Teeth Whitening

Having a beautiful smile may be even easier than you think. Many people achieve the look they’ve been dreaming of with our simple “bleaching” procedure.

What are the details of teeth whitening?

It’s safe, quick, and inexpensive. Just let us know at any appointment if you would like to whiten your teeth. You can lighten only your upper teeth or both the upper and lower, depending on how much you show when you talk and smile.

In only a day or two your custom bleach splints will be ready for you to pick up. We provide you with a special whitening gel that you put into your custom whitening trays.  With only a few hours of wear per day, our special whitening gel bubbles stains right out of your enamel in a very short time without altering tooth structure or existing dental work in any way. When your teeth reach the desired brightness, only occasional treatment is needed to maintain your new smile. We’ll want to take “after” photos at your next appointment.

Dental bleaching can be used to correct tooth discoloration.  Discolorations can be caused by staining, aging, or chemical damage to teeth. Using the latest in bleaching technology, we can offer a safe method for creating a beautiful “brilliant” smile.  In cases of extreme tooth discoloration, crowns or veneers may be the only choice, but because of the low cost of bleaching treatments, bleaching is nearly always worth a solid try.

How is teeth whitening done?

An impression is taken to make a specialized tray to hold the bleach against the teeth. The material is used each night for about 3-4 hours or during the day for about 30 minutes for about two weeks, and at the end of this time, significant whitening will occur. In some cases, the change is nothing short of brilliant.  For confidence in appearance, bleaching technology allows us to promise improvements in yellowing, aging or stained teeth. For very severely stained teeth, crowns or porcelain veneers may be more appropriate.

Considerations for Teeth Whitening

Over-the-counter bleaching agents are available for purchase at your local grocery or drug store. However, please be sure to use extreme care since these products can cause harm to the gums.

Zoom Whitening

If you prefer teeth that are immediately whiter right now or you would rather whiten your teeth over a few nights while you sleep, Dr. Pahouja has your answer with Zoom! The Zoom! In-Office Whitening System uses proprietary technology to whiten your teeth an average of eight shades* in a little over an hour while you relax at our office.  It’s ideal for anyone who wants immediate results.  The Zoom! Take-Home Whitening System uses a revolutionary gel to whiten your teeth an average of six shades in three nights*.  And you may go even lighter with additional applications.  Start on Friday and by Monday you’ll have a whole new smile.

KöR Deep Bleaching™

The revolutionary KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching™ gel system makes it possible to whiten your teeth, often by 16 shades or more.  It is even capable of removing tetracycline stains from teeth, which was previously thought to be impossible with other whitening gel methods. KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching™ works by restoring your teeth’s ability to absorb oxygen. The oxygenated whitening gel is absorbed deeply into the tooth, dissolving stains. With easy and periodic home maintenance, the KöR whitening can become permanent. Regular care will keep stains from coffee and soda from having any affect on the brilliant new color of your teeth. At Lifetime Smiles, we start by making molds of your teeth so that your whitening trays are unique to your smile, ultra-comfortable and won’t leak bleach into your mouth You’ll wear your personal trays for two weeks at home each night while you sleep, and then come in for a final visit to show off your new pearly whites. KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching™ is also 100% safe, and produces little to no tooth sensitivity during the whitening process. The majority of patients experience no discomfort from the KöR technique, and those that do report feeling no more than 10% of the sensitivity they’d feel from other whitening gels.

Here are some common questions patients ask us about Zoom or KOR Whitening procedures:

What is Zoom! and KOR tooth whitening?

Zoom! and KOR are a bleaching system that lightens discoloration of enamel and dentin.

What can cause tooth discoloration?

There are many causes. The most common include aging and consumption of staining substances such as coffee, tea or tobacco. During tooth formation consumption of tetracycline, certain antibiotics or excessive fluoride may also cause tooth discoloration.

Who may benefit from tooth whitening?

Just about anyone can benefit from tooth whitening. However, treatment may not be as effective for some as it is for others. With an oral exam, Dr. Pahouja can determine if you are a candidate for this procedure, including a shade assessment.

Is tooth whitening becoming more popular?

Absolutely! A bright, beautiful smile can make a big difference. The Zoom! and KOR Whitening System makes it easier and faster than ever before.

Is tooth whitening safe?

Yes, research and clinical studies indicate that whitening teeth under the supervision of a dentist is safe. In fact, many dentists consider whitening the safest cosmetic dental procedure available. As with any tooth whitening product, Zoom! and KOR are not recommended for children under 13 years of age and pregnant or lactating women.

Do the results last a long time?

By following some simple post whitening care instructions, your teeth will always be lighter than they were before. We recommend flossing, brushing twice daily, and touch-ups with Zoom! or KOR take-home gel.  These are professional formula products designed specifically to keep your teeth their brightest. They are available through our office.

Is there any difference between over-the-counter tooth whiteners and Zoom or KOR?

Yes! Consulting Dr. Pahouja is always the first step to whitening your teeth safely. Over-the-counter tooth whitening strips, brush-on gels and toothpastes take weeks or months to whiten your teeth just a few shades.  Zoom! is clinically proven to whiten your teeth eight shades* in one hour or six shades* in just one weekend.  KOR can whiten your teeth upto 16 shades.

How does the Zoom! In-Office System work?

The Zoom! light-activated whitening gel’s active ingredient is Hydrogen Peroxide. As Hydrogen Peroxide is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin, bleaching any colored substance while keeping the structure of the tooth unchanged. The Zoom! light aids in activating the Hydrogen Peroxide and helps it penetrate the surface of the tooth.

Is the Zoom! or KOR In-office procedure painful?

No. During the procedure, patients can actually watch television or listen to music.  Many fall asleep.

Are there any side effects?

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

How long is the procedure?

The entire procedure takes just over one hour. The procedure begins with a preparation period followed by one hour of bleaching.  A five-minute fluoride treatment completes the procedure (we recommend a cleaning prior to the actual Zoom! Whitening session).  Since KOR is a deep bleaching system, this sometimes takes more than one visit.