This is accomplished by using a high-intensity light source. Laser whitening, such as Zoom, causes the rapid release of oxygen within a few minutes. Custom take-home whitening treatments stimulate the release of oxygen over a period of a few hours. This release of oxygen can occur over time or rapidly. Whitening activates the peroxides to release oxygen molecules that enter the enamel micro-fractures to break down stain pigmentation. There is also a genetic component to the color of your dentin that affects how white your teeth are.īleaching (whitening) products contain an active ingredient called hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. The degree of staining over a lifetime is influenced by foods (curry, coffee), drinks (red wine), habits (smoking, teeth grinding), and medications (Tetracycline). These micro-fractures pick up stains, debris, pigmentation, and start to show the yellow dentin support layer. Over time, the enamel breaks down and micro-fractures can form in the outer layer.

The inner layer, dentin, is the yellowish, less mineralized, supporting layer. The crown of a tooth is made up of two mineralized layers.Įnamel is a white, heavily mineralized, porcelain-like, external layer.

Zoom whitening tray