It is usual for our teeth to darken and yellow as we age. Whenever you look at your teeth, do you cling at how yellow they have become? It might be the best time to try zoom whitening. Zoom whitening is a standard cosmetic dental procedure used to lighten discolored enamel and dentin. Tooth discoloration is common and mainly results from drinking coffee, cola, tea, red wine, and smoking. The aging process also contributes to teeth staining. Zoom teeth whitening entails using an advanced zoom lamp. This procedure accelerates the teeth whitening process by facilitating hydrogen peroxide whitening. As hydrogen peroxide breaks down, oxygen penetrates through the enamel and the dentin, whitening the stained surfaces. If you need reliable zoom whitening services, contact La Puente Advanced Dentistry for the best services.

Importance Of Teeth Whitening

When you hear about teeth whitening, you might assume that you do not care about discolored and stained teeth. However, there are numerous benefits of teeth whitening procedures like zoom whitening. Improved aesthetics is the leading benefit of teeth whitening. Aging could make your teeth look yellow and darker. Zoom teeth whitening gives you a bright smile, making you look younger. A smile matters because it is the first thing people notice about you when they meet you for the first time.

Teeth whitening improves your self-esteem. You will feel free to smile broadly without worrying about your stained teeth. People with stained teeth often try to smile with their mouths closed or pull back to prevent other people from seeing their teeth. Tooth discoloration is a common problem among Americans and could have many impacts ranging from embarrassment to loss of career opportunities.

Discolored and stained teeth can happen to anyone. There are several options for teeth whitening, but zoom whitening is one of the best. Zoom whitening will go a long way in keeping your teeth looking great and help you rebuild your confidence.

Understanding Zoom Teeth Whitening

Zoom teeth whitening is a non-invasive, teeth-whitening procedure that usually takes around 45 minutes. It is a form of laser treatment that has proven very effective in whitening discolored teeth. This whitening procedure involves using a special lamp known as zoom laser or zoom lamp with a hydrogen peroxide teeth-whitening gel.

The dentist will use the gel and the special lamp to whiten every tooth and provide you with a bright smile. The gel contains a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide. As the gel comes into contact with your teeth, the intense light from the zoom lamp breaks it down. As a result, the gel dissolves, releasing the oxygen that comes into contact with the enamel and the dentin. This oxygen helps remove the discoloration that has adhered to your teeth. The main advantage of zoom whitening is that it doesn't affect the mouth's physical structures, yet it is so effective. It is more like giving your teeth a chemical bath. Zoom whitening is among the ideal teeth whitening procedures, given its low risk.

Determining If Zoom Whitening Is Good For You

How can you determine whether zoom teeth whitening is an ideal procedure for you? During the initial dental consultation, the dentist will decide whether you are a good candidate for the procedure. The dentist will perform a comprehensive examination of your teeth and gums to ensure they are in good condition. The dentist may also seek to know more about your oral hygiene and lifestyle habits to determine whether you will benefit from teeth whitening.

The initial evaluation enables the dentist to determine the best whitening product and procedure for you. Your dentist may recommend teeth whitening before you undergo other cosmetic dental procedures like composite bonding and veneers to enhance a better match between the dental restoration and your natural dentition.

Zoom teeth whitening may also come in handy after the removal of your dental braces. However, sometimes, teeth whitening may not be the ideal option depending on your goals for altering your smile and your teeth's condition. During the initial dental consultation, the dentist will note aspects like your existing dental work like veneers and crowns. Dental crowns and veneers do not respond to conventional teeth whitening procedures.

Before The Procedure

Before you decide to undergo zoom teeth whitening, you may want to learn more about the procedure. You should book an initial consultation with your dentist. During the consultation, the dentist will explain the ins and outs of zoom whitening. You will explain your teeth whitening goals to the dentist and take the opportunity to ask all the questions you may have about zoom whitening.

The dentist might not recommend zoom whitening if he or she determines that the procedure might interfere with other dental work you’ve had done. Before you undergo zoom teeth whitening, you should first book a regular teeth-cleaning procedure. Having your teeth cleaned before you undergo zoom whitening will help you respond well to the procedure.

