Tray-Based Tooth Whiteners
Tray-based tooth whitening systems, purchased from your dentist, involve filling a mouth guard-like tray with a gel whitening solution — which contains a peroxide-bleaching agent. The tray is worn for a period of time, generally from a 30 to 60 minutes a day up to four weeks and even longer (depending on the degree of discoloration and desired level of whitening).
In-Office Whitening
In-office bleaching (ZOOM TOOTH WHITENING) provides the quickest way to whiten teeth. This whitening process takes a minimum of 2 office visits. The 1st visit is to evaluate your current shade of your teeth and take alginate impressions for your take home whitening trays to do touch up whitening for years down the road and the 2nd visit to do the ZOOM whitening. With in-office bleaching, the gingival tissue to isolated with a Liquidam material to protect the gingival tissue and then the ZOOM whitening product is applied directly to the teeth. These products are applied to the teeth and is activated with a special light. Results are seen in only one, 60 to 90-minute treatment. This type of whitening is also the most expensive approach.
How Long Do Whitening Effects Last?
Teeth whitening is not permanent. People who expose their teeth to foods and beverages that cause staining may see the whiteness start to fade in as little as six months. Those who avoid foods and beverages that stain may be able to wait one year or longer before another whitening treatment or touch-up is needed.
The degree of whiteness will vary from individual to individual depending on the condition of the teeth, the level of staining, and the type of bleaching system used.
***WedMD***
