The Ultimate Guide to At-Home Teeth Whitening
Having stained or discolored teeth due to aging, coffee, red wine, or tobacco use can make you feel bad about yourself.
If you have stained teeth, you probably spend a lot of time trying to hide your smile. You might also think there’s nothing you do to make your smile white again. For most people, however, that’s simply not true.
The Philips ZOOM! Whitening System offered by Dr. Brooks at White Oak Dental can provide you with a professional-grade teeth whitening option in the comfort of your own home. The convenient and cost-effective ZOOM! system utilizes custom trays tailored to your teeth and easily fits into your schedule, helping you achieve a whiter, more confident smile whenever and wherever you want.
HOW IT WORKS
The Philips Zoom! Whitening System involves a series of simple steps designed to ensure effective and safe teeth whitening:
Consultation: The ZOOM! system starts with a dental consultation to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy. If you are a candidate for ZOOM!, Dr. Brooks will create custom trays that fit your teeth perfectly.
Preparation: Once you receive your custom trays, make sure your teeth are clean by brushing and flossing them thoroughly before each application.
Gel Application: Squeeze a teardrop amount of the Philips ZOOM! whitening gel into each of the tooth impressions in the custom trays. For the best results, add less gel if you have smaller teeth and more gel if you have bigger teeth. Overfilling can cause gum irritation.
Tray Insertion: Insert the trays over your teeth, pressing gently to ensure the gel spreads evenly. Be careful not to push the gel out, and be sure the trays are completely seated. Keep the trays away from your gums, and wipe away any excess gel that seeps out. You may see bubbling within your trays while wearing them, which is normal.
Wearing Time: Wear the trays for the recommended duration, typically 30 minutes to an hour, as advised by Dr. Brooks. Some ZOOM! systems may allow for overnight use.
Removal and Cleaning: After wearing the trays for the recommended time, remove them and rinse your mouth thoroughly with water. Clean the trays with a toothbrush and cold water, place them in their storage case, and store them in a cool, climate-controlled place. Rinse and brush away excess gel from your teeth.
Maintenance: Follow your dentist’s guidelines for frequency of use, usually daily or every other day, for one to two weeks. For best results, you should avoid staining foods and beverages during the treatment period. Schedule follow-up appointments with Dr. Brooks to monitor progress and address any concerns.
RESULTS
ZOOM! whitening can improve your smile by several shades of white.
While you will typically see noticeable results within seven to 14 days of consistent use, individual results can vary based on factors such as the initial shade of your teeth, the cause of discoloration, and how closely you follow the recommended usage guidelines.
The system is available in various strengths, so consult Dr. Brooks about which level might work best for you.
Do you have questions about the Philips ZOOM! Whitening System or other teeth whitening options? Click here to get answers or make an appointment.
