We’re all susceptible to tooth discoloration as we age. And it’s often exacerbated by drinking coffee, soda, tea, wine and smoking. But messy take-home tooth whitening trays can take up to two weeks to achieve the full effect, while over-the-counter whitening strips and toothpastes tend to fade fast and can have “spotty” results. Many of these dental products are minimally effective and you may not see any changes at all.
If you want fast, effective results, you may want to consider the Zoom!® Chairside Whitening System. Created by Discus Dental, Inc. and made popular by the company’s founder, celebrity dentist Dr. William Dorfman, Zoom! has become a household name among in-office teeth whitening products. In fact, Zoom! has been clinically proven to work better and last longer than standard bleaching trays. The secret is in the Zoom! light, which activates the gel to whiten teeth up to eight shades in under an hour. As Zoom!’s lamp generates minimal heat, it’s also an excellent option for sensitive patients who normally wouldn’t be able to tolerate teeth whitening. And because Zoom! is monitored by a dental professional, it’s safe!
How it Works
The entire Zoom! teeth whitening process takes about one hour. After a short preparation period to cover your lips and gums, the Zoom! whitening gel is applied directly to your teeth. The Zoom! light is then positioned over your mouth for 15 minutes while you relax, listen to music or watch television. Your dentist or cosmetic dentist will repeat this process two more times, totaling about 45 minutes of dental treatment.
The active ingredient in whitening gel is hydrogen peroxide, which releases oxygen into the tooth enamel and underlying dentin to bleach out discoloration. The Zoom! light speeds up this process by activating the gel, allowing the hydrogen peroxide to better penetrate the surface of the tooth and create a whiter smile.
Preparing for Zoom!
As with any laser teeth whitening procedure, Zoom! should not be considered a “drive-thru” experience. An exam is needed prior to scheduling your treatment to determine what type of tooth stains you have and whether Zoom! will work for you (intrinsic tooth stains caused by certain medications or fluorosis may not be treatable with Zoom!). For optimal results, it’s recommended that you have a dental cleaning beforehand to remove existing dental plaque, tartar or other irritants that can affect your results. Any existing dental problems should also be treated before undergoing your Zoom! teeth whitening treatment.
For Safety’s Sake
As with any teeth whitening system, there is a possibility of experiencing some minor side effects with Zoom!. The chemicals contained in the gel may irritate those with sensitive teeth. The heat and UV rays produced by a teeth whitening laser or lamp can also put you at risk of burning the soft tissues of your oral cavity. As the Zoom! lamp produces some heat, every measure is taken to protect your lips and gums. Lip and tongue retractors, protective eyewear and dental dams are all used to protect you from exposure.
Zoom! teeth whitening is considered safe when performed under the supervision of a dental professional. However, Zoom! is not recommended for children under 13 or women who are pregnant or nursing. Some patients may experience sensitivity or a tingling sensation, which will eventually subside. If you have sensitive teeth, it’s recommended you brush with anti-sensitivity toothpaste starting a couple weeks before treatment. Your dentist may also apply fluoride after the procedure to further help reduce sensitivity.
Extend Your Results
With proper care, your teeth should always remain whiter than they were before Zoom!. Practicing good oral hygiene, avoiding foods that stain teeth and abstaining from smoking will lengthen the results. To keep your smile looking bright, Zoom! recommends occasional touch-ups with Zoom! WeekenderTM or Nite White® gel, which can be purchased from your Zoom! dentist.