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The Color of My Teeth Doesn’t Match After Zoom Whitening

Posted on by AllSmiles.

My dentist completed Zoom whitening earlier this week, but my teeth don’t match. It all went pretty well, and I had very little pain or sensitivity after. It didn’t burn my gums or anything like that.

But now I can’t help but notice my right front tooth is lighter than all the others! At first, I thought I imagined it, but I’ve looked at it under different lights, and it’s lighter. My girlfriend noticed it, too. Why would this happen?

Thanks,

Ron

Hi Ron,

Thank you for contacting Bayou Dental Group regarding the results of your Zoom Whitening. One of our doctors would need to examine your teeth to explain your treatment results. Still, we will provide general information.

What Might Cause Inconsistent Results with Zoom Whitening?

If you get inconsistent results with Zoom whitening, the reasons may relate to tooth condition, gel application, or original tooth shade.

Consider these factors:

  • Tooth condition. If nearby teeth have more filling material than others, a tooth could appear lighter because it has more natural tooth structure left for whitening.
  • Application of bleaching gel. The unevenly applied gel can make some teeth whiter than others.
  • Original tooth shade. Shade differences can occur naturally. If the actual shade of a tooth is lighter than others, bleaching gel may make it more noticeable.

How Zoom Works

In-office teeth whitening gel being applied to teeth

Skilled cosmetic dentists ensure your teeth match after whitening

Teeth bleaching whitens natural tooth structure but not tooth-colored fillings or crowns, whether porcelain fused to metal, zirconia, or veneers. Zoom whitening places a hydrogen peroxide gel on the teeth. When a dentist shines a Zoom light on your teeth, it activates the gel.

What Can You Do About Uneven Teeth Whitening?

If teeth whitening produces uneven results, call your dentist for an evaluation. The correction may take a few appointments. Your dentist may do a touch-up to get a compatible match with your teeth.

David Finley, DDS, a Metairie, Louisiana, accredited cosmetic dentist and Academy of General Dentistry Fellow, sponsors this post. Read about what Dr. Finley and his team do to provide some of the best dental care in Monroe.

 

How Long Do Teeth Whitening Side Effects Last?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

How long do teeth whitening side effects last? I am scheduled for teeth whitening in a month and would like to know if I need to reschedule due to possible side effects. I got engaged last week, and now my friends are throwing an engagement party the day after I was supposed to get my teeth whitened. I do not want to be in so much pain that I cannot enjoy the party or smile for pictures. I called the dental office where I am getting the whitening, and they said I would not have side effects that would be so uncomfortable that it would prevent me from my routine. Will you please confirm that? Thank you. Journee from Fishkill, NY

 

Journee,

Thank you for contacting Bayou Dental Group regarding in-office teeth whitening. Congratulations on your engagement! Generally, any discomfort after in-office teeth whitening will be minimal. We will explain what you can expect.

How Long Do Teeth Whitening Side Effects Last?

Photo of Zoom whitening gel being applied to a patient's teeth

Zoom whitening

Sensitivity after in-office teeth whitening, such as Zoom Whitening, may last two to four days. However, your dentist can anticipate the level of sensitivity you may experience and condition your teeth to minimize sensitivity. Also, your dentist may adjust the bleaching gel strength or the number or length of whitening sessions.

Some dentists offer suggestions to increase your comfort. The recommendations may include the following:

  • Use Sensodyne toothpaste at least two weeks before your whitening appointment
  • Manage discomfort with ibuprofen
  • Avoid very cold or hot foods and drinks for a day or two after whitening
  • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and Sensodyne toothpaste after the whitening treatment
  • Wait until sensitivity decreases before using at-home follow-up whitening

Why Are Teeth Sensitive After Whitening?

Your teeth may be sensitive after whitening because the teeth-whitening process opens tiny tubules in the enamel that break down stains in the dentin (the layer beneath the enamel). As the bleaching gel moves through dentin pores, it can reach nerves and cause sensitivity.

You can talk to your teeth whitening dentist about your concerns. The dentist can prepare you to minimize discomfort if your teeth are generally sensitive to heat or cold. After speaking with the dentist, you can decide whether to keep or reschedule your teeth whitening appointment.

Monore, Louisiana, accredited Fellow of cosmetic dentistry Dr. David Finley sponsors this post.

