TEETH WHITENING
The concept of tooth whitening has been in dentistry for many years. Basically, hydrogen peroxide has been applied to teeth in attempts to whiten teeth and create a more pleasant smile. As the hydrogen peroxide breaks down, oxygen enters the tooth’s enamel (outer layer) and dentin (inner layer) and bleaches colored substances while the structure of the tooth remains unchanged.
Back in the 1970s, bleach was applied to teeth with a brush and then a heating iron was applied tooth by tooth. The gums were protected by something called a “rubber dam”.
While there was limited success with this method, the gums were often damaged or severely burned. Also, the teeth remained sensitive for days…sometimes weeks!
Then in the 1980s a company launched a product called “White & Brite”. With this product, the dentist created a custom tray and the patient put “White & Brite” gel in the trays and wore them most of the day. Results were missed and patient compliance was an issue. There was also sensitivity with this product and sometimes it even damaged fillings. Many dentists avoided the technique entirely- and some even told patients it could be carcinogenic (cancer forming).
Because of the popularity of the results of tooth whitening, several companies were formed that created products that addressed the problems of earlier products. Specifically, much of the “sensitivity issue” was taken care of and different products were developed for different kinds of tooth stains.
ZOOM!
The state of the art in whitening at this time is a device called ZOOM!. If you have watched ABC’s “Extreme MakeOver Show”, this is the exact device that Dr. Bill Dorfman uses on most of his dental makeovers.
The Zoom! Chairside Whtening System is a scientifically advanced patent pending tooth whitening Procedure. It's safe, effective and fast- very fast! In less than an hour your teeth will become dramatically whiter. Zoom! is a deal for anyone looking for immediate results. The convenience of Zoom! in comparision to days of wearing trays or strips makes it the Paerfect choice for the busy individual.
Zoom! Results:
(Clinical photos courtesy of Discus Dental)
DEEP BLEACHING
Plaza Dental also offers Dr. Rod Kurthy’s new deep bleaching technique, which uses no light and whitens teeth whiter than traditional shade guides. This technique often works when other methods have failed. It works especially well with grey or tetracycline stained teeth. 
(clinical photos courtesy of Dr. Rod Kurthy)
For more information on ZoomTM Teeth Whitening click here to go to their web site.
For more information on Dr. Kurthy's Deep Bleaching technique click here to go to his web site.
| 
