Zoom whitening has quickly become one of the most popular teeth whitening treatments to enhance the appearance of your teeth. However, you might have many questions that require clarification before you proceed with this treatment. Fortunately, our dentists in Waterloo understand your concerns. 

They have created an extensive guide answering the most common questions people have. Keep reading to resolve your concerns and decide whether this procedure suits you. 

Question 1: How Does Zoom Whitening Work?

Zoom teeth whitening is a professional teeth whitening procedure performed by our dentists in Waterloo to improve the appearance of teeth discoloration. It's a popular option for those looking to achieve a brighter smile quickly.

Here is a general step-by-step guide that most dentists follow for Zoom whitening:

• Preparation: Our dentists in Kitchener will examine your teeth and gums to ensure they are healthy and suitable for the whitening treatment. Dental work, such as fillings or cleanings, might be done before the whitening.

• Isolating sensitive areas: We will isolate your lips, gums, and the soft tissue in your mouth to protect them from the whitening gel. This is important to avoid any potential irritation or damage.

• Applying whitening gel: The whitening gel will be applied to your teeth. It is designed to break down stains and discoloration on the enamel. 

• Zoom light: A special Zoom light activates the whitening gel.

Remember that you might require multiple sessions that last for fifteen minutes for the treatment to work. Usually, the number of sessions will depend on the level of discoloration on your teeth. Once the desired whitening level is achieved, we will offer post-treatment care instructions you can follow. 

Question 2: How Long Do The Results From Zoom Whitening Last?

While the time the results last will vary between each individual, the results usually last from 12 to 24 months. Our dentists in Waterloo recommend you follow good oral hygiene practices to make the results last as long as possible. 

Let’s review some good oral hygiene practices our dentists recommend for you to ensure the longevity of the Zoom whitening procedure:

Daily Practices 

Daily oral hygiene must include brushing, flossing, and using fluoride toothpaste. All of this will help maintain the whiteness of your teeth. These practices will prevent the buildup of new stains that cause discoloration. 

Healthy Diet 

Sugary and acidic beverages and food can stain your teeth with time. For example, red wine, tea, and coffee can lead to staining. So, if you consume these foods more often, your Zoom whitening results will fade away much more quickly. 

Using Tobacco 

Our dentists in Waterloo advise you to quit or reduce tobacco use after you get this procedure done. That is because such products significantly contribute to teeth discoloration. So they will reduce the effects of the whitening procedure in the long run. 

Question 3: Are There Any Side Effects Of The Zoom Whitening Procedure? 

While Zoom teeth whitening is generally considered safe and effective when performed by a trained dentist, there are some potential side effects that you should be aware of. Discussing these with our dentists in Waterloo before undergoing the procedure is important. 

Some common side effects you might experience after the treatment include the following:

Gum Irritation

The high concentration of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide in the whitening gel can potentially irritate the gums and soft tissues of the mouth. Our dentists will take precautions to protect your gums during the procedure, but minimal irritation might still occur. This irritation is typically temporary and should resolve on its own.

Tooth Sensitivity 

This is one of the most common side effects of teeth whitening procedures, including Zoom. This sensitivity may manifest as temporary discomfort or pain when consuming hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and beverages. It usually subsides within a few days to a week after the procedure. 

Our dentists in Waterloo may provide you with desensitizing products or recommend specific toothpaste to help manage this sensitivity. Be sure to follow the dentist's orders for the sensitivity to subside. 

Temporary Color Rebound

After the initial whitening, there might be a temporary color rebound, where your teeth appear slightly darker before settling into the final whitened shade. This is usually a short-term effect and should stabilize within a few days. If you experience this, it is nothing to worry about. 

Allergic Reactions

While rare, some individuals might experience allergic reactions to the components of the whitening gel. It's important to inform your dentist about known allergies before the procedure. Then, they can take the relevant steps to guarantee you don’t experience this issue. 

Question 4: Does Zoom Whitening Work On Crowns, Veneers, Or Implants? 

Unfortunately, Zoom Whitening does not work on crowns, veneers, or implants, as it only works to whiten natural teeth. This is because dental crowns and veneers are usually made from materials like porcelain or ceramic. These materials do not respond to traditional teeth whitening treatments, including Zoom whitening. 

Since crowns and veneers are already custom-made to match the shade of your natural teeth or your desired shade, their color does not change with teeth whitening procedures. If you're considering teeth whitening and have crowns or veneers, discussing this with your dentist is important. They can help you determine the best course of action to ensure a consistent and natural-looking smile.

We recommend your options with our dentists in Waterloo before opting for any whitening procedure. They will provide you with the best options that will work perfectly for your teeth. 

Question 5: Can You Get Zoom Whitening Done While Pregnant? 

Like many other elective dental procedures, Zoom teeth whitening is generally not recommended during pregnancy. While there isn't a definitive link between teeth whitening and pregnancy complications, it's advisable to exercise caution and prioritize the health of both the mother and the developing fetus.

Additionally, the whitening gel used in Zoom whitening contains hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, active whitening agents. The potential risks associated with the ingestion or absorption of these agents during pregnancy are a concern. We recommend you postpone these procedures till after you have given birth. 

You can visit our dentists in Waterloo to discuss your options, and they will recommend you the best course of action. Once you are done giving birth and breastfeeding, you can opt for teeth whitening procedures to brighten your smile. 

Question 6: What Should I Avoid Doing Before The Zoom Whitening Procedure? 

Before undergoing a Zoom teeth whitening procedure, there are several things you should avoid to ensure the best possible results and minimize potential complications. Here are some things to avoid before you go in for your procedure: 

• Staining beverages and foods: Avoid consuming foods such as tea, coffee, dark berries, and more to avoid staining 

• Highly abrasive oral care products: Avoid using highly abrasive oral products such as mouthwash or toothpaste as they can cause irritation or sensitivity during the procedure 

• Using tobacco: Using tobacco products or smoking can impact teeth appearance

By avoiding these procedures and following the instructions from our dentists in Waterloo, you will have a comfortable procedure. Once you do, your procedure will go as smoothly as possible. 

Question 7: How Often Can You Get Zoom Whitening?

We recommend not doing Zoom whitening treatments more than once a year. However, there are many other factors that you need to consider to determine how frequently you should get Zoom whitening procedures. For example, some people might choose to have touch-up treatments to maintain their results.

These touch-up sessions are often performed several months to a year after the initial treatment, depending on how well the results have been maintained and how your teeth have responded to staining factors. 

Your dentist will provide personalized recommendations based on your case. They will consider factors such as your oral health, sensitivity, and the condition of your teeth. If you're considering a touch-up treatment, consult our dentists in Waterloo to determine the appropriate timing.

Question 8: How Many Shades Whiter Does Zoom Whitening Make Your Teeth?

The degree of teeth whitening achieved through a Zoom whitening procedure can vary from person to person. On average, Zoom teeth whitening is designed to lighten teeth by several shades. In many cases, patients can expect a whitening improvement of about 6 to 8 shades on the VITA shade guide, a common system used to measure tooth color changes.

It's important to note that the actual whitening results can depend on factors such as the initial shade of your teeth, the type and extent of staining, your response to the whitening agents, and the specific Zoom whitening system used (e.g., Zoom WhiteSpeed or Zoom QuickPro). Some individuals may achieve even greater whitening results, while others might experience slightly more modest changes.

Final Thoughts 

We hope we have resolved all your concerns regarding the Zoom whitening procedure. If you have more questions, please contact our dentists in Waterloo. They will help you understand what works best for you and then decide.