Teeth Whitening for Smokers
The teeth are regularly exposed to foods and beverages that can stain tooth enamel, so discoloration is a common cosmetic complaint among dental patients. Habits like smoking make discoloration even more likely.
Smoking and tobacco use tend to give the teeth a deep yellow appearance, and brown stains are also usual. Unfortunately, stains and discoloration caused by smoking are resistant to tooth brushing. The good news is, there is effective teeth whitening for smokers. Dr. N. Perry Orchard offers smokers in the Corpus Christi, TX area teeth whitening treatment to lift dental stains and brighten the color of their smile.
Is Zoom!® Teeth Whitening Effective for Smokers?
At our dental practice, we use the Zoom teeth whitening system to treat dental stains and enhance the color of the teeth. Zoom is a highly effective whitening technique. In about one hour, this treatment is able to lift away common dental stains and brighten the smile by eight to 12 shades.
It is important for our Corpus Christi patients to understand that Zoom and other professional teeth whitening treatments are not effective on all types of discoloration. Zoom is a bleaching system that treats extrinsic stains, or those that affect the outer layer of tooth enamel. Fortunately, the stains caused by smoking and tobacco use do exist on the tooth enamel. Because smoking stains and discoloration are extrinsic in nature, Zoom teeth whitening is an extremely effective solution for smokers.
Teeth Whitening Treatment Process
Patients are sometimes hesitant to undergo teeth whitening treatment because they aren’t sure what to expect from the procedure. Teeth whitening is fast, easy, and pain-free. Prior to treatment, the teeth are thoroughly cleaned. After the cleaning, guards are put in place to cover the gums and soft tissues of the mouth so they are not exposed to the whitening solution. The whitening gel, which contains bleaching agents, is then applied to the teeth. Finally, a special dental light is set over the teeth to activate the whitening formula.
After 15 minutes of exposure to the dental light, the teeth are wiped clean and a new layer of gel is applied. The teeth are again exposed to the dental light for 15 minutes. This cycle is repeated three times. During each 15 minute cycle, patients are free to read, watch TV, or listen to music. Within one hour, treatment will be complete, and results will be immediately obvious.
Prolonging Teeth Whitening Results
Professional teeth whitening treatment quickly and effectively brightens and whitens smiles compromised by smoking stains. However, if our Corpus Christi patients continue to smoke after teeth whitening treatment is complete, stains and discoloration will come back. To get the most out of teeth whitening results, we urge our patients to take these precautions:
- Try to avoid smoking for 24 hours after teeth whitening treatment
- When possible, brush the teeth or rinse the mouth after smoking
- Schedule professional dental cleanings at least twice a year
- Repeat teeth whitening treatment as needed to maintain whitening results
Contact Us
If smoking has damaged the brightness of your smile, you may be an ideal candidate for professional teeth whitening. To learn more about this popular cosmetic dentistry treatment, contact us.