Tooth Whitening

Is whitening for me?

Whitening procedures are effective in lightning most stains caused by age, tobacco, coffee, and tea. Based on clinical studies, 96% of patients see some lightening effect. The best candidates are those patients with yellow and light brown teeth, stained over a period of years. While darker brown or grayish stains, such as those produced by tetracycline use or fluorosis (too much fluoride), require special techniques. If you have tooth-color fillings, bonding, and veneers when your teeth are bleached, the whitening will not lighten them. Dr. Markowitz can advise you if Zoom! is right for you.

What are the different whitening options?

While research continues into all types of bleaching systems, tooth bleaching is sure to continue to grow in popularity. Dr. Markowitz will explain which methods are best for you, and he could suggest one or a combination of the following for best results.
At-home bleaching kits: The most popular whitening option. It’s an affordable and effective way for many people to achieve excellent whitening results. One of Dr. Markowitz’s knowledgeable staff members will take impressions of your teeth and create plastic trays customized to fit your own teeth. At home, you’ll fill the trays in with the whitening brand Dr. Markowitz feels is suitable to your needs. Some trays are worn for 30 min, others through the night.
Bonding: A composite resin (plastic material) that is molded onto the teeth to change their color and to reshape them. However, the resin material can stain and chip over time. It is a moderate cost to you, the patinet. And for your convenience, Dr. Markowitz can usually do them in one office visit.
Porcelain Veneers: While this option is the most expensive one, it is also the most effective. These shell-like facings can be bonded onto stained teeth and they never discolor. They are used to reshape and/or lengthen teeth as well as to whiten. Veneers can be completed in, usually, two office visits.
In-office whitening: Sometimes called laser bleaching. Extensive research and clinical studies have shown that whitening teeth under the supervision of a dental professional is safe. In-office whitening is also the fastest way possible and most of the time, gets instant results. It begins with a short preparation to cover your lips and gums, leaving only the teeth exposed. Dr. Markowitz applies a whitening gel to the surface of the teeth and it remains on the teeth for about 15 -30 min. In some instances a laser or special light can be used to assist the gel in the whitening process.

What is Zoom! whitening?

Zoom! is a bleaching process that lightens discoloration of enamel and dentin. Most people make good candidates for the Zoom! procedure which produces excellent results in little more than an hour. The clinician applies the propriety Zoom! Whitening gel, which was designed to be used with a specially designed light. The Zoom! light and gel work together to gently penetrate your teeth, breaking up stains and discoloration. With proper care your smile will dazzle for years.

Why is whitening from Dr. Markowitz better than an over-the-counter whitening product?

These products have proved to be not as effective or long lasting as the techniques offered at Dr. Markowitz office. Also the trays that hold the whitening gel are not customized to fit your teeth. Which leads to leakage and that will irritate gums.

What preparation does Dr. Markowitz do before whitening the teeth?

Your first appointment is a consultation appointment. Dr. Markowitz will do a thorough examination of your teeth and decide if you’re a good candidate for Zoom! A dental cleaning is always a good idea to make sure the whitening gel adheres to the clean prepared surfaces of the teeth.

What results can I expect?

Typical results can produce a change of several shades of whiteness, lasting 3-5 years. Different factors, such as diet, affect how long the process takes to whitening. The whitening method is also a factor in how long the whitening lasts.