Dental Bleaching

One of the very first things others notice about you is your smile. It should be no surprise then that a whiter one can make a lasting impression. Evidently, studies show whitened teeth are related to higher attractiveness and appear to be preferred to unmodified enamel.

But you shouldn’t feel limited to at-home whitening products and toothpaste to achieve pearly whites. Professional bleaching treatments, like those performed by specialists at the Eram Clinic, are more effective at brightening your smile. They’re also safer when supervised.

What is dental bleaching/teeth whitening?

Dental bleaching or teeth whitening is the process of lightening the shade and color of teeth. This is achieved by changing the tooth enamel using a whitening agent, the most common of which is hydrogen peroxide. When hydrogen peroxide diffuses into the tooth, it oxidizes, resulting in less heavily pigmented components.

In short, it breaks up stains and creates a whitening effect.

An in-office teeth whitening treatment also helps to remove stains that can’t be removed in other ways. Tooth discoloration can be the result of two different kinds of staining: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic stains include those developed from environmental factors, such as smoking and drinking coffee. These can typically be removed by a dentist during routine cleaning.

Dental bleaching, on the other hand, primarily targets intrinsic stains, which develop due to wear and age. This kind of stain is more difficult to remove.

Is bleaching your teeth safe?

Using dentist-approved methods of whitening your teeth is safe. This is especially true when you start with healthy teeth and gums. It’s even safer when performed in-office under the supervision of a dental specialist.

A common misconception about bleaching is that it damages your tooth’s enamel. Your enamel is the hardest, outermost layer of your teeth and the one that is susceptible to staining and discoloration.

Softening of the enamel can result in an increased likelihood of decay, and it can cause dental sensitivity. Fortunately, bleaching agents do not damage your enamel, nor is there evidence to suggest it softens or strips the enamel.

The risks involved with dental bleaching are generally associated with at-home teeth whitening products. This typically occurs because the products are not being used properly. The overuse of peroxides, for example, can lead to temporary sensitivity and can actually make your teeth darker over time.

It is crucial that your teeth remain beautiful and healthy. This is why The Eram Dental Health Clinic specializes in gentle, safe, and long-lasting teeth whitening using Zoom Power Bleaching.

What is Zoom bleaching?

Zoom is the bleaching process used at The Eram Clinic and the most widely used in the world. It combines the use of hydrogen peroxide with advanced LED light technology to deliver maximum results.

Once the dental specialist applies hydrogen peroxide gel to your teeth, the Zoom light helps the gel to penetrate. This process breaks up discoloration and stains quickly. The entire procedure lasts only about 45-60 minutes, but that time is broken into three to four 15-minute sessions.

Between each session, a new coat of whitening gel is added to your teeth before beginning again. When the procedure is finished, another gel is applied to your teeth, this time to help reduce sensitivity.

Before receiving a Zoom whitening treatment, it’s best to consult with our dentist. At The Eram Clinic, you’ll receive a comprehensive examination of your teeth prior to the procedure. This not only helps to determine the health of your teeth but also allows you to ask questions.

Who can perform teeth whitening treatments?

For the best and safest results, teeth whitening should be done under the care of a dentist or dental specialist. This is because this setting offers access to the best treatments and tools. In-office bleaching by a dental professional is the ideal option for whitening your teeth.

At The Eram Clinic, our dental hygienists are well-trained in the use of Zoom whitening treatments. They can also provide the proper examinations and dental prophylaxis recommended before treatment.

That doesn’t mean there isn’t a place for at-home whitening. Between visiting our clinic for in-office teeth whitening, home bleaching complements whitening treatments available at the practice.

Thanks to the dental technology laboratory, The Exam Clinic manufactures at-home bleaching trays that can be custom-made after one visit. You’ll also receive expert advice on how to apply at-home treatments in the safest way possible.

What happens during teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a simple, safe, and relatively quick treatment that can be performed in-office in under an hour. During this time, hydrogen peroxide gel is applied to your teeth. Next, an LED light is used to help penetrate the teeth and speed up the whitening process.

At this point, the stain compounds on your teeth are broken down by a chemical reaction called oxidation. While it’s very effective at whitening teeth, you won’t feel it happening. In-office teeth whitening with dental supervision is gentle and safe.

This process is divided into three different sessions that last 15 minutes each. A new layer of gel is applied between sessions. During each session, a Zoom light is used to accelerate the treatment. In approximately 45 minutes, you can whiten your smile up to eight shades.

What should I ask the dentist before teeth whitening?

Before a teeth whitening treatment, it’s recommended you receive an examination to determine the health of your teeth and gums. It also offers you the chance to ask your dentist any questions.

Before professional teeth whitening treatment, ask how effective it will be for you. In the initial examination, our dental specialist will have the opportunity to diagnose the cause of your discoloration. Once this is known, we can determine which treatment will be most effective.

It’s also important to share any concerns before treatment. If you’ve had previous dental work, ask how whitening might impact it. Our dentists will be able to determine whether additional treatment is necessary. This is especially true for those with veneers.

Finally, ask how white your teeth should be. Together with a dental specialist, you can find out how many sessions it will take to reach your desired shade.

If you’re considering professional teeth whitening or dental bleaching, book a consultation with a specialist at The Eram Clinic. Contact our staff of highly-trained professionals and dental specialists to achieve a radiant, healthier-looking smile.

If you prefer to stop by in person, visit our clinic in the heart of Zurich.