When Can I Whiten My Teeth After Gum Surgery?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

I recently had gum surgery to correct receding gums around my upper front teeth. I’m so happy with how my smile looks that I’m now considering whitening my teeth because they are yellow. How long do I have to wait after gum surgery to get my teeth bleached? Thanks. Elijah from UT

Elijah,

Thank you for your question. There are a few things to consider before you brighten your smile.

When Can You Whiten Your Teeth After Gum Surgery?

You can whiten your teeth after your gum tissue heals from surgery.  Depending on your dentist’s surgical technique or the graft, you can expect between four to eight weeks for complete healing.

Do You Qualify for Zoom Whitening?

In-office Zoom whitening requires good oral health. Your dentist will examine your teeth to ensure that none of these conditions exist:

  • Broken or missing fillings
  • Tooth decay
  • Active periodontal disease
  • Remaining calculus clinging to the teeth

Also, gum surgeries must be fully healed. Your dentist will follow this procedure for in-office whitening:

  • Isolate your teeth with a rubber dam
  • Place a gingival barrier agent around each tooth to fully protect the gums
  • Apply the whitening agent, hydrogen peroxide, to lighten the tooth shade while keeping it away from the gums to avoid chemical burns
  • Use a blue LED light to activate the hydrogen peroxide and speed the process
Photo of Zoom whitening gel being applied to a patient's teeth

Zoom whitening

You can expect the whitening appointment to take approximately an hour and a half.

Your decision to correct the recession before proceeding with whitening was wise. The active compound in the bleaching gel must not touch exposed root surfaces to prevent irritation and sensitivity. After your gums heal, you may ask your dentist for an exam to determine if your teeth and gums are ready for whitening.

Monroe, Louisiana accredited Fellow of cosmetic dentistry Dr. David Finley sponsors this post.

 

Cosmetic Dentistry Ruined My Smile

Posted on by AllSmiles.

I think that cosmetic dentistry ruined my smile. My dentist whitened my teeth last December and placed six crowns on my front teeth in February. The crowns are supposed to be ceramic, but they are already turning yellow. Even if I drank coffee or smoked, I don’t think my crowns would be this color. My natural teeth and crowns do not match. Although my dentist says there is only a slight difference between my teeth and the crowns, the color is noticeable when I smile. My sister asked me what my dentist would do about my crowns. People notice my mismatched teeth, but my sister is the only one brave enough to say something. I am getting more embarrassed and self-conscious. I am afraid to ask my dentist to correct the crowns because I do not think she is capable. At the same time, I know she is responsible, and I should not have to pay another dentist for new crowns. What’s your advice? Thank you. Tyson from Oklahoma City

Tyson,

Thank you for your question.

We understand your frustration with trusting a dentist to improve your smile, but now your smile embarrasses you. Although Dr. Finley or Dr. Henderson would need to examine your crowns to determine why they are turning yellow, we will provide insight into what may be the culprit.

Why Causes New Dental Crowns to Turn Yellow?

New dental crowns may turn yellow if they are damaged or if they are a non-ceramic material. Consider these possibilities:

  • Damage during crown manufacturing or placement – A dentist may grind your crowns to adjust your bite and mistakenly damage the glaze during the adjustment. Also, the dental lab may not have glazed your crowns properly. Dental glazes are glass powders that make crowns look glossy, like natural teeth.
  • Damage while getting your teeth cleaned – Power instruments that blast sodium bicarbonate on your teeth to clean them will damage the glaze on your crowns. Also, an acidulated fluoride treatment will etch the glaze and discolor your crowns. A dental hygienist can mistakenly use the incorrect tools or chemicals on your teeth.
  • Crowns made of non-ceramic material – If your dentist placed composite restorations on your teeth and not ceramic crowns, they would discolor. You can ask your dentist for a copy of the paperwork that shows what kind of crowns you have.

Get a Second Opinion

In-office teeth whitening gel being applied to teeth

Skilled cosmetic dentists perfectly match dental crowns to your whitened teeth

Schedule an appointment with an advanced—preferably accredited cosmetic dentist—for a second opinion. You will need an examination by the dentist to identify the cause of your yellow crowns. A skilled cosmetic dentist can restore your smile with new custom crowns that match the shade of your newly whitened teeth.

Dental crowns should last for at least five years, so your dentist owes you a refund. Before requesting a refund, get documentation from your second opinion dentist of the work needed to restore your smile.

 

Monore, Louisiana, accredited Fellow of cosmetic dentistry Dr. David Finley sponsors this post.

