If you’re on the fence about teeth whitening, but cannot decide whether or not it is the right option, then this blog post is for you. All your questions will be answered so that you can make a decision with all the information before opting for a zoom whitening treatment. You’ll also learn about the procedure involved and how to keep up with treatments so that your smile always looks great!
What is teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that can make teeth lighter in colour. Over time, teeth become discoloured and darker due to many reasons, such as drinking coffee or smoking cigarettes. The process of bleaching often uses peroxide to help remove any surface stains on the tooth as well as deep stains within the overall structure of the tooth.
What is Zoom whitening?
Philips Zoom Whitening is an in-chair teeth whitening treatment that utilises a light-activated gel with hydrogen peroxide.
Placed on the teeth, exposure to laser light breaks down the gel’s ingredients which then allows oxygen to enter the enamel and bleach discolouration away. The tooth structure is left unchanged.
Depending on the darkness of the discolouration, you may need to apply whitening gel more than once.
However, it should not exceed 90 minutes in total. We will also provide patients with sensitivity-reducing gel that can be applied at home over one week.
How does Zoom whitening work?
If you understand what Zoom teeth whitening is, that’s great. But if you want to make a more informed decision about which teeth whitening procedure would be best for you, it’s important to learn how it works.
Zoom teeth whitening uses an LED laser light that speeds up the whitening process compared to other methods. It’s important to note, though, that fillings, crowns or veneers will not have their colour changed by whitening treatment. The whitening gel is designed to lighten the colour of tooth enamel only; these works may need to be replaced after treatment, so they match in colour.
Zoom teeth whitening procedure
We follow the standard Zoom teeth whitening procedure to give you brilliant, long-lasting results.
- Check-Up: A dentist will first examine your teeth for any cavities or other dental issues, as these may affect the whitening process. Then, a hygienist comes in to clean your teeth from plaque and calculus.
- Protection: A covering is placed over your gums and lips so that only your teeth are visible. You will also be given protective eyewear to wear.
- Application: The whitening gel is applied to the teeth with precision, making sure that none of it superfluously reaches other areas.
- Laser light: The laser is turned on and placed over the gel for 15 minutes at a time. After each phase, the dentist will check the progress and potentially add more gel.
- Aftercare: After your treatment, we will apply a sensitivity-reducing gel to your teeth and teach you how properly maintain them as well as what changes you can expect in the following weeks.
How long does it take?
The average Zoom whitening procedure only takes 45 minutes. The gel is applied for 15-minute intervals; however, depending on the patient’s teeth discolouration, this may need to be repeated a few more times. Although, no full process should last any longer than 90 minutes in total.
Is teeth whitening permanent?
Although nothing can keep your smile shining without some effort on your part, Zoom whitening is a long-term solution for brighter teeth. With proper dental care and follow-up whitening treatments, you can enjoy the effects of this treatment for years to come.
Zoom whitening aftercare instructions
A few days after you finish your Zoom whitening treatment — or whilst doing a take-home treatment — use white toothpaste to brush your teeth. Bleaching opens up the tiny tubes in your teeth’s enamel, and coloured substances may be absorbed, creating stains. White toothpaste will keep your smile bright while also keeping your pearly whites healthy. Similarly, don’t forget to floss! Removing any extra debris from between your teeth gives them the best chance of staying clean.
To lessen your post-treatment discomfort, use the sensitivity-reducing gel we provide. Your teeth may be more sensitive after treatment, but following your dentist’s instructions and using this gel can help reduce any discomfort you’re feeling.
Dietary Instructions after Zoom teeth whitening procedure?
You might be wondering: “can I eat after zoom whitening?” The answer is yes. However, you should be aware of the foods to avoid after zoom whitening and during treatment to ensure you get the best results
People getting treatment should not eat or drink coloured foods and liquids. Foods like chocolate, berries, red wine, black tea, coffee and beer can cause staining if consumed while treatments are going on. You can go back to your normal diet after around a week when all treatments will have been finished.
To maintain your teeth’s whiteness after a Zoom teeth-whitening treatment, we recommend eating any of the following: eggs, bread, basic sandwiches, poultry, cereals, mashed potatoes and boiled rice.
If you’re looking for something other than water to drink, try milk, apple juice or green tea.
Who can get whitening?
If you are in one of the following categories, teeth whitening treatment is not recommended:
- Children that are under 13 years of age
- People who are using fixed braces
- People with extreme dental problems and gum diseases such as periodontitis etc.
Both pregnant women and new mothers are highly advised against whitening their teeth. The gel used for this purpose can end up in breast milk or the placenta, and these chemicals could be dangerous to both mother and child.
Other teeth whitening treatments
Take-home whitening
You can find peroxide in lower concentrations in take-home and over-the-counter products. A dentist will make moulds of your teeth to create a set of custom trays — one each for your upper and lower teeth. To ensure that you zoom whiten your teeth correctly at home, we will provide easy follow-along instructions so that the process runs smoothly.
The kit you brought home contains bleaching gel that should be enough to use for a week or so. You will need to apply the gel to the trays and insert them into your mouth for 30 minutes to an hour per day, depending on how much whitening you want.
How long bleachings last depend on the current colour of your teeth and what shade you want to achieve; generally, it only takes 1-3 weeks. Know that teeth can only whiten so much — exceeding three weeks is not recommended unless especially advised by us.
Though take-home teeth whitening products don’t match the results you would achieve from professional teeth whitening services, they can be used in addition to treatments done by a dentist for the best effect.
Teeth whitening toothpaste
There are also at-home whitening options that don’t use bleach, like toothpaste with mild abrasives. They can help remove surface stains, but they won’t be able to change the natural colour of your teeth.
Most kinds of toothpaste contain abrasives that work to clean your teeth, but whitening toothpaste often has extra polishing ingredients as well. These agents can make your teeth look whiter, but they may also be harsher than what a dentist would recommend. Be sure to ask a professional about the best type of toothpaste for you before making any changes to your oral care routine.
Zoom Whitening at My Local Dentists
Teeth whitening is not just a dental treatment: it’s a great service provided by passionate dentists who love helping people achieve the smile they’ve always wanted. At our dental practice, we can also address issues like sensitivity that may come up.
Our friendly dental team at My Local Dentists are professionals experienced in teeth whitening procedures. They will be able to give you the best advice on whether or not the procedure is suitable for you. Book an appointment now at one of the five My Local Dentists locations for more information.
References
What to know about zoom teeth whitening
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/zoom-teeth-whitening
Teeth whitening and bleaching
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/teeth-whitening-and-bleaching