What Do The Top Dentists Think About Zoom Whitening?

Tired of that dingy smile? Well, it you’re thinking of looking into turning your teeth into pearly whites, Zoom Whitening may be just be the solution for you. Zoom Whitening or Zoom 2 is a 1-hour procedure performed in a dental office. Results vary from person to person but many report good whitening results. According to Reseda Dentist, Dr. Nourishad, The average cost is $375 depending on the expertise of the dentist you choose and the region in which they are located.

The dentist normally breaks down the treatment to four 10 to 15 minute intervals. A paint-like substance is applied to the teeth first and then the patient is placed under a Zoom light (laser). After the first interval, another layer of substance is applied and then the light repeated. Most patients see an improvement of 4 shades lighter than their original color.

The long-term results are based on the current health of your teeth, your age and eating habits, and your personal hygiene routine to keep them looking good. Obviously, if you smoke, drink caffeine or tea, etc. the results will not be maintained as well as if you didn’t partake in these teeth staining habits. Over the counter whitening strips or gels are a great method of maintaining the whiteness for quite awhile and a cheaper alternative to repeated laser treatments.

Like everything, there are also precautions and side effects to be aware of. One of the most common complaints reported by patients is something called “Zingers” which are brief but powerful twinges of intense pain in the teeth felt during the bleach process.

Also, some dental practices don’t use Zoom lights for the following reasons:

There are two basic ways to whiten teeth: high strength peroxide for a short time in the office or lower strength peroxide for multiple days at home. Both whiten teeth but the difference is that the higher peroxide content, the greater the risk for sensitivity during and after the whitening. In his professional opinion, light activated in-office systems are a non-scientific gimmick that dehydrate and hyper-sensitive teeth for no additional improvement. This means the cost of such treatment isn’t justified as documented to several journal entries Vu provides.

Another dentist, Dr. David Doering of Tampa, Florida has a different opinion. He says the most effective method he’s found so far to whiten teeth are gel trays or Zoom Laser Whitening which is a quick in and out service that can accomplish incredible results in just one visit.

Trying over the counter methods is a good place to start but the percent of hydrogen peroxide is much lower than a dental office will use to get results. Talk to several dentists about various whitening options and which he or she feels is the best to create the bright smile you’d like to create.

3 Important Factors To Consider When Choosing A Family Dentist

There are several factors to take into consideration when choosing a Dentist for your family.  Begin your search by asking friends, family or co-workers for referrals.  Your family doctor, pharmacist and dental labs may be good resources that may point you in the right direction as well.  Here are some top things to consider during your selection process:

DENTIST’S EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE

Avoid flamboyant advertising and dentists that advertise low cost which may be an indication they may be more focused on volume and not long-term care.  Try to look for a reliable Dentist with over 20 years of experience that has had a long-term established clientele with other families to ensure stability and a secure track record in performing great work for an established group of patients.  Price is not the best way to judge quality.  Instead, pay attention to the time your dentist takes with you and your children.  See if he or she pays close attention to detail and patiently answers all of your family’s questions with patience and an appropriate wealth of knowledge.

CONVENIENCE – LOCATION AND HOURS

Is the Dentist located in convenient proximity to your home or work?  Are their hours of operation such that you could contact them and get an appointment last minute in the event of an emergency?  Do they have an answering service or pick up their messages on a regular basis to provide that sense of comfort you’ll need if you need immediate attention?

Is the dentist open on Saturdays or do they have extended hours for appointments during the week?  If you tend to travel and/or work long hours, you’ll be glad you asked when it comes time to schedule an appointment or if you get busy with the kids school and activity schedule, you’ll know you can count on being able to get an appointment without so much hassle.

CAN THE DENTIST MEET YOUR INSURANCE NEEDS

Insurance is a key factor when choosing a family dentist.  If you and your family are covered through your work place, make sure the dentist you choose is on the list of eligible dentists.  If your insurance isn’t through your workplace, make sure that the dentist you choose accepts your kind of insurance.

Once you’ve located a good prospect, schedule a visit to see whether the Dentist and offices are a good fit for you.  The Dentist may initiate discussion on fees and payment plans to see if they meet your finances and limitations.  There may be fixed fee or rates for certain procedures.  Ask about this and what extra fees may be charged for these and when payments fall due.

Two additional sources of finding a Dentist in your area are 1-800-Dentist and FreeDentistFinder.com.

How Much Does A Cavity Filling Typically Cost Without Dental Insurance?

The cost of a typical filling when you don’t have dental insurance varies depending on the experience of the dentist and the type of filling you choose. According to Dr. Nourishad, an experienced dentist in Reseda, The average cost for one amalgam (silver) filling runs between $75 and $150 whereas the average cost for a composite/Ionomer (white) filling runs between $150 and $250. Here are some of the various filling materials that a patient can choose from and some of the pros and cons in using each material.

AMALGAM: This is the easiest material for a dentist to use and the most common. It is the fastest and least costly choice. Amalgam is a mixture of mercury, silver, tin or other metals. This kind of filling typically lasts up to 15 years or more. The continued debate on having this material in your body for that long is the danger of the presence of mercury causing other long term side effects. Dentists argue on both sides of this issue and many claim that side effects have not been substantiated.

COMPOSITE RESINS: These are tooth colored fillings mostly used on your front teeth to fill cavities and serve the patient aesthetically. It is easier for the dentist to work with over gold and is generally less expensive. Many people choose this option since it is transparent, making it look like part of the real tooth. Most dentists say these will not last nearly as long as amalgam fillings but are still suitable material.

IONOMERS: These are tooth colored materials often used to fill small cavities or those between teeth. Some Ionomers release small amounts of fluoride that may be helpful in the event a patient is prone to cavities. A similar option to composite resins.

GOLD: This is the most costly of the filling material choices and is the hardest for a dentist to work with which makes the procedure longer. Metals such as Gold and Silver do however have a reputation of being the most durable of filling materials.

CERAMICS: These are tooth colored fillings that are more costly than Amalgam or Composite Resins. Though they have a reputation of lasting longer as well, they require special equipment and may require dental lab support. Multiple appointments may also be necessary to complete a procedure.

The best approach is to shop around for a good dentist who offers the best service who offers the most value. Referrals from friends and family are a great place to start. The most important point to remember is that you have regular checkups and GET any fillings taken of to avoid other complications later. Small cavities can quickly grow into larger ones and cause other disease if not taken care of properly. Visiting your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings twice per year will help you detect a filling before it becomes a larger problem.