My Crowns Don’t Match My Whitened Teeth

Posted on by AllSmiles.

I got new crowns in February, and they did not match my teeth. My dentist recommended whitening my teeth first and matching the crowns to them. I trusted my dentist at the time, but now I have regrets. Well, my natural teeth are less brighter than when my dentist first did Zoom, but my new crowns look dark. I gave it some time to see if I could adjust, but the crowns are too noticeable. My dentist says that my teeth and crowns are a close match, but that is not good enough for me. Is it too late to do anything about this? Thank you. Kelli

Kelli,

Thank you for your question.

Whitening your teeth before getting new crowns can help a dentist and dental lab match the crowns to your new tooth color.

Why Don’t Your Crowns Match the Color of Your Teeth?

When new crowns do not match the color of your teeth, the reasons may include:

  • Your dentist did not finish your whitening sessions. A dentist must complete all Zoom whitening sessions before choosing your crown color. If the dentist must complete another session, or if you do at-home touchups, your teeth will be whiter than your crowns.
  • Your tooth color did not stabilize. It can take another week or two for your tooth color to stabilize. If a dentist color matches your crowns before the color of your teeth settles, your crowns will be too dark.
  • Your dentist requested the wrong crown shade from the lab. Dental ceramists at laboratories make crowns based on your dentist’s requests. Your dentist may have ordered the wrong color.

Your dental records include the instructions that your dentist sent to the lab. But you would not be able to determine if your dentist’s request matches your new tooth color. We recommend speaking with your dentist again to ask why your crowns and teeth do not match.

If you do not get satisfying answers and your dentist is unwilling to correct your crown color, you can ask for a copy of your dental records. Afterward, you can request a refund and find an advanced cosmetic dentist to give you a beautiful smile.

 

Monroe, Louisiana accredited Fellow of cosmetic dentistry Dr. David Finley sponsors this post.

Is There Any Hope for My Gray Teeth?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

Man protraying concern over gray teeth and how to whiten themMy teeth look gray. Is there any hope for my gray teeth and whitening them? Should I ask a dentist for whitening treatment? My teeth haven’t always been this shade, but the problem has worsened over the past eight years. The stains are not on my teeth. They look like they are coming from the inside. I am disappointed that my dentist does not seem more concerned because I’ve had the same dentist for the past ten years. I’ve decided to see a different dentist about the staining. But before I schedule an appointment, can you give me an idea of what to expect for treatment? Thank you. Levi from Illinois

Levi,

Thank you for your question. Gray spots that are intrinsic—or naturally a part of the teeth—are beneath the enamel.

What Causes Gray Teeth?

Factors that may cause gray teeth stains or discoloration include:

  1. Medication – Medication, particularly tetracycline, taken during childhood while teeth are developing can cause teeth to stain. Tetracycline binds to calcium ions in developing teeth. When teeth erupt and the tetracycline is oxidized, it turns dark in color, and yellow, brown, or gray spots become a part of the inner tooth structure. Certain antibiotics can cause tooth discoloration in adults.
  2. Trauma – Trauma or an accident that impacts your teeth or mouth can disrupt the blood flow and cause teeth to discolor.
  3. Dental work – Metal used in fillings or dental cement in tooth restorations can show gray spots or streaks through the enamel.
  4. Medical conditions – Nutritional deficiencies, specific acquired and hereditary diseases, and genetic defects can cause gray teeth.

What Are the Treatment Options for Gray Teeth?

Zoom whitening gel being applied to teeth

Teeth bleaching with Zoom

Treatment for gray teeth can include one or more cosmetic treatments to improve the color. A skilled cosmetic dentist may recommend bleaching, dental bonding, porcelain veneers, or ceramic crowns, depending on the cause of discoloration and condition of your teeth.

Visit an experienced cosmetic dentist for an oral examination and a thorough review of your health history. They will determine the cause of the gray spots in your teeth and the best way to treat them. The cosmetic dentist will discuss your treatment options.

American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited Fellow and Monroe, Louisiana dentist, Dr. David Finley sponsors this post.

 

Does It Matter What You Eat After Teeth Whitening?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

White close-up smile portraying what to eat after teeth whiteningTeeth whitening breaks down years of embedded stains in your teeth. But if you are concerned about getting the best results, you may wonder if what you eat affects how bright your teeth get. We will discuss the results of five studies and how you can decide what is right for you.

What Should You Eat After Getting Your Teeth Whitened?

