You may have strong, healthy teeth but struggle with their appearance. Discoloration is a common problem that affects teens and adults of all ages. When teeth are dull or discolored, our smile is not the best representation of our personality and health. Professional teeth whitening can help.
At Gonzalez Dental Care, we give patients back their dazzling smiles in a single visit using Zoom teeth whitening.
What is Zoom Teeth Whitening?
Zoom teeth whitening is a professional bleaching treatment that is performed in the office rather than at home. It is a non-invasive procedure that lifts discoloration and stains from enamel through a combination of professional-grade hydrogen peroxide and light. This combination allows oxygen to enter the pores of enamel and break apart stain molecules more efficiently.
How can I prepare for Zoom teeth whitening?
Zoom teeth whitening is a safe, convenient procedure that takes very little preparation. Depending on how long it has been since the last check-up and cleaning, we may suggest scheduling a visit for that first. It is important that teeth and gums are in optimal health before commencing with cosmetic procedures. With that, most patients are fully prepared to undergo their teeth whitening treatment. Minor suggestions for a great visit include:
- If concerned about sensitivity, start using a product like Sensodyne about a week before treatment
- Eat a snack or meal before the appointment, since it takes about an hour.
- Brush before the appointment.
- Wear comfortable clothing.
- Apply lip balm, not lipstick, well before the appointment.
- Bring along headphones and some favorite music or other entertainment. It helps the time go by faster.
How is Zoom teeth whitening different from regular teeth whitening?
Traditional teeth whitening is a DIY project for your smile. To correct discoloration using the conventional method, a patient visits the dentist for a full checkup and cleaning. The dentist then takes impressions of the mouth using a putty-like material. Impressions are used to create a custom-fit tray to hold professional-grade whitening gel. Once the patient receives their trays and supply of whitening gel, they apply the product once a day as recommended by the dentist. This process continues for approximately 2 weeks to achieve the desired result.
Zoom teeth whitening accelerates the process by adding light. During a Zoom treatment, the dentist applies the whitening gel to the teeth after protecting the gums and lips. After all teeth are covered with the gel, a special lamp directs light to the teeth to create a uniform effect. The light activates the gel to work more quickly. After 15 minutes, the light is turned off and the gel is removed. The dentist and patient review the degree of correction that has been achieved and, if so desired, the process is repeated. After each application and 15-minute activation period, gel is removed and the teeth are observed for lightening. When the patient leaves the office, their smile is noticeably brighter.
Zoom teeth whitening accelerates the process by adding light. During a Zoom treatment, the dentist applies the whitening gel to the teeth after protecting the gums and lips. After all teeth are covered with the gel, a special lamp directs light to the teeth to create a uniform effect. The light activates the gel to work more quickly. After 15 minutes, the light is turned off and the gel is removed. The dentist and patient review the degree of correction that has been achieved and, if so desired, the process is repeated. After each application and 15-minute activation period, gel is removed and the teeth are observed for lightening. When the patient leaves the office, their smile is noticeably brighter.
How long does a Zoom whitening treatment take?
The initial appointment for Zoom teeth whitening can last about 90 minutes. This provides time to get seated and have the dentist insert the protractor that keeps the lips away from the teeth during the procedure. A protective sheet or gel is also applied to the gums to prevent irritation. Then, the whitening treatment begins. One application of whitening gel takes 15 minutes to activate, after which the gel is removed and teeth are evaluated. As this can be repeated for a total of 4 applications, the active portion of the visit can take about an hour.
How many Zoom whitening treatments will I need?
Zoom is designed to achieve dramatic results in a single visit. During this appointment, the whitening process can be repeated up to 4 times. Patients leave the office with a significantly brighter smile that can last for years. However, discoloration often returns at some point. To maintain a radiant smile, many people schedule periodic touch-ups. These visits may require only one or two applications of whitening gel to restore the results achieved in the initial treatment.
How soon after a Zoom teeth whitening treatment can I eat food?
It is possible to eat shortly after a Zoom treatment because no numbing medication is administered. However, the teeth are particularly porous for the first 48 hours after the whitening procedure. With that in mind, patients should take care to avoid foods that are associated with discoloration for that time. Examples include:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Red wine
- Fruit juice
- Colored fruits such as blueberries
- Soy sauce
- Tomato sauce
- Turmeric and curry
- Chocolate (mostly dark chocolate)
- Dark beer
We understand that some of the most common stain-causing foods are products that people consume daily. Therefore, there is no hard-and-fast rule that these items must be avoided completely. If a food on this suggested list is a must-have, patients may protect their new, white smile by not sipping or snacking for a prolonged period and by rinsing the mouth with water after consuming the potentially-offending item.
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
We enjoy bringing more radiance back into our patients’ smiles. Zoom teeth whitening is normally priced at $349. Bring a friend along for double the fun and get a brighter smile for the special price of just $249! Call (954) 432-4800 today.
