Teeth Whitening at Blue Cross Dental Care, Watford

Teeth whitening procedures can help:

• Lighten coffee stained teeth
• Remove cigarette discolouration
• Correct yellowing in the teeth due to ageing

Zoom Tooth Whitening

We use the world famous Zoom® professional teeth whitening system as featured on TV's extreme makeover; Using this chairside technology we can make your teeth dramatically whiter in less than an hour, the procedure is very simple, safe, effective and fast. It is ideal for anyone looking for immediate results. This procedure is also often called laser teeth whitening.

To compliment our in-surgery chairside whitening we also offer a Zoom home whitening kit (Nite White and Day White) with custom made trays to give you a more gradual, longer lasting white smile.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is tooth whitening?

  It is a bleaching process that lightens discolorations of enamel and dentine. The system uses a mild whitening gel that is applied over your teeth by the dentist (in-surgery) and/or a milder whitening gel retained in a custom-fitted tray that you wear over your teeth at home (home-kit).

• What causes tooth discoloration?

  There are many causes. The most common include aging, consumption of staining substances (coffee, tea, colas. tobacco), trama, nerve degeneration, and old restorations. During tooth formation, consumption of tetracycline or exessive fluoride may also causes tooth discoloration.

• Who may benefit from tooth whitening?

  The vast majority of people will benefit from tooth whitening. However, there are some cases where the treatment may not be effective. A dentist may determine viable candidates for the process through a thorough oral examination and diagnosis. Darker stains, such as those caused by antibiotics, may take longer to respones to treatment. The degree of whiteness will vary from patient to patient, depending on the structure of the teeth, the number of applications, and/or the duration of time that the system is used.

• Is the process safe?

  Yes! Research and clinicle studies indicate that whitening teeth with Carbamide Peroxide or Hydrogen Peroxide under the supervision of a dentist is safe for teeth and gums. In fact, many dentists consider this whitening process the safest cosmetic dental procedure available today.

• How does it work?

  The whitening gel is applied over your teeth. As the active ingredient in the gel is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and dentine and bleaches the coloured substances. The structure of the tooth is not changed; only the tooth color is made lighter.

  Using the Zoom! gel and Lamp, The Zoom! light aids in activating the Hydrogen Peroxide and helps it penetrate the surface of the tooth. A study has shown that use of the Zoom! lamp increases the effectivness of the Zoom! gel by 26% or more, giving an average improvement of eight shades.

• How long does it take?

  Maximum results generally occur when the process is continued for 10-14 nights (Nite White Turbo results are seen in 3-6 nights). If you prefer daytime whitening, use Day White ACP and be sure to wear your trays for 30 minutes twice per day in order to see maximum results in 10-14 days.

• Are there any side effects?

  Some people experience temporary increased tooth sensitivity to cold during the treatment. These symptoms disappear with 1-3 days after completion of the treatment.

• How long do the results last?

  The teeth will always be lighter than they once were; however, some patients may need a tooth whitening "touch-up" for 1-2 days, once or twice a year. In order to maintain the whitest tooth shade possible, it is best to avoid substances like coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco.

• How long does Zoom! Chairside whitening take?

  The complete procedure takes less than an hour. The procedure begins with a preparation period followed as little as by 45 minutes of bleaching. (A cleaning is recommended prior to the actual Zoom! whitening session).