7557 Rambler Rd Suite 1023, Dallas, TX 75231

Mary Swift, DDS – General Dentist & Morgan Petty, DDS – General Dentist

7557 Rambler Rd Suite 1023, Dallas, TX 75231

Mary Swift, DDS – General Dentist & Morgan Petty, DDS – General Dentist

Beautiful girl smiling

Zoom Teeth Whitening

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Using Facial Treatments To Look Younger? Professional Teeth Whitening Is Better!

While expensive face creams, cosmeceuticals, and skin treatments do some good in reducing the effects of aging, the truth is the appearance of your teeth, and particularly their color, reveal your age most. Teeth darken as you get older, and the human brain unconsciously associates darker, yellower teeth with old age – and associates whiter teeth with youthfulness. So why have young-looking skin if your smile doesn’t look as fabulous? That’s where Dallas Laser Dentistry comes in. Our award-winning cosmetic dentists can turn back the hands of time with one of our tooth whitening procedures. In as little as one hour, you’ll look years younger.

Our cosmetic dentists are much more than dentists who are adept at Teeth Whitening, they’re artisans who looks at the whole picture – your facial structure, your lip, skin color, and your personality. They’re able to recommend the correct amount of whitening that will make you appear naturally younger rather than artificially white. That’s why Dallas Laser Dentistry is where you want to go for your irresistible, contagious smile that makes you look years younger with one of our teeth whitening treatment options. Keep reading to learn about your choices for whiter teeth.

What You’ll Learn About Teeth Whitening

  1. What’s the best way to determine if you’re a good candidate for teeth whitening?
  2. What are the three primary methods of teeth whitening treatment, and how do they differ?
  3. What’s the process for Laser Teeth Whitening and Zoom! teeth whitening treatment?
  4. What are the benefits of a whiter smile?
  5. How much does teeth whitening cost?
  6. What are the options to whiten teeth if bleaching can’t work?
  7. What are the frequently asked questions about teeth whitening and other cosmetic procedures?

Are You A Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?

If you want to look great and feel self-confident about your smile, getting your teeth whiter can make a huge difference. You see, as people age it’s natural for teeth to become either more grey or more yellow, as well as darker and duller. This is in part due to age itself and also due to whether a person’s diet includes foods and drinks that can create surface stains on their teeth. Heavy drinking of coffee, tea, and red wine, for example, as well as dark soft drinks, can stain your teeth. Smoking and eating foods that contain food coloring can also stain your teeth. Brushing immediately after eating and drinking can help to reduce staining but is typically not enough to prevent it entirely. Fortunately, stained and yellow teeth don’t have to stay that way.

A good candidate for teeth whitening is someone who:

  1. Wants to improve the youthfulness and appearance of their smile.
  2. Has not had any restorations done previously to teeth that show when they smile. Crowns, veneers, and composite fillings resist bleaching. Therefore, if you whiten and these types of teeth show they’ll be darker/yellower than your virgin teeth that had whitened up.
  3. Does not have any active decay currently. You do not want to bleach open decay, so before bleaching have your dentist check you out and get it fixed first.

Contact Us Now To Schedule A Free Smile Consultation!

Discolored teeth with zoom whitening done by best dentist in the area

The 3 Types of Whitening Procedures

There are three basic types of whitening procedures available:

  1. Retail Products. The most commonly used is “whitening” toothpaste. These help a little bit over time, but most contain an abrasive that over time can wear down your enamel. Whitening strips is another solution, but the limited amount of bleaching agent they are allowed to contain means it would take quite a while to get a good result. Boil & bite whitening trays are another retail option, but the legal cap on bleach strength as an OTC product limits their potential effectiveness, as they cannot be as strong as medically prescribed whitening solutions. Non-custom fitted trays also leak bleaching solution onto your gums/cheeks and can burn them.
  2. Custom-Fit Whitening Trays. This type of procedure is effective and puts patients in control over how white their teeth become and how often they are whitened. We put some goopy impression material in your mouth to create a model of your teeth. We then use this model to create customized whitening trays right in our office. They fit securely around teeth and will not leak solution into the mouth. This is a less expensive professional way for patients to whiten teeth because once they are created, they can be used at any time. We then provide a professional grade whitening solution to use at home, and the trays need to be worn for a couple of hours every night for two weeks. Once teeth have reached the shade of white you like you can stop wearing the trays. This portable solution can be done anywhere, making it possible for people to whiten teeth at home, while on vacation, or on business trips the night before an important presentation. Additional bleach can be purchased at our online Patient Store when needed.
  3. In-office Tooth Whitening. The most efficient, effective, and most costly method for getting your teeth whitened is having it done in about an hour in the dental chair. Laser Teeth Whitening and Zoom! are the two best/popular methods for in-office whitening. Both methods work best if you’ve just had your teeth cleaned and involve the dentist or an assistant preparing your teeth and protecting your gums for the procedure, while you lie back and relax. Then about an hour later it’s done, and your teeth are significantly whiter than when you arrived – usually about 8-10 shades. Compared to retail products which might over months improve you by about 2-3 shades, in-office whitening is the best way to achieve whiter teeth simply with bleaching.

