Discoloration of enamel and dentin does not look good, and to lighten the same, a bleaching process called Zoom is widely used around the globe.
The main reasons for teeth discoloration usually include drinking tea, coffee, red wine, and cola. Smoking also can lead to the discoloration of enamel. Another factor playing a role in the gradual darkening of your teeth is the age.
In the Zoom in-office teeth whitening procedure, dentists use 25 percent of hydrogen peroxide gel to generate the whitening process and Zoom Advanced Power Chair-side Lamp to hasten the bleaching process. The process of oxygen penetrating the enamel and dentin begins, with breaking down of hydrogen peroxide. As oxygen penetrates the enamel and dentin, it bleaches the discolored surfaces, without changing the teeth structure.
In-Office Whitening Procedure
The complete Zoom in-office procedure consumes less than an hour; however, it is better to opt for a regular teeth cleaning before actually beginning with the Zoom teeth whitening process.
To begin with the process, a cheek retractor is first inserted to expose the aesthetic zone teeth (teeth that are visible when one smiles). Then before applying the Zoom hydrogen peroxide whitening or bleaching gel, hardening resin or liquid rubber dam is applied on the gum tissue so that no irritation occurs when the bleaching gel is applied. Thereafter, the bleaching gel is applied, which, along with Zoom light, penetrates the teeth and concentrates on removing the stains and, thus, the discoloration.
While the light is activated, the gel is kept for 15 minutes. If you want, you can relax during this 15-minute break. After the lapse of 15 minutes, the gel is suctioned, and more gel is applied and kept for another 15-30 minutes. The lightning process first activates and then enhances the whitening process.
The complete treatment can last for 45-60 minutes. The whitening procedure, though not painful, can be difficult to brave for patients with a strong gag reflex or anxiety. In between, the dentist keeps checking the teeth whether more bleach needs to be applied.
Next, the dentist removes the retractors, asks the patient to rinse, and measures the immediate effect of the treatment on the discolored teeth. The effect of the process varies from patient to patient. If the teeth are too discolored, the treatment may show a slight difference, with the whitening being just two or three shades, while in some patients, it may be as high as eight (of 16) shades. However, it is important to note that some of the whitening effect is because of dehydration.
The application of bleach is the force working behind the teeth whitening process, which may cause the teeth to look whiter immediately after the procedure completes. The true effect of the whitening process will be visible after about two days.
How to maintain Zoom whitening effect?
To keep the effects of the Zoom whitening process intact, a kit known as Zoom home-use touch-up kit, comprising custom-fitted whitening trays, is given to the patient. It is recommended that you follow a few easy steps after the Zoom whitening procedure to keep your teeth lighter and whiter than ever before.
Precautions during Zoom Whitening Process
As the whitening process involves bleach and light, the patient might experience sensitivity during the treatment. The primary source of discomfort during the procedure is the Zoom light that produces minimal heat. However, it is no reason to be worried about, as the minor tingling dissipates soon thereafter. Your dentist may apply some anti-sensitivity toothpaste before beginning with the treatment so that there is not much sensitivity.
The Zoom whitening procedure is not suggested for children below 13 years of age, pregnant women, or lactating mothers. Another factor to remember is that effects of Zoom whitening may vary from person to person; for some, it may be more effective than others.
Only a dentist is in the position to determine whether Zoom whitening procedure will prove effective for you. For that, he will perform a thorough oral check, including extent of discoloration.