Does it matter what you eat when getting Zoom whitening? Some dentists recommend avoiding foods that stain during the whitening treatment. But what do studies show?

The article, White Diet: Is It Necessary During Tooth Whitening?, published in Operative Dentistry, reviewed five studies of patients during their whitening treatment. Participants did not have any dietary restrictions during their whitening treatment, but they answered questions about their diet. The results reveal how eating and drinking staining foods before, during, and after whitening treatment affects tooth shade. What did researchers find after reviewing five studies?

Before whitening

Survey participants who drank a lot of tea and coffee before whitening their teeth had darker teeth than non-tea and coffee drinkers. And their color change was more dramatic after whitening.

During whitening

Researchers in one study found no effect of coffee on tooth bleaching before completing treatment. Still, researchers in a separate study concluded that patients should avoid brown staining while bleaching their teeth. Researchers also concluded that adhering to a white diet during teeth whitening did not improve the outcome.

After whitening

  • Tea stains – Does not significantly stain bleached tooth enamel
  • Coffee – Little effect on color change after bleaching, but has more staining effect than cigarette smoke
  • Wine – Win increases the risk of teeth stains

What’s Wrong with Following a White Diet?

Not all dentists agree with the research. Some dentists recommend a white diet—or avoiding staining foods—during and after the whitening process. While others say eat whatever you want. Still many patients prefer to avoid coffee, tea, berries, and dark foods and drinks. Talk to your dentist and decide what is best for you.

What Can You Expect with Zoom Whitening?

Before Zoom whitening, your dentist will explain the results you can expect. After completing treatment, your tooth color will stabilize in two to three weeks and may not be as bright as at first. Talk to your dentist if you want to lighten your teeth further.

If you want to keep drinking coffee or tea after whitening, you may need to do touch-ups more often to keep your teeth as bright as you wish.

 

David Finley, DDS, a Monroe, Louisiana dentist, sponsors this post. Dr. Finley is an accredited Fellow of cosmetic dentistry.

 

How Long After Wisdom Teeth Removal Can a Tooth Infection Last?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

Man holding the side of his face, perhaps with a lingering infection after wisdom teeth removalThree years ago, I began feeling pain in my lower wisdom teeth. And now, at 52 years old, I had all four teeth extracted. It has been a painful recovery. Two weeks after surgery, the painful lump in my lower jaw hurt even more. My oral surgeon prescribed another antibiotic, but it did not help. I returned to the office, and the surgeon cleaned the socket and prescribed more antibiotics. Although the lump is smaller, it is somewhat tender and hurts sometimes. I have two days of antibiotics left. Is it possible that some infection is left in the socket? I am scheduled for Zoom whitening in November, and I want to do whatever I can to finish it before the holidays. Thank you. Luke from Kansas City

Luke,

Thank you for your question.

Dr. Finley would need to examine your tooth socket to determine if it is still infected. But your description sounds that you need to continue antibiotics after your current prescription runs out. Contact your oral surgeon and explain that you have not healed completely and need more antibiotics. If your symptoms do not improve in a few days after the new prescription, keep taking the medication to avoid a relapse.

How Long After Wisdom Teeth Removal Can a Tooth Infection Last?

A tooth infection can last several weeks after wisdom tooth removal. And an infection can begin as late as three to four weeks after removal. At times, patients stop taking prescribed antibiotics too soon. Or they assume that a lingering infection will go away if they have taken all their medication. But you need to take antibiotics until the infection is gone to prevent the bacteria from growing and becoming antibiotic-resistant.

When Should You Get Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Although each patient’s case is different, you should have your wisdom teeth removed as early in life as possible if they are problematic. Even if you do not feel pain, your dentist should monitor your wisdom teeth to see their position. If teeth are impacted or so far back in your mouth that they are challenging to clean, an infection will develop eventually.

Ask your dentist or oral surgeon to remove your wisdom teeth before they get infected or begin to hurt. The American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons confirms that tooth roots grow deeper and jawbone hardens as we age. Both factors can make wisdom teeth removal and recovery more challenging.

We wish you a progressive recovery. After you are in good oral health, you can begin Zoom whitening treatment without a relapse.

 

David Finley, DDS of Monroe, LA, sponsors this post. Dr. Finley is an accredited Fellow of cosmetic dentistry.

