Unlike over-the-counter teeth whitening products, zoom provides dramatic results in less than an hour. This procedure uses a stronger concentration of whitening gel and LED light to break up and bleach stubborn stains.

The procedure is broken up into three 15-minute sessions of whitening gel application and light activation. It is safe for most patients, but individuals with a strong gag reflex may find parts of the treatment uncomfortable.

What to Expect?

If you are interested in having your teeth whitened, your dentist will assess your current tooth shade and discuss your desired results to help determine which whitening technique is best for you. Preparation for the treatment includes removing plaque and tartar from your teeth. You should also avoid foods and drinks that stain your teeth for 24 hours prior to the appointment.

During your treatment, your dentist will apply a hydrogen peroxide whitening gel to the surface of your teeth, covering them thoroughly and avoiding gums and lips. The gel will then be activated by a special blue-plasma LED light, which breaks down discoloration and whitens the teeth. The procedure typically lasts for 45 minutes to an hour.

During your whitening session, you may experience some sensitivity due to the removal of the natural layer of protection on your teeth, known as the pellicle. Using a desensitising toothpaste a few days before your appointment can reduce this sensitivity.

Preparation

When you arrive for your zoom teeth whitening Fort Walton Beach FL appointment, your dentist will ask to review any dental history that would be relevant to the treatment, including any crowns or fillings you may have. Your dentist will also examine your teeth and gums to ensure that they are healthy enough for whitening, then take impressions of your teeth for custom-fitted trays.

Once the whitening gel is applied, a special Zoom light is activated to speed up the process of breaking down stains and discoloration. The whole procedure typically takes less than an hour.

Sensitivity is a common side-effect of the whitening process, but it usually only lasts a day or two. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help to ease discomfort, if necessary.

To help you maintain your white smile, your dentist will give you a kit of sensitivity-reducing fluoride paste and custom-fitted whitening trays to use at home. Follow the instructions carefully to get the best results from your whitening treatment.

The Treatment

Before the actual whitening procedure starts, your dentist will remove all plaque and debris from your teeth. This will help the whitening gel penetrate your enamel and dentin more effectively, allowing you to enjoy whiter, brighter teeth in less than an hour.

Next, the whitening gel will be applied to your teeth, and a Zoom light is used to activate it. The light breaks down the hydrogen peroxide in the whitening gel, enabling oxygen to bleach away any discoloration in your teeth. The process usually consists of three 15-minute sessions, and your teeth will be significantly whiter after the treatment is complete.

After the whitening is done, your dentist will apply a fluoride-based gel to reduce sensitivity and then give you instructions on how to maintain your new smile. Be sure to avoid foods and beverages that can stain your teeth, and use a whitening toothpaste to keep them white for as long as possible.

Your dentist may also advise you to get your teeth cleaned on a regular basis and to schedule other types of dental procedures, such as veneers, in order to ensure that they blend well with your newly white teeth.

Post-Procedure Care

Your dentist will give you instructions on how to maintain your results, which usually involve avoiding foods and beverages that stain teeth, using a special toothpaste with sensitivity-reducing fluoride and having regular touch-up treatments. They may also advise you to schedule a dental cleaning before your zoom teeth whitening Fort Walton Beach FL treatment, which helps remove surface stains and make your teeth respond better to the bleaching gel.

The full treatment usually takes under an hour and begins with your dentist covering your gums, lips and other sensitive areas of your mouth before applying the whitening gel to your teeth. The whitening gel is then activated by the Zoom lamp for three 15-minute sessions and your dentist will monitor your progress.

Some people experience tooth sensitivity after a whitening treatment, but this normally subsides within 24 hours. You can reduce this by using a sensitive tooth paste and rinsing your mouth with cold water or mouthwash after eating and drinking.