resistant to traditional whitening methods. Injuries, tooth decay, and some medications are only some of the factors behind these stains.
Many stains are cosmetic and only affect the appearance of your teeth. But some can be a sign of a more serious dental issue. You should visit a dentist before pursuing any teeth whitening method so they can examine the stain and determine the source.
At-Home & In-Office Whitening
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that can help lighten your teeth. Teeth whitening products are generally effective ways to remove stains. For minor lightening, some turn to at-home products. While THESE aren’t usually as powerful as in-office methods, such as the Zoom WhiteSpeed teeth whitening system, they can remove some stains.
At-home teeth whitening products include:
- Whitening toothpaste: Whitening toothpaste uses abrasive particles to help remove extrinsic stains from your teeth.
- Whitening strips: Whitening strips are thin, flexible strips you apply to your teeth. They’re coated with a peroxide-based whitening gel, so they typically have to sit on your teeth for about 30 minutes to be effective.
- Whitening trays: Whitening trays are custom-fitted to your teeth and filled with a whitening gel. You’ll typically have to wear the trays for several hours daily, but some can be worn overnight.
Even though many at-home teeth whitening products can be bought over the counter, you should always consult a dental professional before using them for longer than 14 days. Improper use can damage your teeth and gums.
Zoom WhiteSpeed Teeth Whitening
The strength of teeth whitening methods generally comes down to the amount of peroxide involved. Dentists can use higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide than at-home treatments, allowing them to penetrate below the enamel and address intrinsic stains.
Philips’ Zoom WhiteSpeed is a teeth-whitening system that combines high peroxide concentrations with high-tech LED light instruments. The treatment starts with your dentist applying a special peroxide whitening gel to your teeth. Hydrogen peroxide penetrates through the enamel where it interacts with the compounds, causing discoloration. This chemical reaction bleaches the coloured compounds.
Zoom WhiteSpeed uses high-intensity LED lights to activate the peroxide gel and accelerate the whitening process. We apply the LED lights for about 15 minutes with each application. A typical Zoom WhiteSpeed session typically takes about 45 minutes and can whiten your teeth by up to 8 shades.
What Are the Benefits of Zoom WhiteSpeed?
While there are many options for teeth whitening, the Zoom WhiteSpeed offers benefits that make it a popular system. Some of its benefits include:
- Fast and simple: While teeth whitening always takes time, Zoom can be completed in as little as one visit, offering brighter smiles as you step out of the office.
- Long-lasting results: Since Zoom can whiten intrinsic stains, the results can last over 12 months with proper care and maintenance.
Achieving a Brighter Smile
Zoom WhiteSpeed is an effective way to achieve a brighter smile. However, it’s no replacement for good oral hygiene habits. Protect your bright smile with daily brushing and regular dental checkups.
The world deserves to see your smile. So contact us at Hill Top Dental Centre today and learn if Zoom WhiteSpeed is right for you.
