How Long Does Zoom Teeth Whitening Last?

By Author: James Franklin
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Zoom teeth whitening is a bleaching process that is now widely used by many dentists to lighten discolorations in the enamel and dentin. Such discolorations can be a result of smoking, or from drinking wine, cola and tea. The aging process can also darken and stain the teeth. The in-office procedure uses an advanced lamp that activates 25 percent hydrogen peroxide whitening, accelerating the bleaching process. In this process, hydrogen peroxide is broken down, allowing oxygen to reach the enamel and dentin to bleach to stains without affecting the tooth structure.

Consultation and Planning

Before going through the actual procedure, your dentist will first have to conduct a thorough examination of your gums and teeth so ensure that you are in proper health. He will also ask about your oral hygiene and lifestyle habits to determine if you will benefit from this procedure. From here, your dentist will identify the whitening technique or product that best fits you.

Your dentist can also require that you go through teeth whitening if you plan to have other cosmetic dental procedures like composite bonding or ...
... veneers. This ensures that you get a good match between your natural teeth and the restoration, or once your braces are removed. There are also instances when whitening is not your best option, depending on your teeth condition and treatment goals. It is also in this process where your dentist will note any existing dental work, like veneers and crowns, which will not respond to traditional whitening agents.

Zoom Whitening Procedure

The whole whitening process will take less than one hour, but regular teeth cleaning is needed before the actual whitening session. To start, your lips and gums are prepared and covered, so that only the teeth are exposed. Your dentist will then apply the hydrogen peroxide whitening gel, which will work together with the Zoom light to break up the stains and discoloration in the teeth. As the light activates the gel in the teeth for 15 minutes, you can relax, listen to music and watch TV.

The gel is applied for three 15-minute sessions of light activation, bringing the total treatment time to 45 minutes. If you have anxiety or a strong gag reflex, you might face some difficulty as you go through the whole procedure. Immediately after the Zoom treatment, a sensitivity-reducing fluoride gel is applied to the teeth. The results can last for 12 to 24 months, depending on how you take care of it.

Maintaining the Effects

Your dentist will give you a Zoom touch up kit that you will use at home to maintain the whitening effects, which includes custom-fitted whitening trays. You will be provided with a set of instructions on how and when to use the kit. Along with this, your dentist will also advise you to avoid certain food and drinks to avoid teeth staining, or to at least consume them in moderation. This includes cola, red wine, coffee and tea.

Tobacco products can still stain the teeth, even after whitening treatments. Thus, your dentist will suggest that you stop using them. Most importantly, you need to maintain proper oral hygiene regimen to prevent any stains from reforming, and regularly see your dentist for in-office teeth cleanings. Your dentist might suggest that you use toothpastes that contain whitening agents to maintain the whitening results.

Important Considerations

Some patients experience sensitivity during the treatment. The Zoom light procedures some heat, which can cause some discomfort. There are some rare instances where you can experience some minor tingling after the procedure, although this will eventually dissipate. You can ask your dentist from anti-sensitivity toothpaste before the treatment to lessen any sensitivity that can occur.

Just like other whitening products, Zoom Whitening is not recommended for patients aged 13 years and below, as well as for pregnant and lactating women. It is also important to take note that the whitening treatment might have varying degrees of effectivity on other people. Your dentist should be able to determine if this procedure is right for you following a comprehensive oral examination that includes shade assessment.