We recommend that people in Dallas schedule an appointment with Dr. Mary Swift or Dr. Morgan Petty of Dallas Laser Dentistry. Our Laser Teeth Whitening can transform the appearance of your teeth in a dynamic way. This is partially due to the strength of the solution that we use, as well as the power of using a true laser to excite the molecules of the bleaching solution.

At Dallas Laser Dentistry, we provide patients with both in-office and take-home tray whitening services, which can be done individually or in combination. Some dental offices provide whitening services in the office while others focus on treatments that can be completed at home. Our in-office treatment can be done immediately after teeth cleaning for best results or during a separate appointment. It is typically completed within an hour and produces immediately whiter teeth. For many people, this is an ideal solution because of how quickly it is finished. It’s also the most dependable way to improve your smile and is much less costly than major cosmetic procedures.

“Bleachorexia” is a term some dentists use for patients who overuse retail bleaching products, which can cause extreme tooth sensitivity by destroying enamel and dentin.

LaserSmile™ Teeth Whitening and Zoom!™

LaserSmile Laser Teeth Whitening is the best teeth whitening treatment we offer!

Zoom! is less expensive and more well-known due to its consumer advertising.

Here’s how they both work:

  • You should have had a recent checkup to make sure your oral health allows you to have whitening done. If not, we’ll need to treat any problems first.
  • For best results, you should have your teeth professionally cleaned prior to doing the procedure so the bleach is directly on your tooth enamel rather than on plaque and tartar. Schedule your appointment with us for the day after you have a cleaning at your dentist, or we can do the cleaning and then immediately the whitening at our office.
  • We use a special lip cream to protect your lips.
  • A retractor to pull back your lips and cheeks to expose your teeth is placed in your mouth.
  • We place a bib to protect against splatter, and special protective eyewear to protect against laser light reaching your eyes.
  • We then apply a protective coating to your gums. This will prevent any bleach from irritating them during treatment.
  • A medical-grade bleaching gel is applied to the teeth, in preparation for light activation.
  • Multiple bleach applications and activations occur during a whitening treatment.

Here’s how they now differ:

  • Zoom light source/treatment. Zoom uses an LED light placed outside your mouth for 15-minute intervals. All teeth are treated at the same time. Be careful to ask the dentist you go to if they are using an LED model – for years Zoom used a UV light (sunlamp) which then, outside your mouth, irradiated your face with UV light. It specifically could not be used if you used a Retin-A product, now in most women’s makeup, and it’s believed most dental offices still have the old model. We chose not to offer Zoom to our patients because of the potential UV side effects and because we felt laser whitening was a better overall product for our patients.
  • Laser light source/treatment. A powerful diode laser is used in the mouth only. The dentist or hygienist treats each tooth individually with the laser, then when all have been treated allows the activated bleaching solution time to work. Then the solution is removed, the new solution is applied, and each tooth is again individually treated with the laser. This process repeats two or three times, depending on how white the teeth are becoming.
Consumer Choice Award 2023 Dallas

Call Us For An Appointment for Laser Teeth Whitening!

Benefits of a Whiter Smile

Look Younger. The human brain recognizes how light or dark teeth are and translates that into a perception of age. The darker the older, the lighter the younger. So, when you whiten your teeth you turn back the automatic perceptual clock of those who see you and you look younger to them. Interestingly, most folks also think you look better, but generally don’t recognize that it’s whiter teeth specifically – they think you’ve lost weight, changed your hair, or whatever. Bottom line – better than a facelift for looking younger!

