A pearly-white smile is beautiful to look at and can greatly improve self-confidence.  Many people are opting for the Zoom!^® Chairside Whitening System (Zoom!^®) for fast, safe and effective teeth whitening.  Zoom!^® combines the newest advances in dental technology with proven chemical formulas. This ensures that the bleaching experience is painless, and the results are satisfying.

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.

There are literally hundreds of whitening treatments available in the marketplace, including take-home strips, bleaching toothpastes and take-home whitening gels.  Many take-home gels are ineffective and may not elicit the desired results.

Zoom!^® has many advantages over these other treatments, including:

• All teeth treated simultaneously.
• Faster treatment times.
• Longer lasting results.
• Reduced sensitivity..
• Safe procedure and treatment.
• Treatments are performed by an experienced professional.

It is important to seek advice from the dentist prior to beginning a bleaching regime.  Women who are pregnant or lactating should not seek bleaching treatment.

How does Zoom!^® whiten the teeth?

Zoom!^® is a bleaching process that lightens the dentin and enamel of the teeth.  Zoom!^® contains a hydrogen peroxide component (25%), which is the active ingredient in the gel.  When hydrogen peroxide is applied to the teeth, the peroxide component breaks down into tiny oxygen bubbles.  It is these bubbles that eliminate yellowing and staining.

The Zoom in-office tooth whitening procedure uses the Zoom Advanced Power Chairside Lamp – said to accelerate the bleaching process – to activate the 25 percent hydrogen peroxide whitening. As the hydrogen peroxide is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin to bleach the stained substances, leaving the structure of the tooth unchanged.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.  The internal structure of the teeth remains completely healthy and intact during and after the treatment.

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 with the dentist 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. During your consultation and evaluation, your dentist also will note if there is a  any existing fillings, crowns or veneers since whitening will not work on these restoration. 

How is the Zoom!^® treatment performed?

Prior to treatment, there will be a consultation where the dentist will outline the exact procedure.  On treatment day, a deep cleaning (prophylaxis) will be performed to rid the teeth of any debris and plaque.  Then, special eyewear will be provided to protect the eyes from the halide light, and splashguards to protect the clothing from the bleaching agent.

Here is a brief overview of the Zoom!^® procedure:

1. Cheek retractors will be placed to expose the entire surface of the teeth.
2. The gums and lips will be covered for protection. 
3. The dentist will apply the whitening gel to the teeth.
4. The light will then be applied to activate the gel.  This specialized Zoom!^® light can be positioned to work on all the teeth simultaneously.
5. The gel is applied for three 15-minute sessions of light activation, for a total treatment time of 45 minutes. 
6. The gel will be removed for the final time and rinsed the surface of the teeth. 

What happens after treatment?

You will be given a Zoom home-use touch-up kit that includes custom-fitted whitening trays. Follow your dentist’s instructions for when and how to use this touch-up kit. Post op instruction is given, there are certain foods to be avoided to prevent staining of your teeth such as coffee, red wine, berries, etc.  Tobacco products are also be be avoided since it will stain the teeth.

Toothpastes containing whitening agents also may be suggested by your dentist to maintain the results of the procedure

The same external factors that caused the discoloration in the first place can quickly work their way back onto the teeth.  For this reason, the dentist recommends flossing once a day, thorough cleaning with anti-sensitivity toothpaste twice a day. .  These post-treatment measures will ensure that the smile stays at its whitest for a long time.

Consideration ; 

Sensitivity during treatment may occur in some people. The Zoom light produces minimal heat, which is usually the source of discomfort. Rarely, minor tingling is experienced immediately after the procedure, but always dissipates.  Zoom whitening also comes with a take home anti sensitivity gel to be used with the custom made tray to help deal with post sensitivity.  Ask your dentist for an anti-sensitivity toothpaste prior to treatment to lessen sensitivity.

As with other whitening products, Zoom is not recommended for children under 13 years of age, or for pregnant or lactating women. Also, it is important to remember that whitening treatment may not be as effective for some people as it is for others. Only your dentist can determine if teeth whitening is right for you after performing a thorough oral examination that includes a shade assessment.

If you have questions about the Zoom!^® Chairside System, please ask your dentist.

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