Tubes of toothpaste promise teeth whitening by up to two shades in the time it takes to use their product. But how long does it take to use a tube of toothpaste? You can choose to go the pricier route with whitening strips, but even those take up to two weeks.
Spokane dentists Drs. Ken & Marnie Collins can whiten your teeth and give you a brighter, more confident smile in only an hour. At Collins Dentistry & Aesthetics in Spokane, Washington, we offer Zoom! Teeth Whitening as one of our cosmetic dentistry services. Please call 509-532-1111 or 509-927-2273 today to schedule your teeth whitening appointment!
Causes of Tooth Staining
Tooth discoloration can be influenced by factors ranging from dietary habits to natural aging processes. Understanding these causes can help you choose the right preventive measures and treatments to maintain a brighter smile.Â
- Coffee and tea
- Sodas and colored beverages
- Red wine
- Fruit juices and iced teas
- Chocolate
- Berries such as blueberries and blackberries
- Sauces like soy and tomato
- Smoking
- Chewing tobacco
- Aging
But with one visit to a cosmetic dentist in Spokane, you can turn back the clock and remove the dingy stains.
The Teeth Whitening Process
Drs. Ken and Marnie Collins offer their patients the most comfortable and speedy tooth whitening process available in Spokane or anywhere. The Zoom! professional tooth whitening system ensures immediate results with minimal discomfort or sensitivity. After a short visit that lightens your teeth by an average of eight shades, they’ll send you home with Sapphire Lumibrite tooth whitening trays to maintain your results.
Here’s what to expect during your appointment:Â
- The tooth whitening process begins with Drs. Ken & Marnie Collins preparing your mouth by covering your lips and gums so that only your teeth are exposed.Â
- Your teeth are then covered with the Zoom! gel, which is specially formulated to work with the Zoom! light placed over your teeth.Â
- The gel and light work together to gently penetrate into your teeth and break up the stains that have been causing the discoloration.
- This session lasts fifteen minutes, at which time the teeth are cleaned off and more gel reapplied.Â
- They repeat the process three times
- Drs. Ken and Marnie Collins will instruct you on how to get the most out of the custom-made tooth whitening trays he sends you home with. To maintain your beautifully whitened teeth, you only need to use these mint-flavored, 32% concentration peroxide tooth whitening trays three minutes a day.
Benefits of Teeth Whitening
A whiter smile can have more than a few positive effects, such as:Â
- Enhanced Appearance:Â Dramatically brightens and improves the attractiveness of your smile, enhancing your overall appearance.
- Boosted Self-Esteem:Â A whiter smile can increase self-confidence and contribute to a more positive self-image.
- Stain Removal:Â Effectively removes stains caused by coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco, and aging, restoring the natural whiteness of your teeth.
- Safe and Effective:Â Professional teeth whitening is a reliable and safe procedure when performed by a trained dentist, offering significant results with minimal discomfort.
- Motivation for Oral Hygiene:Â Brighter teeth can inspire better oral care habits, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits to maintain dental health and appearance.
Why Choose Collins Dentistry & Aesthetics?
Drs. Ken and Marnie Collins are seasoned professionals with over 25 years of experience in Spokane. They are deeply embedded in the community and accomplished in their field, having received the title of Spokane's Best Dentist/Cosmetic Dentist for six consecutive years. Their commitment to continuous professional development is evident from their extensive training at prestigious institutes like the Las Vegas Institute, covering everything from neuromuscular dentistry to advanced cosmetic training.Â
Our team at Collins Dentistry & Aesthetics also includes dedicated dental assistants and dental hygienists who bring years of expertise and a personal touch to patient care. Together, we've created a welcoming environment, making Collins Dentistry & Aesthetics the clear choice for anyone seeking comprehensive dental care in Spokane.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
What if Whitening Doesn’t Work?
Teeth whitening is very effective on stains that are on the outside of your teeth. But that’s not the only reason teeth can become discolored.
