Did you know that 57 percent of Americans cover their mouths with their hands because they feel insecure about their smile? If you're part of this percentage, you should know that you're not alone.
The self-consciousness of your smile can be debilitating. You may even find that it stops you from truly expressing yourself, attending social events, and more.
However, it's important to keep in mind that there are solutions that can improve your self-esteem and increase your confidence in your smile. Teeth whitening is a noninvasive procedure that's virtually pain free–even better, it takes less than an hour to complete.
With this in mind, read on to learn all about Zoom teeth whitening in Cary, NC!
Zoom teeth whitening is the name of the bleaching process that helps you whiten the stained, discolored enamel of your teeth. The name comes from the special light or laser used called a Zoom laser.
Used in combination with hydrogen peroxide whitening gel, patients can expect visibly whiter teeth at the end of this noninvasive procedure.
Before you schedule a whitening procedure, it's important you consult with your dentist beforehand to make sure that it's the right procedure for you.
Your dentist should examine your teeth and gums to make sure that teeth whitening won't worsen any conditions you're experiencing. Here are a few reasons why your dentist may recommend avoiding teeth whitening:
If you're not experiencing any of the above and you have yellowed teeth, your teeth should respond well to teeth whitening. However, it's important to keep in mind that your teeth won't respond to whitening if you have fillings in your front teeth or bonding.
If this is the case, you may want to consider other options such as getting bonding on the rest of your teeth or talking to your dentist about whether it's possible to match your teeth bonding.
Now that you know a little bit about Zoom whitening, what should you expect if you schedule the procedure? Typical procedures take less than an hour. It's recommended to start with clean teeth, so your dentist may opt to give you a quick teeth cleaning before they begin.
The dental assistant will first cover your lips and gums so that they're protected from the gel, leaving your teeth exposed. They then apply hydrogen peroxide whitening gel to your teeth.
Your teeth are then exposed to the Zoom laser for 15-minute sessions at a time for three sessions in total, so the session should be no longer than 45 minutes. During this time, you can relax and listen to music or a podcast.
Once these sessions are over, your dentist may apply sensitivity-reducing fluoride gel to your teeth.
It's important to keep in mind that the whole session is non-invasive and pain free. However, people with strong gag reflexes may have issues undergoing the entire procedure–just make sure you speak with your dentist beforehand, and they will be able to work with you!
After your session is over, your dentist will give you recommendations on how to take care of your teeth so that you can enjoy white teeth longer. For instance, they may tell you to avoid certain foods for a certain amount of time after the session, such as red wine, tea, coffee, and more.
They may also give you teeth whitening trays to touch up your teeth over time along with a whitening toothpaste. If they don't give you these items, make sure you ask them for recommendations so that you're using the best products for your teeth.
Although there's no pain, your teeth may experience sensitivity after the procedure. You can combat this by taking some over-the-counter pain medications before your teeth are whitened. Your dentist may also recommend anti-sensitivity toothpaste or gel to lessen the discomfort.
One of the main issues with in-office teeth whitening is that your insurance probably won't cover a cosmetic procedure. If this is the case, the average cost can be about $500. However, we recommend speaking with your dentist about membership plans that can discount the cost of procedures or financing options.
When it comes to financing over a certain number of months, this usually depends on a soft credit check before you're accepted.
It's important to keep in mind that if you feel self-conscious about your smile, you don't have to carry this insecurity your whole life. Teeth whitening procedures are relatively quick, affordable, and can help you regain confidence overnight.
If you find that your teeth are yellow and you don't have gum disease or extreme tooth sensitivity, you could be a good candidate for teeth whitening. Your dentist will also recommend products to use afterward in order to combat any pronounced sensitivity.
One of the best parts about the Zoom whitening procedure is that it takes a maximum of 45 minutes to complete. Since it's a non-invasive procedure, you won't have to take a day off of work once the procedure is over. You'll be rewarded with a brighter, whiter smile.
Are you considering teeth whitening in Cary, NC? We're the top-rated dentist in the Raleigh area with an experienced team of professionals.
Request an appointment with us today to get started!