The Zoom Whitening Procedure

It takes less than one hour to complete a zoom whitening procedure. The dentist will first prepare you by covering your lips and your gums, leaving your teeth exposed. The dental assistant or the dentist will then apply zoom hydrogen peroxide whitening gel on your teeth before applying the zoom light to break down the gel, enabling it to penetrate your teeth and remove the stains and discoloration. The gel will remain in place for around 15 minutes as the dentist activates the zoom light.

During these 15 minutes, you can relax as you listen to your favorite music or watch TV. The dentist applies the gel for 15-minute sessions while activating it with a special light. If you have extreme anxiety or a strong gag reflex, you may have difficulty undergoing the entire procedure. After completing the zoom whitening procedure, the dentist will apply a sensitivity-reducing gel (fluoride paste gel) on your teeth.

After every cleaning session, the dentist will examine your teeth to check for progress. The dentist may decide to apply more gel and intensify the light, depending on the desired results. You might find it hard to hold the proper position for 15 minutes. However, the dentist will strive to find the most comfortable position for you.

Taking Care of Your Teeth after Zoom Treatment

After the zoom whitening, you will be all cleaned up and ready to go home. It is essential for you to know what you can and cannot do after the cleaning procedure. You should avoid consuming teeth-staining drinks. You should also avoid resuming smoking because this will reverse the effects of teeth whitening and cause more damage to your teeth. Your dentist will give you a Zoom home-use touch-up kit, complete with a teeth whitening tray. You should ensure that you follow your doctor's instructions regarding how to use the touch-up kit.

Your dentist may advise you to avoid certain foods and beverages to ensure that you maintain the whitening effects of zoom treatment. You should ensure that you consume certain foods in moderation to prevent reversing the effects of the whitening. Foods that you should avoid include tea, wine, cola, and coffee. Ensure that you maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth regularly. You should also visit your dentist regularly for scheduled dental cleanings. Some dentists may recommend teeth whitening toothpaste to help you maintain the results of teeth whitening. Some people will experience tooth sensitivity after zoom teeth whitening. This is normal and usually occurs because zoom light produces minimal heat, causing slight discomfort.

 You may experience minor tingling immediately after the procedure, but this stops within a short time. Just like with other teeth whitening products, Zoom whitening is not ideal for children below 13 years. Pregnant and lactating mothers should also not undergo zoom whitening. It is also important to note that the effects of zoom whitening will vary in different people, with some people experiencing better results than others. After performing a thorough examination, including shade assessment, a dentist will determine whether teeth whitening is ideal for you.

You may end up with some minor burns that appear white if some of the hydrogen peroxide gel leaks and gets onto your gums. In some people, the sensitivity after zoom whitening might be persistent and linger for more than one day. If the sensitivity lasts for more than 48 hours after the procedure, you should contact your dentist. In the first few days after zoom whitening, it is advisable to use a straw when consuming cold liquids to enable the liquid to bypass your teeth.

Brushing Your Teeth After Zoom Whitening

You will be able to brush your teeth on the first night after the zoom whitening procedure. You should avoid possible zingers by ensuring that you use toothpaste for sensitive teeth and a soft brush. Ensure that you stay away from colored mouthwashes because your teeth are still porous at this time and could soak up the colors in the foods and mouth rinses. If your doctor gives you trays and teeth whitening gels, you should place a bit of whitening gel in every tray and insert them above your teeth.  You should remove the trays after two hours and clean them with a toothbrush. You may have to wear the teeth whitening trays every day for one week until the whitening gel is over. You can reduce the frequency of the at-home treatments or stop them altogether if you find that your teeth are becoming too sensitive.

Whether Zoom Whitening Can Damage The Teeth And Gums

Is teeth whitening safe for your gums and teeth? Zoom whitening is a doctor-approved procedure to help you achieve a bright smile, and it is safe for your teeth and gums. Your teeth contain a thin layer known as pellicle that prevents teeth from being sensitive to hot and cold products. During zoom whitening, hydrogen peroxide removes this layer resulting in tooth sensitivity. However, the pellicle layer will grow back after several days.

