You’ve probably heard that whitening your teeth can make you look younger, healthier, and more attractive. But how exactly does it work?
Zoom teeth whitening is a treatment that uses hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide to remove surface stains from your teeth. It is an in-office procedure that takes about an hour.
The hydrogen peroxide gel is applied to your teeth by the dentist or hygienist and then activated by a blue light. The gel works its way into the grooves on the surface of your teeth, where stains are most likely to be found. It softens those stains so they can be easily removed by a brush or dental scraper during the next step of your treatment.
This post covers zoom teeth whitening side effects and how long does zoom whitening last.
How Does Zoom Teeth Whitening Work
There are a few types of Zoom whitening treatments. Some you get at your dentist’s office and others you do at home, after consulting with a dentist.
These procedures all involve a whitening substance containing hydrogen peroxide. The quickest and most effective treatment also includes the application of LED light during the procedure to brighten your teeth.
The Zoom WhiteSpeed treatment can make your teeth noticeably brighter after a 45-minute process at your dentist’s office. It involves both a whitening gel and an LED lamp.
The Zoom QuickPro treatment only takes 10 minutes at the dentist’s office. It relies on just a whitening substance that sits on your teeth for 30 minutes.
Two at-home options utilize trays filled with whitening gel that can whiten your teeth in 2 weeks.
You’ll want to make sure your teeth are clean for the procedures, so be mindful of the food and drinks you consume prior. Your dentist may also recommend limiting your food and drink intake immediately following the procedure.
In-office Zoom teeth whitening treatments
Philips Zoom WhiteSpeed
This is the most effective Zoom treatment that leaves your teeth much brighter in less than an hour. It requires the application of a whitening gel and the use of a special LED lamp over a 45-minute period. It can whiten your teeth by several shades.
Your dentist may recommend a professional cleaning prior to the whitening procedure. Then, your dentist will:
- put a whitening gel on your teeth
- turn on the Zoom WhiteSpeed LED light and point it at your teeth
- repeat this process two more times
- apply an enamel-protecting gel
After the procedure, your dentist will provide at-home whitening treatments and any instructions for caring for your teeth after the procedure. These supplies and materials are included in the cost of the Zoom WhiteSpeed treatment.
Philips Zoom QuickPro
This procedure takes a half an hour, and your dentist can apply the treatment in just 10 minutes. It doesn’t whiten your teeth as much as the Zoom WhiteSpeed option, but it requires less in-office time and is lower in cost.
For the Zoom QuickPro treatment, your dentist will:
- apply a whitening substance to your teeth after your regular cleaning
- add a sealant on top of the whitening substance to protect your teeth
- provide you with instructions for aftercare
You can then leave your dentist’s office after the application. You’ll need to brush off the applied whitening substances after half an hour.
At-home Zoom teeth whitening treatments
There are two types of at-home Zoom treatments. Your dentist will recommend the best option for your needs and send you home with the supplies for your treatment.
Your dentist may also recommend one of these whitening methods following a Zoom WhiteSpeed treatment to brighten your teeth even more.
Philips Zoom DayWhite and Philips Zoom NiteWhite
Zoom at-home whitening options will include custom trays to fit over your teeth. For Zoom DayWhite, you wear the trays during the day for a half an hour to an hour and a half once or twice a day. Zoom NiteWhite treatments occur at night, and you wear the trays overnight.
Both at-home treatments occur over a 2-week period of time.
Your at-home procedure will involve:
- brushing your teeth
- adding a small amount of the whitening gel to the trays provided by your dentist
- putting the trays over your teeth
- wearing the trays for the prescribed length of time
- removing the trays and rinsing them with cold water
- brushing your teeth again
Your dentist may also provide another gel to use after the whitening procedure to protect your tooth enamel.
How Long Does Zoom Whitening Last
Clinically shown to lighten teeth up to 8 shades in a single visit, results typically last for 12 to 24 months with good oral hygiene practices, whitening toothpaste, and use of the Zoom touch-up kit.
Making minor lifestyle adjustments, such as giving up sodas, coffee, tea, and red wine, can also help you keep your teeth whiter longer.
After determining that you’re a good candidate for teeth whitening, your dentist will evaluate the shade of your natural teeth, work with you to determine your whitening objectives, and take impressions of your teeth. The custom whitening trays you order will be made using these impressions.
Does Zoom teeth whitening hurt?
