What is Zoom! Whitening?
Zoom! is a bleaching process widely used to lighten any discoloration of your enamel and dentin. It can be found in dentist offices across the US and around the world. Staining and discoloration is common if you drink coffee, tea, cola and red wine, or if you are a smoker. Your teeth can also discolor over time as you age.
If you opt for the Zoom in-office tooth whitening procedure, you will be seated under the Zoom Advanced Power Chairside Lamp. This lamp is used to accelerate the bleaching process and activate the 25 percent hydrogen peroxide whitening. As the hydrogen peroxide soaks into the teeth, it releases oxygen in the enamel and dentin to bleach the stained substances, leaving the structure of the tooth unchanged.
Zoom or Boost Whitening
Boost tooth whitening is a second option for accelerated bleaching of the teeth. It is similar to Zoom, but doesn’t use a lamp. At LA Healthy Smile, we have both options available.
Consultation and Treatment Planning
In order to decide whether Zoom or Boost in-office teeth whitening is right for you, Dr. Khodadadi will conduct a comprehensive examination of your teeth and gums to ensure they are in proper health. He will also discuss your oral hygiene and lifestyle habits to determine if you will benefit from whitening. This will help you and your dentist agree on the whitening treatment plan that is best for you.
He may suggest tooth whitening before you undergo cosmetic dental procedures, such as porcelain veneers or composite bonding, to ensure a better match between the restoration and your natural dentition. He also may recommend tooth whitening after the removal of braces.
During your consultation and evaluation, he also will note existing dental work, such as crowns and veneers, which will not respond to conventional whitening agents. The crown or veneer cannot be lightened, but the teeth around it can. Depending on the condition of your teeth and your goals for changing the look of your smile, tooth whitening may not be your best option.
The Zoom In-Office Whitening Procedure
A regular teeth cleaning is recommended prior to the actual Zoom teeth whitening session. The procedure begins with a short preparation to cover the lips and gums, leaving the teeth exposed. Next, the dentist or dental assistant will apply the Zoom hydrogen peroxide whitening gel. This works together with the Zoom light to penetrate the teeth and break up any stains and discoloration. The gel remains in place for 15 minutes while the light is activated. During this time, you can relax, watch TV or listen to music.
The gel is applied for three 15-minute sessions of light activation, for a total treatment time of 45 minutes. Immediately afterwards, a sensitivity-reducing fluoride paste-gel is applied to the teeth. In all, the complete procedure takes about an hour.
Boost has a similar protocol, but no light is used.
Bleaching Aftercare and Maintenance
Dr. Khodadadi will send you home with a Zoom or Boost touch-up kit, which includes custom-fitted whitening trays. Follow his instructions for when and how to use this touch-up kit. He also may suggest using toothpastes containing peroxide to help maintain the results of the procedure.
To help maintain the whitening effects of your Zoom or Boost teeth whitening treatment, it is advisable to avoid certain foods and beverages, including tea, coffee, red wine, cola. If you cannot avoid these foods, please consume them in moderation.
Similarly, tobacco products will stain teeth, even after whitening treatments. As such, dentists often suggest you quit using them to maintain both whitening results and healthy oral hygiene.
If stains do recur, you can get refills of touch-up bleaching gel to keep your teeth at their maximum whiteness. Also, come back in and see us regularly for your scheduled teeth cleanings.
Teeth Whitening Considerations
Sensitivity during treatment may occur in some people. The Zoom light produces minimal heat, which is usually the source of discomfort. Rarely, patients feel minor tingling immediately after the procedure, but this always dissipates. Using an anti-sensitivity toothpaste prior to treatment can help lessen sensitivity during the procedure. Boost does not have the light, but there is still a possibility of some post-operative sensitivity.
Zoom or Boost whitening, as with other tooth whitening products, are not recommended for children under 13 years of age, or for women who are pregnant or lactating. Also, whitening treatment results may vary and may not be as effective for some people as it is for others. Dr. Khashayar Khodadadi will help you determine if Zoom teeth whitening is right for you after a thorough oral examination which includes a shade assessment.