If you have stains on your teeth, you’re not alone. Anything from food and beverages to oral health problems can lead to unwanted discoloration. Not only does this negatively impact self-confidence, but discoloration is often linked to issues like tooth decay and gum disease. Fortunately, there are simple solutions available to eliminate unsightly stains and restore your smile to prime condition. At our Orlando dental practice, we offer professional teeth whitening options, including Zoom teeth whitening. Here’s a closer look at how this procedure works and the special benefits it brings.
WHAT IS ZOOM TEETH WHITENING?
Zoom teeth whitening is a non-invasive treatment that uses a hydrogen peroxide-based gel to eliminate discoloration and give patients a bright, healthy smile. It works well on anyone who has yellow, orange or brown stains on their teeth. However, it’s not recommended for patients with extensive stains, extreme tooth sensitivity or periodontal disease.
HOW IS ZOOM TEETH WHITENING DONE?
As the name suggests, Zoom teeth whitening is relatively quick — the entire procedure takes around 45 minutes. It’s broken into the following segments:
- Tooth preparation: Dr. Reshma J. Patel will start by cleaning the teeth to get rid of plaque build-up. Then, she’ll gently apply the hydrogen peroxide gel to every tooth. A retractor is placed in the mouth to prevent the lips and cheeks from touching the gel.
- Heating process: Once the gel is on each tooth, Dr. Patel will focus a bleaching lamp on your teeth. This lamp emanates heat that activates the gel and encourages whitening. The entire process takes about 15 minutes.
- Repeating the heat: When the initial heating process is done, Dr. Patel will remove the light and reapply the gel. Then, she’ll position the lamp back in place and repeat the heating process for another 15 minutes. Depending on your needs, this may be repeated up to three times.
During the heating procedure, you may experience some tooth sensitivity. Once it’s done, Dr. Patel will wrap up the session with a five-minute fluoride treatment. This helps prevent decay by making the teeth more resistant to bacteria.
WHAT IS THE AFTER-CARE PROCEDURE?
After your appointment, you’ll be given an at-home kit that contains custom whitening trays, bleaching gel and specific instructions. It’s important to follow these instructions carefully — most patients will need to perform two, 15-minute whitening sessions a day for about two weeks, depending on the desired whiteness level. Once the right look is achieved, you should use the whitening trays about once a month.
While you go through the Zoom whitening treatment, try to avoid substances that can stain your teeth. This includes the following:
- Red wine
- Coffee
- Tea
- Dark sodas
- Tobacco
If you’re craving a cup of coffee or iced tea, using a straw can help avoid stains. You should also maintain a thorough brushing and flossing routine.
BENEFITS OF ZOOM TEETH WHITENING
When it comes to professional teeth whitening, there are no shortage of options out there. So, what makes Zoom teeth whitening stand out? Here are a few of the unique benefits it offers.
Simplicity
Whitening your teeth shouldn’t be a strenuous process. Fortunately, both the in-person and at-home portions of Zoom teeth whitening are simple. During the dental appointment, all you have to do is sit back and let the Dynamic Smile Design team apply the gel and heating lamp. The at-home process is more hands-on, but the instructions are fairly straightforward.
Speed
A major highlight of Zoom teeth whitening is the speed. As mentioned earlier, the dental appointment takes 45 minutes. Meanwhile, the at-home sessions require just 30 minutes a day. Many patients achieve the results they’re looking for after just two weeks of treatment.
Convenience
Zoom teeth whitening combines the best of both worlds by utilizing a professional dental appointment and at-home treatments. Patients can enjoy a high-quality, effective whitening procedure at the dentist’s office, then sustain the results from the comfort of their own homes.
Safety
Whenever you’re applying materials to your mouth, it’s important to ensure they’re completely safe. Unfortunately, this isn’t always guaranteed with over-the-counter (OTC) treatments — many of the whitening products found on store shelves feature ingredients that can harm your tooth enamel, opening the door to sensitivity and infections. Professional treatments like Zoom teeth whitening, however, are safe for most patients.
Customizable
When it comes to teeth whitening, every patient wants a different look. Zoom teeth whitening procedures can be adjusted to suit the precise needs of each individual. In addition to tailoring the number of at-home treatments you perform, Dr. Patel can increase or decrease the amount of times you undergo the heating process.
Strong Results
In comparison to OTC treatments, professional whitening options like Zoom teeth whitening tend to be more effective. This is because many OTC products use a rather small amount of whitening agents, which means the impact isn’t as noticeable. In contrast, Zoom teeth whitening starts to improve coloration after just a single treatment.
Good for Sensitivity
Anyone struggling with dental anxiety or tooth sensitivity may be reluctant to try a professional teeth whitening treatment. Fortunately, Zoom teeth whitening treatment is formulated to minimize irritation to the teeth and gums, making it suitable for patients with minimal to moderate tooth sensitivity. To help alleviate stress, Dr. Patel will communicate with you throughout the procedure. She may also recommend taking an OTC pain medication after the appointment.
SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY!
Nobody wants to deal with stains on their teeth. In addition to impacting self-confidence, discolored teeth are more prone to cavities and decay. At our Orlando dental practice, we offer professional Zoom teeth whitening treatments to help patients achieve the bright, shining smiles they deserve. After an initial consultation, the Dynamic Smile Design team will let you know if you’re a good candidate for the procedure and walk you through the next steps. Get started by requesting an appointment today!