11257 Alta Dr. Suite 101 Jacksonville, FL 32226
Are you considering professional teeth whitening? At Northpoint Dental in Jacksonville, we believe in providing not just treatments, but complete understanding. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about professional teeth whitening with Philips Zoom.
Professional teeth whitening can transform most smiles, but starting with healthy teeth and gums is crucial for optimal results. During your consultation at Northpoint Dental, we’ll carefully evaluate your oral health status, as any existing cavities or gum issues need treatment before whitening begins. We’ll also examine any existing dental work, since crowns and veneers won’t respond to whitening treatments. Understanding the type and cause of your tooth discoloration helps us predict your treatment’s success, while assessing your sensitivity levels ensures your comfort throughout the process.
Tooth discoloration occurs in two main ways. Extrinsic stains develop on the tooth surface from daily habits like drinking coffee, tea, and red wine, using tobacco products, or consuming heavily colored foods and spices. These surface-level stains typically respond well to professional whitening treatments.
Intrinsic stains, however, form within the tooth structure itself. These deeper discolorations can result from aging, certain medications (especially tetracycline taken during childhood), excessive fluoride exposure during tooth development, trauma to the tooth, or even genetic factors. While these stains can be more challenging to treat, professional whitening often still produces significant improvements.
At Northpoint Dental, we exclusively offer Philips professional whitening solutions, including both in-office and take-home options. Our premier treatment is the Philips Zoom in-office whitening system, which combines professional-strength hydrogen peroxide gel (25%) with advanced LED light technology for dramatic same-day results.
The in-office treatment begins with thorough preparation, including a professional cleaning if needed and careful documentation of your starting tooth shade. We then apply a protective barrier to keep your gums and soft tissue safe during treatment. The actual whitening process consists of three 15-minute sessions, with fresh gel application and LED light activation for each session. Throughout the treatment, we monitor your comfort and check for any sensitivity. The entire process, including preparation and post-treatment care, takes approximately 90 minutes.
For those preferring more flexibility, we offer Philips professional take-home systems. DayWhite uses 14% hydrogen peroxide and requires just 30 minutes of treatment per day. NiteWhite, formulated with 10% carbamide peroxide, is worn overnight, or for at least 2-4 hours per day. The NiteWhite formulation is a gentler option for those who may have teeth sensitivity. Both systems use custom-fitted trays made at Northpoint Dental, and professional-grade gel to achieve remarkable results over 2-3 weeks.
Professional whitening works through a carefully controlled oxidation process. The hydrogen peroxide gel breaks down into oxygen molecules that penetrate your tooth enamel, effectively breaking apart the molecules causing stains. What sets Philips Zoom apart is its advanced LED light technology, which accelerates this process by energizing the peroxide molecules.
Unlike over-the-counter products, professional whitening systems use higher concentrations of active ingredients and custom fitted trays to effectively apply the product. The professional-grade gels are carefully formulated to maintain the proper pH balance and include ingredients that help protect and strengthen your enamel during the whitening process. Most importantly, over-the-counter products only treat surface stains, so even though they may appear to be effective, results often don’t last as long as professional whitening.
Sensitivity during whitening is a common concern, but our comprehensive approach helps ensure your comfort throughout the process. Before treatment begins, we conduct a thorough sensitivity assessment and may recommend pre-treatment with special desensitizing agents. During your Zoom treatment, we can adjust the intensity settings and apply relief gel as needed.
For take-home treatments, we’ll provide detailed instructions on application timing and frequency, helping you achieve optimal results while minimizing sensitivity. We also recommend specific sensitivity-reducing products to use before, during, and after your whitening treatment.
Your professional whitening results can last one to three years, but proper maintenance plays a crucial role in their longevity. The first 48 hours after treatment are particularly important for establishing long-lasting results. During this period, your enamel is slightly more susceptible to staining, so we recommend following what we call the “white diet” – consuming only clear or white foods and beverages. This means temporarily avoiding common staining agents like coffee, red wine, dark sodas, and deeply colored sauces.
Beyond the initial period, maintaining your results becomes part of your daily oral hygiene routine. Regular dental cleanings help remove surface stains before they can penetrate deeper into the enamel. Your home care routine, including proper brushing and flossing, helps maintain not only your white smile but also your overall oral health. We’ll recommend specific Philips products designed to extend your whitening results and protect against new stains.
While professional whitening can dramatically improve your smile, it’s important to have realistic expectations about your results. Most patients achieve between two to eight shades of improvement, with Zoom in-office treatment providing the most dramatic immediate results. However, several factors influence your individual outcome, including your initial tooth shade, the type and cause of your discoloration, your age, and overall oral health.
Some types of discoloration respond better to whitening than others. Surface stains from coffee or tobacco typically show excellent improvement, while deeper intrinsic stains might require multiple treatments or alternative cosmetic solutions. During your consultation, we’ll assess your specific situation and provide a realistic preview of your expected results.
When considering professional whitening at Northpoint Dental, you’re investing in more than just the treatment itself. You’re choosing the expertise of trained professionals, the safety of monitored procedures, and the reliability of proven Philips whitening systems. While over-the-counter products might seem more economical initially, professional whitening often provides better value through superior, longer-lasting results and decreased risk of sensitivity or complications.
We understand that cost is an important consideration for many patients. That’s why we offer flexible payment options and Care Credit financing to make professional teeth whitening more accessible. We can discuss these options during your consultation and help you choose a payment plan that fits your budget.
Ready to discover how professional whitening can transform your smile? The first step is scheduling a consultation at Northpoint Dental. During this visit, we’ll evaluate your oral health, discuss your smile goals, and determine which Philips whitening option best suits your needs. We’ll also address any questions or concerns you might have about the process.
Whether you choose the immediate results of Zoom in-office treatment or the gradual transformation of our professional take-home systems, our experienced team will support you throughout your teeth whitening journey. Contact Northpoint Dental in Jacksonville today at (904) 439-8300 to schedule your whitening consultation and take the first step toward your brightest, most confident smile.
Remember, a brighter smile isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s about feeling confident in every aspect of your life. Let us help you achieve the radiant smile you’ve always wanted with our professional Philips whitening solutions.
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