A pearly-white smile is beautiful to look at and can greatly improve self-confidence.  Many people are opting for the Zoom!^® Chairside Whitening System (Zoom!^®) for fast, safe and effective teeth whitening.  Zoom!^® combines the newest advances in dental technology with proven chemical formulas.  Zoom is particularly suitable for patients needing the biggest change in the shortest time possible.  It is less effective overall than using custom made trays and bleaching gel at home when time permits.

There are many reasons why teeth become stained or discolored, including tobacco use, and drinking dark liquids such as red wine, coffee, tea and cola.  However, the natural aging process and prescription medication use can also cause yellowing and graying.

There are literally hundreds of whitening treatments available in the marketplace, including take-home strips, bleaching toothpastes and take-home whitening gels.  Zoom!^® advantages over other treatments are:

• Upper and lower teeth  treated simultaneously.
• Fast treatment times.  Using the Zoom light accelerates the bleaching process.

It is important to seek advice from us prior to beginning a bleaching regime.  Women who are pregnant or lactating should not seek bleaching treatment.  The Zoom system requires a brief consultation and approximately 1 hour of treatment time.

How does Zoom!^® whiten the teeth?

Zoom!^® is a bleaching process that lightens the dentin and enamel of the teeth.  Zoom!^® contains a hydrogen peroxide component (25%), which is the active ingredient in the gel.  When hydrogen peroxide is applied to the teeth, the peroxide component breaks down into tiny oxygen bubbles.  It is these bubbles that eliminate yellowing and staining.

A mercury metal halide light is used to activate the gel and expedite the whitening process.  This specialized light contains a unique infrared filter that works to reduce the amount of heat on the surface of the teeth during the procedure.  The internal structure of the teeth remains completely healthy and intact during and after the treatment.

As with any whitening system, the post-treatment results can vary according to the degree of staining and the condition of the teeth.  A consultation with us prior to treatment will provide information as to what kind of results Zoom!^® can provide in specific instances.  Zoom!^® is only applied to healthy teeth and gums.  If tooth decay or gum disease is an issue, these need to be controlled before the bleaching treatment is performed.

How is the Zoom!^® treatment performed?

Prior to treatment, there will be a consultation wherein we will outline the exact procedure.  On treatment day, a simple cleaning will be performed to rid the teeth of any debris and plaque.  Then, special eyewear will be provided to protect the eyes from the Zoom light, and splashguards to protect the clothing from the bleaching agent.

Here is a brief overview of the typical Zoom!^® procedure:

1. Cheek retractors will be placed to expose the entire surface of the teeth.
2. The gums will be  covered to reduce sensitivity.
3. Application of the whitening gel to the teeth.
4. The Zoom light will then be placed to activate the gel.  This specialized Zoom!^® light can be positioned to work on all the teeth simultaneously.
5. After 15 minutes, gel will be removed from the teeth and the mouth/teeth will be rinsed.
6. More gel will be applied for another 15 minutes.
7. Again, the gel will be removed and the mouth will be thoroughly cleansed.
8. The final treatment (third) of gel will be applied for 15 minutes.
9. The gel will be removed for the final time.

What happens after treatment?

The same external factors that caused the discoloration in the first place can quickly work their way back onto the teeth.  For this reason, we recommend flossing once a day and brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day.  Eating and drinking any foods that are know to stain can compromise the bleaching results.  

Many times optimal bleaching results are achieved with the supplemental use of custom made bleaching trays and bleaching gel for home use after Zoom treatments.   These post-treatment measures will ensure that the smile stays at its whitest for a long time.

If you have questions about the Zoom!^® Chairside System, please call us.