If you're thinking about getting ZOOM! whitening treatments, you might be curious about how they work. Does it really live up to the hype? Is it possible to achieve a dramatically whiter smile in just one day? Is the specialized light effective when it comes to enhancing the results? Here’s what you need to know about ZOOM! whitening before your first treatment.
ZOOM! Teeth Whitening: The Basics
In-office ZOOM! teeth whitening can brighten your teeth by up to eight shades in a single hour-long session. These treatments are non-invasive and don't require local anesthesia; in fact, most patients don't feel anything at all, and those who do only have very minor sensitivity.
The ZOOM! whitening procedure starts with a thorough cleaning of your teeth to allow the bleaching gel to penetrate the enamel. To avoid irritation, your gums are protected, then the whitening gel is applied to your teeth. The gel is absorbed into the enamel layer and then the layer of dentin beneath; once absorbed, the hydrogen peroxide acts as an oxidation catalyst, bleaching stains.
To go further into the science behind ZOOM! teeth whitening, oxidation breaks down the molecular bonds of the stains and discoloration on your teeth, making them disappear. If you’ve ever used an oxygen brightener for your laundry, it works in a similar way. Both ZOOM! in-office and at-home treatments work through oxidation, but in-office whitening has an added step that makes a big difference in your results.
ZOOM! LED Technology
In-office ZOOM! treatments pair whitening gel with an advanced LED light. The oxidation reaction that brightens your smile is accelerated by exposing the whitening gel to the LED light, which improves your results. Although the bleaching agent also works without the LED light, adding that step will remove more stains in the same amount of time.
You might have seen teeth whitening kits on Instagram or Amazon that come with a light and wondered if they're the same as the ZOOM! whitening treatment we use in our office. The answer is no—ZOOM! uses a more powerful bleaching solution only available to dentists and the LED light is superior in quality. You’ll get the best results by getting your teeth whitening from a dentist.
Maintaining Your ZOOM! Whitening Results
Another concern that many patients have is how long they can expect their results to last. Is ZOOM! whitening worth it? Do the results last?
You can expect to enjoy a brighter smile as long as you take the necessary steps to maintain your results. If you brush and floss well, see us for regular preventive care and dental cleanings, and avoid foods and beverages that stain (or at least brush well after having them), your teeth whitening can last for a few years. Patients who return to the habits that caused their stains in the first place usually notice that their teeth become discolored again after a few months.
We recommend using a take-home whitening kit for touch-ups as needed, which will go a long way towards extending the life of your whitening treatment. Patients who do touch-ups at home are able to go longer between in-office whitening treatments.
Learn More About Teeth Whitening
Would you like a brighter smile? Are you considering teeth whitening treatments? To learn more or schedule a consultation, contact us today at 603-228-9276.