Zoom whitening products shouldn’t hurt during the procedure. You may have to get used to the feel of the trays in your mouth during at-home treatment, but they shouldn’t be painful to wear.
Your teeth may be more sensitive following tooth whitening, but this isn’t commonly reported with Zoom treatments. One study found that only 1.8 percent of participants had tooth sensitivity following Zoom treatments.
Another study found that only 2 out of 9 participants reported sensitivity following treatment.
What is the aftercare like for Zoom teeth whitening?
Your dentist will provide you with specific instructions following your procedure. Zoom QuickPro requires you to brush off the varnish applied to your teeth after 30 minutes. You should brush your teeth after at-home treatments.
Your dentist will likely recommend you avoid foods and beverages that could stain your teeth, as these could impact how long your teeth stay white. Beverages like coffee, tea, and soda can stain your teeth. Tobacco products also stain your teeth.
How much does Zoom teeth whitening cost?
The Zoom WhiteSpeed costs around $500. This includes the 45-minute treatment at the dentist’s office along with further at-home treatment. Zoom QuickPro costs around $125 to $150 depending on your dental office.
At-home treatments will cost less than WhiteSpeed and QuickPro options. These treatments require the consultation of your dentist, who’ll give you a price based on your treatment plan.
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure, and most insurance plans don’t cover the costs. Therefore, you’ll pay for it out of pocket.
Zoom Teeth Whitening Side Effects
Sensitivity
Sensitivity is by far the most common side effect of any teeth whitening treatment. This usually lasts for up to 24 hours, although in some cases it may persist a little longer. The reason for this sensitivity lies in the dentin layer of your teeth. The dentin is the middle layer of teeth, found beneath the harder enamel. When you have your teeth whitened, the dentin layer is also exposed to the whitening agent, which is normally hydrogen peroxide. This triggers a chemical reaction which can lead to increased sensitivity.
Your ZOOM provider will almost certainly recommend that you take specific steps to avoid anything that could trigger this sensitivity – such as foods or drinks that are particularly hot, cold, or sweet. You’ll also be advised to be very gentle when brushing your teeth for at least the first few days following your ZOOM Teeth Whitening session.
Tooth or gum pain
A small number of patients may also experience some discomfort during the first day or two after their ZOOM session. This is believed to be a result of the strength of the chemicals that are used to whiten your teeth, and more specifically, their penetration of the pulp of the tooth. The extent of the discomfort that may be experienced may be anything from a dull ache to random, sharp pains affecting a specific tooth. Over the counter pain medications are usually effective at keeping this discomfort to a minimum.
Irritated gums/soft tissue
Although every effort is made to cover and protect the soft tissues of the mouth, there is still a slight risk that they may be exposed to a small amount of the chemicals used to whiten teeth. If this happens, the patient may experience irritation. This may manifest as soreness, white spots, or even blistering on the soft tissues of the mouth. The best way to avoid this is to choose a very experienced and reputable ZOOM Teeth Whitening provider who has the skill to be able to properly protect the soft tissues of your mouth.
Thinning enamel
Our teeth are protected by a strong layer of enamel, which is the hardest substance in our bodies. However, studies have shown that whitening does cause an infinitesimal amount of damage to the enamel. If you were to have repeated sessions of teeth whitening, then you may be at greater risk of developing thinning enamel, which compromises the protection of your teeth. However, since ZOOM enables patients to see an improvement in the color of their teeth of up to 8 shades, many only need a single or two sessions in order to achieve the results that they are looking for.
When to talk with a dentist about Zoom teeth whitening
You may notice your teeth have become more discolored with age, the consumption of certain foods and beverages, or from a medication you take. If you want a brighter smile, talk with your dentist about Zoom whitening treatments.
Your dentist will make sure your teeth are in good condition prior to giving you any whitening treatment. They’ll also ask you about your health history and any allergies you may have. Your dentist will also discuss the effects of the treatment with artificial or repaired teeth.
Adults are better candidates for teeth whitening than children. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry doesn’t recommend cosmetic teeth whitening for children and adolescents.
The takeaway
Zoom teeth whitening procedures may be a good way to brighten your smile. Your dentist will oversee your treatment, making sure you get the results you expect in a safe way.
Some treatments brighten teeth in under an hour, while others take a few weeks to see results. Talk with your dentist about options for whitening your teeth.