Teeth Whitening

As you age, your once-bright smile may start to dull and darken. At Seattle Crown Hill Dental in Seattle, Washington, the team of experienced dentists can remove up to eight shades of stains from your teeth to revitalize your smile. The team uses Zoom!® whitening to safely whiten your teeth in less than one hour. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about teeth whitening.

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic process that lightens the color of your teeth. At Seattle Crown Hill Dental, the team offers Zoom! teeth whitening to dramatically brighten your smile in one visit. 

Teeth whitening is one of the most common treatments in cosmetic dentistry. It can enhance your smile quickly without downtime and is relatively cost-effective compared to other aesthetic procedures, like porcelain veneers.

How does teeth whitening work?

Teeth whitening works by breaking up stains. Hydrogen peroxide, the active ingredient in Zoom!, penetrates the enamel — the hard barrier that protects your teeth — and breaks down stains with volatile oxygen molecules. The process makes stains easy to remove, allowing the peroxide solution to bleach your teeth.

While over-the-counter (OTC) teeth whitening products, such as bleaching strips and toothpaste, are effective at removing surface stains, they can’t target deeper discoloration. Professional teeth whitening is the only solution for penetrating and bleaching the inner layers of your enamel for brighter, more dramatic results.

What can I expect from teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a quick process that requires very little preparation. Depending on your dental history, the team may perform a comprehensive teeth cleaning before the procedure. Next, they protect your gums and lips with a dental barrier to reduce sensitivity. Your dentist then applies the whitening solution to your teeth and activates it with a special LED light. The process takes about 15 minutes.

The team repeats this process up to three times until you achieve your desired results. The entire treatment usually takes between 45 minutes and one hour.

How should I care for my smile after teeth whitening?

Preserving your bright smile after Zoom! teeth whitening is simple. In addition to brushing and flossing twice a day, you should try to avoid foods and drinks that can stain your teeth, such as:

• Red wine
• Coffee and tea
• Dark juices
• Soy sauce
• Marinara sauce
• Sugary sodas
• Curry

Certain medications, such as antibiotics, can also darken your teeth. Your dentist may recommend visiting for additional whitening treatments to preserve your smile. 

Call Seattle Crown Hill Dental or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about teeth whitening.