The Zoom!™ In-Office Whitening System is a revolutionary tooth whitening procedure. It is safe, effective and fast, very fast! In just over an hour, your teeth will be dramatically whiter. Zoom!® Whitening is ideal for anyone looking for immediate results. The convenience of Zoom!® in comparison to days of wearing trays and gradual whitening makes it the perfect choice for the busy individual.
There are many reasons why teeth become stained or discolored, including tobacco use, and drinking dark liquids such as red wine, coffee, tea and cola. However, the natural aging process and prescription medication use can also cause yellowing and graying. Zoom!® combines the newest advances in dental technology with proven whitening agent formulas, ensuring that the bleaching experience is comfortable, and the results are satisfying.
Zoom!® has many advantages over other whitening systems and take home gels/strips including:
- All teeth treated simultaneously
- Faster treatment times
- Longer lasting results
- Reduced sensitivity
- Removal of stains on crowns, veneers and other restorations
- Safe procedure and treatment
- Treatments are performed by an experienced professional
***It is important to seek advice from a dentist prior to beginning a bleaching regime. Women who are pregnant or lactating should not seek bleaching treatment of any kind***
Light sensitive individuals including those undergoing PUVA (Psoralen+UV Radiation) therapy or other photo-chemotherapy, as well as patients with melanoma, should not undergo the Zoom!® In-Office procedure. Also patients taking any light sensitive drugs or substances, whether over-the-counter, prescription or homeopathic, should consult their primary physician prior to the procedure. Anyone who is not eligible for Zoom!® In-Office for these reasons may be an excellent candidate for our Zoom!® Take-home option.
How does Zoom!® work?
Zoom!® uses hydrogen peroxide (25%) as the active ingredient in the gel. When applied to the teeth, the peroxide component breaks down into tiny oxygen bubbles which eliminate yellowing and staining.
A mercury metal halide light is used to activate the gel and expedite the whitening process. This specialized light contains a unique infrared filter that works to reduce the amount of heat (and therefore sensitivity) on the surface of the teeth during the procedure.
As with any whitening system, the post-treatment results can vary according to the degree of staining and the condition of the teeth. A consultation prior to treatment will provide information as to what kind of results Zoom!® can provide in specific instances. Zoom!® is only applied to healthy teeth and gums. If tooth decay or gum disease is an issue, these need to be controlled before the bleaching treatment is performed.
How is the Zoom!® treatment performed?
Prior to treatment, there will be a consultation where we will go over what to expect. We will provide you with Sensodyne tooth paste to start using prior to your whitening, and recommend that you use Chapstick or other lip balm consistently until your whitening appointment.
Here is a brief overview of the Zoom!® procedure:
- You will be provided with special eyewear to protect the eyes from the bright halide light
- A surface cleaning (prophylaxis) will be performed to rid the teeth of any debris and plaque
- Cheek retractors will be placed to expose the entire surface of the teeth
- The gums will be painted or covered to reduce irritation
- Zoom!® gel will then be applied to the teeth
- The specialized light will be positioned to work on all the teeth simultaneously
- After 15 minutes, the gel will be removed from the teeth and the mouth will be rinsed
- The process of gel application and removal will be repeated up to a total of three times
What happens after treatment?
Some people experience temporary increased tooth sensitivity to cold during or immediately after treatment. These symptoms disappear within 1-3 days after completion of the treatment. Any discomfort can be managed with Tylenol or Motrin. People with sensitive teeth may use Sensodyne toothpaste for a week or two before and after the procedure.
The same external factors that caused the discoloration in the first place can work their way back onto the teeth. For this reason, we recommend maintaining good oral hygiene, and occasional touch up with Zoom!® At-home whitening. These post-treatment measures will ensure that your smile stays at its whitest for a long time.
A Note of Assurance
Tooth whitening is a well-established procedure in cosmetic dentistry. Hydrogen Peroxide, the active agent in Zoom! has also been safely used for many years in the treatment of gums and other oral soft tissue.
The whitening process is effective on most discolored teeth. Darker stains, such as those caused by antibiotics, are more difficult to whiten. The degree of whiteness will vary from patient to patient, depending on the structure of the teeth.
If you have questions about the Zoom!® Chairside System, please ask our friendly team members.
