Consultation and Examination
Your dentist will begin by assessing your dental health to determine if Zoom teeth whitening is viable. They will examine your teeth for dental concerns like gum disease and cavities, which should be addressed before whitening.
Using a shade guide, your dentist will assess the color of your teeth and advise you on the results you can realistically expect. They will then create a personalized treatment plan based on the evaluation results.
Moreover, you can discuss any questions or concerns during the consultation. Before proceeding, your dentist will also ensure you understand the procedure's risks and benefits.
Preparation
Preparation for the teeth whitening procedure typically involves the following steps:
- Protective barrier placement: Your dentist will place a protective barrier made of soft, rubbery material over your lips and gums. This barrier is designed to shield your lips, gums, and sensitive mouth tissues from the whitening gel
- Cheek retractor placement: Next, your dentist will secure a cheek retractor in your mouth to ensure that your lips and cheeks don't come in contact with the whitening gel. A cheek retractor is a plastic or rubber device that gently pulls your cheeks away from your teeth. Apart from reducing the risk of irritation, the cheek retractor creates enough space for the dentist to access all your teeth.
- Liquid dam or protective resin: This step of the preparation process involves applying a liquid dam or protective resin to your gumline. The liquid dam is a specialized, flexible material that provides an extra layer of protection by isolating your gums from the whitening gel
Application of Whitening Gel
The whitening gel is responsible for removing stains and discoloration from teeth. Its active ingredients are usually hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. These compounds release oxygen molecules, which penetrate the enamel, breaking down the chemical bonds that cause staining and discoloration.
Your dentist will select the appropriate type of gel based on your specific needs, evaluation results, and the level of whitening you desire. They will then evenly apply the whitening gel to the front surfaces of the teeth using a customized brush to ensure uniform coverage.
Zoom Light Activation
Once the gel is applied, your dentist will activate the whitening process using a Zoom light. This high-intensity light accelerates the chemical reaction within the gel, allowing it to penetrate deeper into the enamel and effectively break down the stains.
While some variations of Zoom may use a single long session, in most cases, the Zoom teeth whitening process involves multiple short sessions, each lasting around 15 minutes. The dentist may reapply the whitening gel and activate it with the zoom light in each session to gradually achieve the desired level of whitening.
Post-Whitening Care
After the procedure is complete and the desired level of whitening is achieved, your dentist will carefully remove the whitening gel and protective materials from your mouth. They may apply a fluoride treatment to help strengthen the enamel and reduce tooth sensitivity.
They will also provide detailed instructions on maintaining your whitened teeth. These instructions may include dietary guidelines, oral health tips, and tooth sensitivity management.
Benefits of Zoom Teeth Whitening
Zoom teeth whitening offers several benefits, which is why it's a popular dental cosmetic procedure. Some of its key benefits include the following:
Rapid Results
A significant advantage of Zoom teeth whitening is its speed and effectiveness. Zoom can deliver noticeable improvements in one session, unlike at-home whitening methods that may require weeks of consistent application.
The rapid and dramatic transformation is particularly appealing if you’re seeking to enhance the appearance of your teeth for a special occasion, such as a wedding or job interview.
Removal of Deep Stains
Zoom whitening removes deep stains and discoloration that may not respond to at-home whitening methods or over-the-counter products. For example, tea and coffee contain pigments called tannins that bond to tooth enamel, resulting in noticeable discoloration.
These deep stains are challenging to remove with over-the-counter whitening products. However, the hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide gel used in Zoom whitening effectively oxidizes and dissolves these stains.
Long-Lasting Results
Zoom teeth whitening can provide long-lasting results, especially with good oral hygiene. Personal habits also influence the durability of the whitening effects. For instance, it is best to limit or eliminate staining substances from your diet. Red wine, tobacco, tea, and coffee can contribute to discoloration.
Additionally, using products like whitening toothpaste and mouthwash can also aid in preserving zoom whitening results.
Customization
Customization is a crucial aspect of Zoom teeth whitening that ensures the safety and effectiveness of the procedure. For example, your dentist can customize the intensity of the Zoom whitening treatment based on your desired outcome. Your dental team can customize the number of treatment sessions to help you achieve your desired whiteness level.
Moreover, customization takes into account any dental restorations you may have. Since restorations like crowns and veneers won't respond to the whitening agents in the same way as natural teeth, your dentist will make the necessary adjustments to ensure your restorations match the final color of your natural teeth.
Safety
Unlike at-home whitening procedures, Zoom is performed by qualified dental professionals. This professional oversight makes it a safe and well-established procedure. Also, protective barriers minimize the risk of irritation or damage to the gums and soft tissues.
Dentists can customize the procedure to suit each patient's needs and oral health conditions. For example, they can adjust the duration of the treatment, and the number of sessions to minimize any potential side effects while still achieving the desired level of whitening.