You can lessen the effects of zoom whitening by taking pain medication before the procedure. Whitening is a safe procedure as long as you stick to the dentist-approved methods. Carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide-based whitening products are safe as long as you follow the manufacturer's instructions. Zoom whitening is also safe for your gums. Temporary gingival inflammation and teeth sensitivity is normal.

Zoom whitening is different from at-home whitening kits that could burn and irritate your gums if not used correctly. You should not attempt a tooth-whitening procedure on your own before contacting your dentist. A common myth is that zoom whitening could cause oral cancer. However, this is a misconception. No study indicates an increased risk of oral cancer among people who use tooth-whitening products like carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide.

Even in heavy cigarette smokers and alcohol abusers, the use of teeth whitening products does not increase the risk of oral cancer. Teeth whitening products are safe for use by all population members, although children, pregnant and lactating mothers are discouraged from using the products.

How Often Should You Have Zoom Whitening

You should not undergo zoom whitening more than once a year. However, depending on your oral health and the condition of your teeth, you may have a touch-up every six months after undergoing the initial zoom whitening. Teeth whitening products do not work on dental restorations like dental crowns, veneers, and implants. You can only whiten your natural teeth. What makes zoom whitening ineffective on cosmetic teeth? Whitening occurs due to the reaction that occurs when hydrogen peroxide comes into contact with your teeth, breaking the bonds which trap stains within your teeth, which in turn bleaches the stain away.

Unlike the natural teeth that are made of enamel, dental crowns are made of porcelain. Therefore, porcelain will not respond to any form of teeth whitening. When recommending dental crowns, the dentist chooses a shade of porcelain material that matches the natural color of your teeth. Because porcelain material is non –porous, dental crowns will not attract and absorb stains like your natural teeth. A dental crown will never require whitening because it does not become stained in the first place.

Zoom Whitening And Dental Cavities

Can you undergo zoom whitening if you have dental cavities? Tooth decay, cavities, and cracks do not go well with teeth whitening products. In some instances, your dentist may whiten your teeth first before restoring small cavities and cracks. This is particularly common on the front teeth so that the dentist can ensure that they select a tooth filling that matches the color of your teeth. You may not be a good candidate for zoom whitening if you have several dental cavities. If you have extensive dental cavities, you are a better candidate for veers or dental crowns.

If you have a receding gum line or unfilled cavities, the Zoom whitening procedure could be uncomfortable. The whitening procedure could also make your cracked teeth more sensitive. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that you don't have these issues before you undergo whitening.

The Cost Of Zoom Teeth Whitening

The average cost of an in-office zoom whitening procedure is $375, but the cost could go as high as $625, depending on the dental clinic you choose.  This cost includes the in-office treatment and the trays and gel that dentists give patients to take home. You may come across certain dental practices offering special promotional prices, much lower than the average cost. 

You should ensure that you conduct ample research and read dental reviews before you commit to an appointment. The cost of zoom teeth whitening varies between individual offices and also by location. You should not base your choice of a dental clinic solely on the price. You should ensure that you find a dental clinic that you are comfortable with and can trust to ensure that you get a satisfactory and pain-free experience.

Will my dental insurance cover zoom whitening? Zoom whitening is an elective cosmetic dental procedure. Therefore, many dental insurance plans will not cover it. However, you should discuss with your dentist whether your dental insurance will cover the procedure. Many dentists have in place flexible financing options that fit a patient’s budget and timeline.

How Long The Results Of Zoom Whitening Last

The results of zoom teeth whitening often between one and four years. However, how long the results of teeth whitening last will depend on you. If you have frequent habits that could ruin your teeth, the effects of teeth whitening might not last long. You should ensure that you adopt goof brushing and teeth flossing habits to maintain the effects of the treatment. You should visit your dentist at least twice a year for routine dental checkups. During dental visits, the dentist may touch up the zoom whitening to maintain the results.

Find A La Puente Dentist Near Me

Have you constantly desired to have a bright smile, but your stained and discolored teeth keep letting you down? The La Puente Advanced Dentistry can give you a smile you have always desired. We offer reliable zoom whitening services with proven results. You no longer have to be frustrated by teeth that look gray and yellow. Our dentists will first examine you to determine if you are a good candidate for teeth whitening. Contact us at 626-626-7075 and speak to one of our dentists.