Feel More Self-Confident. When you know your smile is great your self-confidence improves. You smile more, which actually causes the brain to release endorphins that make you feel better as well. Plus, people smile back when you smile at them, which also makes you feel good. Ready to feel the difference? Give us a call.

Complete smile

Costs of Teeth Whitening

First, cosmetic procedures aren’t covered by dental insurance, so expect to pay completely out of pocket for the treatment. Tooth whitening price is dependent on quality and speed. Retail over-the-counter kits can cost as little as $25, while in-office procedures can cost up to $1,000. If you want an at-home bleaching kit with custom trays from your dentist, expect to pay between $300 and $600. In-office whitening can run between $500 and $1,000. At Dallas Laser Dentistry, Laser Teeth Whitening is $925, although there are ways to get it at a lower price by becoming a member of our Preferred Patient Membership Plan.

What If Bleaching Can’t Work?

On occasion, the stains are too strong or deep for a teeth bleaching procedure to work. Tetracycline stains from birth are an example of this. Also, while most people’s teeth yellow with age, some instead turn greyer. Whitening is not very effective on greyed teeth.

When this happens, we can provide an alternative treatment. For example, patients in Dallas can have dental veneers placed on the surface of teeth in order to cover dark stains. This is often preferable for patients who smoke since veneers are stain resistant and won’t yellow like natural teeth. Still, it is wise to try a teeth whitening procedure first, before starting a cosmetic one.

At Dallas Laser Dentistry, we also recommend that patients have their teeth whitened before having other dental procedures completed. Most of the materials that are used in dental restorations or for cosmetic purposes are stain-resistant and bleach resistant. For example, a dental crown won’t stain or bleach but should maintain its initial coloring with time. When a crown, veneer, bridge, or implant is created in a dental lab, they are created to match the shade of the surrounding teeth. If the surrounding teeth are darker or yellow, these restorations will be created in a yellow shade. If the surrounding teeth are a brilliant white, the restoration will be as well. This makes the timing of teeth whitening procedures important. If you live in the Dallas area and are interested in a dental restoration, schedule a laser teeth whitening procedure with us first.

Genetics, aging, and consumption of staining substances (smoking, coffee, tea, and colas) are just a few reasons why teeth appear dark.

Laser whitening itself should not cause any discomfort and is relatively easy to complete. Before getting started, we simply recommend that patients schedule a dental exam with our Dallas office. We will then examine your teeth and gums to ensure that they are healthy enough for whitening. This way if any cavities or infections exist they can be treated first. To learn more or to get started, call 469 838 5292 and schedule your appointment.

Teeth Whitening FAQ

01

Laser teeth whitening is a process offered at our practice that lightens your teeth. Our laser teeth whitening process provides an accelerated whitening of the teeth that is safe and does not damage the gums or tooth’s surface. Stains are typically created from dark foods, coffee, or tobacco. The active ingredient breaks down during the whitening process, allowing oxygen to get into the enamel of the teeth. This causes the teeth to become whiter and brighter in color, and the process can whiten teeth up to 10 shades lighter.
If we feel your teeth could be whitened further, we’ll do a second laser whitening treatment at no additional cost. Plus, we provide you with custom whitening trays and a professional grade whitening gel to periodically touch up your teeth when you have a professional teeth cleaning.

02

Any sensitivity from tooth whitening quickly disappears. Sensitivity usually isn’t there during the treatment itself – if it happens at all it will be afterwards. If there is any sensitivity caused by the whitening, it goes away within one to two days after the treatment, and the patient returns to the state of sensitivity he or she had prior to starting the whitening process.

03

Teeth whitening procedures are considered cosmetic. Most insurance companies do not cover cosmetic procedures. Our office will develop a customized whitening treatment plan for each patient, including both laser whitening in the office and custom trays for use at home. We’ll discuss the specific cost for each whitening treatment option, and any third-party financing plans that are available.

04

There are many different types of teeth whitening treatments available today. Our office offers Laser teeth whitening that is able to get teeth 8-10 shades lighter with just one treatment. This is quicker and more efficient than most other in-office whitening systems or over the counter treatments. Our process is quick, and lessens the sensitivity on teeth, while protecting the gums and mouth, and provides patients with beautiful white teeth in only a few treatments.

