Dull, yellow teeth are often the result of drinking wine, coffee, or soda, eating dark-colored foods, or smoking. These extrinsic stains don’t compromise oral health, but they do impact the aesthetics of a person’s smile. At-home remedies, whitening toothpaste, and store-bought whitening strips may offer minimal results, but in-office Zoom whitening provides same-day, lasting, and dramatic outcomes.
The Whitening Process
The Zoom whitening system consists of 25 percent hydrogen peroxide and the Zoom Advanced Power Chairside Lamp.
Before the procedure begins, all patients must have a regular dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and gumline. Then, a dental hygienist will prep the patient by protecting his gums and lips, and exposing only the teeth. Next, the dentist applies the Zoom hydrogen peroxide whitening gel. The light is activated and left on the teeth for fifteen minutes. Applying the gel and activating the Zoom Lamp is repeated twice, for a total of 45 minutes.
Each Zoom whitening session is tailored to the patient’s needs. Therefore, if a patient only needs one or two sessions, the dentist won’t push for three. This could cause the teeth to appear transparent and lead to serious dental sensitivity. Having a dental professional complete your whitening procedure is extremely beneficial for maintaining a healthy smile and achieving a beautiful one.
Altogether, patients may spend 60-90 minutes at the dentist’s office. Zoom whitening provides immediate results. Patients can expect their teeth to be up to eight shades brighter.
Candidates for Zoom Teeth Whitening
Before patients can undergo any whitening procedure, they must have a comprehensive exam of their teeth and gums. During this exam and consultation, the dentist determines whether the patient is a suitable candidate for professional teeth whitening.
The ideal candidate has healthy teeth and gums—no signs of decay or gum disease—and good oral hygiene and lifestyle habits.
Additionally, the dentist will check to make sure the dental stains are extrinsic, not intrinsic. Intrinsic dental stains are caused by aging, medications, and certain medical conditions. For patients with these types of dental stains, the dentist may recommend porcelain veneers or composite bonding.
Patients who have dental crowns, bridges, or veneers must understand that their restorations will not respond to the whitening agents.
Zoom Whitening Aftercare
Maintaining Zoom whitening results is simple when patients follow their dentist’s instructions, which include:
- Using the Zoom at-home touch-up kit
- Avoid tooth-staining foods and beverages for 48 hours after the procedure
- Use straws when drinking anything but water and milk
- Quit smoking or chewing tobacco
- Brush twice a day
- Floss daily
- Attend regular dental cleanings twice a year
- Use a whitening toothpaste
Zoom whitening results can last up to two years when patients follow these guidelines.
Risks Associated with Professional Teeth Whitening
Although professional teeth whitening is the safest whitening option, there are still small risks involved. Patients most often report heightened dental sensitivity immediately after the procedure and irritated gums. These side effects often fade as time goes on.
Zoom Whitening in Providence, RI
A bright, white smile offers incredible benefits to those who feel insecure about their smiles. In just one short dental appointment, patients feel more beautiful, confident, and capable than before.
To learn if you are a candidate for Zoom whitening, contact our friendly dental team today at (401) 443-4007 to schedule an initial consultation.
