ZOOM Whitening
What is it?
Zoom Whitening is an in-office bleaching process that is known for its ability to brighten teeth from the effects of discoloration whether from internal or external sources.
It is a cosmetic procedure and treatments available range from one-hour one-time dental visits to take-home touch-ups.
The doctor will make sure you are a valid candidate for the whitening procedure, making sure you have no health contraindications or are taking any medications that will influence the process.
How does it work?
Once approved, the complete procedure takes about one hour. The lips and gums are safely covered and retracted, and the dentist applies the Zoom hydrogen peroxide whitening gel. Zoom incorporates a special light that penetrates the teeth to break up stains and discoloration and activates the gel. The process runs for about an hour, which has around 3 to 4 - 15 minute sessions exposed to the ZOOM light.
The outer tooth enamel layer is designed to protect the teeth from all forms of wear and tear and acid exposure. Over time, the enamel layer starts to stain within its pores, becomes more transparent and permits the yellow color of the inner dentin layer.
ZOOM whitening exists to remove the stains and debris associated with diet, aging, and normal wear and tear. Things like coffee, red wine, tea, other dark-colored foods and drinks, and tobacco are what can lead to "extrinsic" staining and things like trauma, aging, exposure to minerals (like tetracycline), during tooth formation and/or excessive ingestion of fluoride are what we call "intrinsic" staining.
Are their side effects?
General sensitivity (among possible others stated in consent form) is a possible side effect among using ZOOM whitening, some feel the sensitivity just for the first few days, others have no issues, it is dependent upon the patient.
Also know that crowns, veneers, and dental restorations (fillings) DO NOT whiten, so if you choose to have whitening and those are in your smile line, you do have the option to replace those to shade match.
Contraindications/Patients to NOT use ZOOM
-Pregnant and lactating mothers
-Patients currently treated by their physician for a serious illness or disorder (Immune compromised patients, AIDS, uncontrolled diabetes etc.)
-Children under the age of 13 years
-Light sensitive individuals, including those on PUVA (Psoralen + UV Radiation) or other photochemotherapy.
-Patients taking any photo-reactive drugs or substances, whether over-the-counter (O.T.C.), prescription or homeopathic.