Have you ever considered getting your teeth professionally whitened? Many individuals live with smiles that are not as ‘pearly white’ as they would like. The good news is, with Zoom!® teeth whitening, it has never been easier to brighten your smile. Our experienced cosmetic dentist in Boulder, Dr. Marisa Patt, and the team here at BOCO Dental & Prosthodontics can develop a customized teeth whitening treatment plan designed to minimize signs of discoloration and produce a whiter, more refreshed-looking smile.

What Are the Benefits of Zoom® Teeth Whitening?

Zoom!® teeth whitening is a non-invasive treatment that is completed in-office. We use light energy and high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide to whiten your teeth during four 15-minute sessions. In-office treatments are considered superior to home whitening systems because they produce more dramatic results in less time. In about 90 minutes, you can have a visibly whiter smile.

By comparison, at-home treatments require significant time dedication, typically 30-60 minutes for 1-2 weeks. Additionally, at-home results can be underwhelming. An in-office professional teeth whitening treatment is a dentist-supervised procedure that can provide immediate and longer-lasting results.

With in-office teeth whitening, many individuals can successfully diminish the appearance of stains and discoloration caused by:

  • Coffee, tea, soda, wine, sauces, and other foods & beverages that contain staining agents
  • Tobacco products
  • The natural aging process

Teeth whitening can be an effective option for mild to moderate discoloration and staining; however, teeth affected by stains that are particularly dark and deep may require an alternative option, such as dental veneers, to produce the best results. Dr. Patt can talk with you about your ultimate goals and determine whether Zoom!® teeth whitening is the ideal solution.

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What Does the Teeth Whitening Treatment Involve?

The whitening process takes about 90 minutes. At BOCO Dental & Prosthodontics, we’ll send you home with trays for touch-ups after your treatment. The process begins with the creation of molds for those trays. Next, we note your starting shade, so that we have a baseline to determine the degree of color change. Then we isolate your teeth to protect your gums. Finally, we’re ready to initiate the whitening process. We apply hydrogen peroxide to each tooth’s surface. The peroxide, combined with light, is what breaks up the stains on your teeth. The treatment involves four 15-minute sessions: the first two focus on surface stains. The real magic is in those last two sessions when the hydrogen peroxide and light penetrate the deeper stains that are embedded in the dentin (the layer under the enamel).

How Can I Maintain My New, Whiter Smile?

The most important thing you can do to keep your smile white is to avoid consuming anything that could stain a white shirt for 48 hours. This includes:

  • Coffee/tea
  • Red wine
  • Tomato sauce
  • Spinach
  • Berries
  • Chocolate

For the week following your whitening, use a straw (a reusable straw if possible) when drinking colored beverages. If you eat something with intense color, brush your teeth as soon as possible after you are finished eating.

All in all, the whitening process is very simple, and the results can be profound.

Teeth Whitening FAQs

You’ll often see the whitening results last about a full year. This, of course, depends on your personal lifestyle — diet, tobacco use, medications, etc. — so the time can greatly vary.

No. You might experience slight discomfort as the whitening tools are moved around your mouth, but it won’t be painful. You may experience some cold sensitivity for a couple days following your whitening, but it’s usually mild. In extreme cases, it can be treated with over the counter Advil or Tylenol.

Not when it’s done right! Our in-office treatments are reliable and safe. At BOCO Dental & Prosthodontics, we are professionally trained to handle a routine treatment like teeth whitening. Even our take-home kits are safe when instructions are properly followed. But, beware of teeth whitening methods you find online: many can cause permanent damage to your teeth!

Crowns and other fake coverings and caps are not made of the same material as teeth; whitening products won’t react the same way, or at all. Your fake teeth won’t whiten. If you’re planning on getting a crown in the future, talk to your dentist about getting your teeth whitened first, and then having your crown painted to match that brighter shade.

How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost?

The cost of Zoom!® in-office teeth whitening at our practice is often different among patients depending on unique factors associated with the customized treatment plan. When your individual cost estimate is determined, we will be happy to talk with you about our convenient payment options—including financing plans available for qualified applicants through CareCredit® or ALPHAEON® Credit—that offer the most budget-friendly ways to pay for this treatment.

Call Us Today to Schedule an Appointment

Ready to step up your smile game? Whether you’re leaning towards a professional session or a take-home kit, Dr. Marisa Patt and the BOCO Dental & Prosthodontics team are eager to guide you.

Situated in Boulder, your journey to a brighter smile is just around the corner. Call us at (303) 530-1212. We can’t wait to see you!