BLOG: All You Need to Know about Zoom Dental Whitening

Zoom whitening is a bleaching process that incorporates a special light to penetrate teeth and breakup stains and discoloration.

Zoom itself is a patented whitening gel that contains 25 percent hydrogen peroxide. The Zoom whitening procedure is an in-office, hour-long technique that is best performed after a dental exam and teeth cleaning. During the Zoom whitening process, patients can comfortably listen to music or watch TV.

There are many reasons for discolored teeth, such as regular consumption of dark-colored foods (cherries, blueberries, cranberries) or drinks (coffee, tea, wine), dental damage, medicine (minocycline, antibiotics), and excessive fluoride. Habitual smoking can also contribute to teeth yellowing, not to mention the fact that enamels darken as we age.

Every dentist SHOULD initially conducts a dental exam of each patient’s teeth and gums. Afterwards, dental cleaning is performed. Then, if a patient has no contraindications, such as teeth sensitivity, periodontal issues or cavities, the whitening will take place.

To prepare for the actual teeth whitening, the patient’s lips and gums are fully covered to prevent exposure to the Zoom gel. Once the gel is on all teeth, special lighting is applied for 15 minutes to removes stains and discoloration. The gel and light is reapplied two more times with 15-minute durations, for a total of 45 minutes.

After completion of the procedure, a fluoride gel is applied to reduce sensitivity produced. Throughout the process, the patient relaxes in a massage chair and watches TV.

If you are undergoing other dental treatments, such as porcelain veneers or a full-mouth reconstruction, your cosmetic dentist may suggest you undergo Zoom whitening one week prior the reconstruction, since crowns or porcelain veneers do not respond to whitening agents. This will help to properly balance color uniformity between the restoration and the teeth whitening.

Patients are advised to avoid certain food or drinks for 48 hours to make sure no stains. Resume after the Zoom whitening process. Foods like cherries, cranberries, tea, coffee or wine are not recommended immediately after the process and hopefully up to at least 48 hours. If this is not possible to give up, the consumption frequency should be minimized significantly and rinse with water frequently.

If tobacco products are used after the Zoom whitening procedure, the chances of teeth discoloration is extremely high. As a result, we strongly advise against the use of tobacco after Zoom whitening. Brushing and flossing should be performed regularly to avoid reformation of stains.