05

No. We recommend a dental examination before any teeth whitening is done. If you do have cavities, teeth whitening can make the cavities worse, and your teeth more sensitive. Our team will help advise you the best course of treatment and determine if you can safely whiten your teeth.
If you do need fillings or other treatment, we can restore your teeth and immediately laser whiten them on the same visit so you don’t need to return multiple times.

06

Typically you can expect how your teeth looked right after whitening to last from six months to two years, although some studies report results lasting up to 10 years. Avoiding red wine, coffee, and smoking—all of which can cause staining—helps preserve the results. Laser whitening permanently improves the whiteness of the teeth, which you can keep up by having professional teeth cleanings every six months – this eliminates surface stains from food/drink before they penetrate inside the tooth.

07

Yes, many studies have proven that tooth whitening is safe. You can protect your tooth enamel by using calcium sulfate and fluoride.

08

Professional teeth whitening through our office produces results in just one treatment. Most patients see whitening 8-10 shades lighter after one visit. Our laser whitening treatment is quick and efficient and protects the gum and mouth from irritation. It gives patients that bright white smile they have always dreamed of.

09

Prices vary widely for tooth whitening. Over-the-counter kits can cost as little as $20, with extensive in-office procedures approaching up to $1,000. If you want professional whitening, expect the price to be around $300 to $1,000. If you want an at-home bleaching kit from your dentist, expect to pay between $300 and $600. Learn more about dental insurance and financing.

010

Tooth whitening has little or no effect on restorative materials such as porcelain or crowns, but it may temporarily reduce the bond strength between enamel and composite restorations. This is why it is a good idea to check with your dental professional before beginning any course of tooth whitening.

011

Products developed from carbamide peroxide, hydrogen peroxide, and urea (substances found in every human cell), should be used cautiously to alleviate concern. Those who have issues are the ones who don’t follow instructions and overuse the products for months or years.

Teeth Whitening FAQ Videos

Are there different types of teeth whitening treatments?

Dr. Alana explaining about Teeth Whitening treatments

Can I Whiten my Teeth if I have Cavities?

Dr. Alana explaining about cavitiesthe

What is Teeth Whitening

Dr. Alana explaining about teeth whitening

Will my insurance cover Teeth Whitening?

Dr. Alana explaining about the insurance

How long will teeth whitening take to notice a difference?

Dr. Alana explaining about how long will teeth whitening take to notice a difference?

There is more residual sensitivity with store-bought teeth bleaching kits due to the “one-size fits all” trays that come in the kit vs the custom-fit trays from the dentist.

Questions Answered on This Page

Q. What types of teeth whitening do you offer?

Q. How does teeth whitening work?

Q. Will teeth whitening cause any sensitivity?

Definition of Cosmetic Dentistry Terminology

Bleachorexia

Bleachorexia is when people continue to abuse teeth whitening solutions without consulting professionals, causing significant damage to their enamel and gums in the process.

Carbamide Peroxide

Carbamide peroxide is a solution that contains hydrogen peroxide and can help to whiten teeth.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry is generally used to refer to any dental work that improves the appearance (though not necessarily the function) of a person’s teeth, gums, and/or bite.

Deeper Teeth Stains

Deeper teeth stains are stains that require professional oral health services and can result from certain foods, beverages, or improper oral hygiene.

Dentin Hypersensitivity

Dentin hypersensitivity is when the enamel wears down on the tooth enough that the dentin faces exposure and will cause great levels of pain when a person applies pressure to the tooth or drinks hot/cold beverages.

Dentist

A dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical compound in teeth whitening solutions that patients use to whiten the shade of their teeth.

Relief ACP

Relief ACP stands for amorphous calcium phosphate, which helps to relieve the pain in sensitive teeth in a gel form.

Stained Dentin

Stained dentin can result from certain foods and beverages with a lack of proper brushing. Dental professionals can provide whitening treatments to brighten the teeth.

Surface Enamel

The surface enamel is the hard outer shell that protects the dentin and pulp of the teeth. The enamel is the surface that people see when one smiles.

Surface Teeth Stains

While surface teeth stains can be inevitable with age, certain foods and beverages will only promote discoloration and faded teeth.

Teeth Whitening Concentrate

Teeth whitening concentrate is the bleaching agent that whitens the shade of teeth, which is more effective from a professional and not a general store product.

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