Will bleaching harm my porcelain veneers?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

Will bleaching harm my porcelain veneers? I got porcelain veneers 16 years ago. They were whiter than my tooth color. Despite my disappointment, my dentist could not achieve a perfect match. Now my teeth are darker than my veneers. The hygienist cleans and polishes my teeth well, but they are stained, probably from my smoking and coffee drinking. I need to improve my smile, so I am thinking about bleaching. My hygienist discourages it because she said it would make my teeth whiter than my veneers. I don’t know which is worse – the way my teeth look now or having them whiter than my veneers. My real concern is damaging the veneers. Will bleaching harm the veneers?  – Thank you. Daneen from MS

Daneen,

Bleaching your teeth will not harm your veneers. But as your hygienist implied, it will not make them any lighter.

Although you want brighter teeth, the noticeable difference between your teeth and porcelain veneers can leave you disappointed and self-conscious. Your teeth can end up several shades whiter than your porcelain veneers.

Matching Porcelain Veneers and Tooth Whitening

Photo of a woman wearing goggles and reclined in a dental chair with the Zoom whitening LED light over her teeth.

Speak with a cosmetic dentist to find out if Zoom will accomplish your goals

If your veneers are 16 years old, it might be time to consider improving your smile and giving your teeth uniform color. Speak with a cosmetic dentist about possible options:

  • Professional teeth whitening followed by replacing your porcelain veneers
  • Polishing your porcelain veneers (depending on their condition) to brighten them, followed by composite bonding to match your veneers

Replacing Your Porcelain Veneers

If you decide to replace your porcelain veneers, look for an advanced cosmetic dentist. Unlike your original porcelain veneers, a cosmetic dentist will be concerned about the shade and appearance of your teeth. The goal will be to enhance your entire smile—not just replace the veneers.

Before receiving veneers, you can explain the tooth shade you want. After the dentist provides whitening treatment, your porcelain veneers will be a perfect match. Getting your tooth color close will not be good enough for a true cosmetic dentist.

Only a dentist with an artistic eye and cosmetic dentistry training can achieve beautiful results. And few dentists have the training and skill that it takes.

 

David Finley, DDS of Monroe, LA, sponsors this post. Dr. Finley is an accredited Fellow of cosmetic dentistry.

Are a root canal and crown right for tooth root calcification?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

After my dentist examined my upper right front tooth, she did an x-ray. The tooth is stained, and my dentist wanted to check it out before she did Zoom Whitening. I switched dentists about 7 months ago because my previous dentist didn’t do Zoom whitening. The x-ray shows that the tooth root is getting calcified, so my dentist recommends root canal treatment and a crown. I feel like my dentist is rushing me through the root canal and crown so we can complete the Zoom Whitening. She mentioned Lava and e.max crowns. How am I supposed to know which one to choose? – Thank you. Russ from MO

Russ,

Although Dr. Finley would need to examine your tooth, why is your dentist recommending root canal treatment? If a tooth’s root canals are getting calcified, it doesn’t always mean they are infected.

What Is Tooth Root Calcification?

Tooth root calcification is a condition that reduces the size of the pulp chamber in a tooth. It is the result of extra dentin deposits in the tooth. Sometimes calcification requires root canal treatment.

What Causes Tooth Root Calcification?

  • Traumatic injury – After trauma, a tooth releases extra dentist to protect against infection in its canals.
  • Aging – Tooth canals slowly get calcified as we age.
  • Decay – A large amount of tooth decay can result in decalcification.

Lava Crowns vs. e.max Crowns

Different companies make Lava and e.max crowns. But they both have a lithium disilicate foundation overlaid with feldspathic porcelain. The crowns require aggressively grinding down your natural tooth, which will further weaken it.

Even if you need a root canal treatment, you do not necessarily need a crown on your front tooth. An advanced cosmetic dentist can preserve most of your healthy tooth structure with this process:

  • Remove the root canal filling material
  • Strengthen your tooth with a fiberglass post
  • Place a thin porcelain veneer to correct tooth color
Photo of a woman wearing goggles and reclined in a dental chair with the Zoom whitening LED light over her teeth.

Verify if Zoom in-office whitening will work for you

Although Zoom whitening will brighten your teeth, discoloration from within a tooth needs an alternative treatment. A porcelain veneer can correct it.

We recommend that you get a second opinion from an advanced cosmetic dentist to determine if you need root canal treatment and explain options for concealing the discoloration in your tooth.

David Finley, DDS, a Monroe, LA, accredited cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post.

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