Zoom-Teeth Whitening

An Overview of Zoom-Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening or lightening, also commonly referred to as teeth bleaching, is one of the most commonly requested and performed cosmetic dental procedures in Dr. Joseph Levy’s office.

What Would You Improve About Your Smile?

When I ask my patients, “What would you improve about your smile, if you could?” The number one answer is: “I want them to be whiter.” In the past, an individual would either need to have porcelain crowns, veneers or bonding, performed in order to create that much-desired whiter smile. With today’s technological advancements in cosmetic dentistry, achieving that whiter, brighter smile has never been easier.

How Zoom-Teeth Whitening works?

Zoom is a bleaching process widely used throughout the country and around the world to lighten discoloration of enamel and dentin. Tooth discoloration may result from drinking coffee, tea, cola and red wine; or from smoking. The aging process also can stain and darken your teeth. The Zoom in-office tooth whitening procedure uses the Zoom Advanced Power Chairside Lamp—said to accelerate the bleaching process—to activate a 25% hydrogen peroxide whitening gel. As the hydrogen peroxide is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin to bleach the stained substances, leaving the structure of the tooth unchanged.

Before deciding whether Zoom in-office teeth whitening is right for you, Dr. Joseph S. Levy will conduct a comprehensive examination of your teeth and gums to ensure proper health, as well as talk with you about your oral hygiene and lifestyle habits to determine if you will benefit from whitening. This will help you and your dentist agree on the whitening product or technique that’s best for you.

The Zoom In-Office Whitening Procedure

The complete procedure takes less than an hour, but a regular teeth cleaning is recommended prior to the actual Zoom teeth whitening session. The procedure begins with a short preparation to cover the lips and gums, leaving the teeth exposed. Dr. S. Levy then applies the Zoom hydrogen peroxide whitening gel, which works together with the Zoom light to penetrate teeth and break up stains and discoloration. The gel remains in place for 15 minutes while the light is activated. During this time, you can relax and listen to music. The gel is applied for three 15-minute sessions of light activation, for a total treatment time of 45 minutes. Immediately after, a sensitivity-reducing fluoride paste-gel is applied to the teeth.

Zoom Whitening Aftercare: Maintaining Whitening Effects

To help maintain the whitening effects of your Zoom teeth whitening treatment, Dr. Joseph S. Levy may advise you to avoid certain foods and beverages, or to consume them in moderation to avoid staining your teeth. This includes tea, coffee, red wine and cola.

Additionally, tobacco products stain teeth, even after whitening treatments. Thus, Dr. Joseph S. Levy suggests you quit using them. Maintain an appropriate oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) regimen to prevent stains from reforming, and see Dr. S. Levy’s hygienist regularly for scheduled teeth cleanings. Toothpastes containing whitening agents will also be suggested to maintain the results of the procedure.