Sometimes, teeth become discolored from within. Maybe the tooth has defects in the enamel. Maybe tooth trauma has caused the tooth to darken. Maybe your tooth enamel is too thin or your teeth are just naturally darker than you’d like.
In these cases, teeth whitening won’t work, and we’ll recommend other cosmetic dentistry approaches like veneers or crowns to give you the beautiful, bright smile you desire.
How Long Does the Zoom! Whitening Procedure Take?
The entire Zoom! whitening procedure takes about one hour to complete. However, we recommend that you have a professional teeth cleaning before the actual Zoom! whitening session to ensure the best results. The whitening session is broken down into three 15-minute segments, with a fresh whitening gel applied each time.
Is Zoom! Teeth Whitening Safe?
Yes, Zoom! teeth whitening is safe when conducted by a professional dentist. The Zoom! light and gel have been extensively tested and are effective for safe and rapid teeth whitening. Furthermore, at Collins Dentistry & Aesthetics, our trained specialists ensure that your gums and mouth are protected throughout the treatment.
How Long Will My Teeth Remain White After the Treatment?
The duration of your whitening results can vary depending on personal habits like smoking and consuming foods and drinks that can stain teeth, such as coffee, tea, and red wine. With proper care and occasional touch-ups, your teeth can remain bright for a year or more. For long-lasting results, we suggest coming in for an annual touch-up appointment.
Will Zoom! Whitening Work on Veneers, Crowns, or Fillings?
Zoom! whitening works best on natural teeth. It will not affect the color of materials used for dental restorations, such as veneers, crowns, or fillings. If your dental restorations are visible when you smile, talk to your dentist about options to match them with your newly whitened teeth.
Is There a Difference Between At-Home and In-Office Zoom! Whitening?
Yes, the main difference lies in the concentration of the whitening agent and the speed of results. In-office Zoom! whitening uses a higher concentration of bleach and LED light technology, providing immediate results. At-home kits prescribed by our office use a lower-concentration gel that can be applied for longer periods as part of a touch-up regimen or for gradual whitening.
Professional whitening delivers faster and more pronounced results because of the higher concentration of bleaching agents and LED light technology, which accelerates the whitening process.
Are There Any Side Effects Associated With Zoom! Whitening?
Some people may experience sensitivity during and after the treatment. This sensitivity usually subsides soon after the procedure. A small percentage of patients might also experience minor gum irritation. We use measures to minimize these effects and ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
How Much Does Zoom! Teeth Whitening Cost?
The cost of Zoom! teeth whitening can vary depending on your specific treatment needs and goals. At Collins Dentistry & Aesthetics, we offer competitive pricing for our whitening services. Please contact us directly for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information.
Can Everyone Use Zoom! Whitening?
Most adults can benefit from the Zoom! whitening procedure. However, it is not recommended for children under 13 years of age and pregnant or lactating women. Before the procedure, our dental team will assess your suitability for the treatment during a consultation.
Can I Eat or Drink Immediately After My Whitening Session?
We recommend avoiding foods and drinks with high pigment levels, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and berries, for at least 48 hours after your whitening treatment to ensure the best possible results. We also advise against smoking during this period.
Can I Whiten Dental Implants or Veneers?
No, you cannot whiten dental implants or veneers using traditional whitening methods such as Zoom! Whitening. These dental restorations are made from materials like porcelain or composite resin, which do not respond to bleaching agents the way natural tooth enamel does. If your implants or veneers appear discolored, consult with your dentist. They can recommend solutions such as replacing the veneers or polishing the implants to restore their original color and match them more closely with your natural teeth.
Whiten Your Smile in Spokane
If discolored or age-dulled teeth have kept you from sharing your smile with everyone you meet, consider spending just one hour to get your teeth professionally whitened. To schedule your appointment, call us at 509-532-1111 in South Hill (Spokane) or 509-927-2273 in Spokane Valley. You can also book a tooth whitening appointment online. We’re excited to help you achieve a beautiful smile!
