Zoom Whitening

Over time, many of the foods we consume can stain or discolor our teeth. Coffee, tea, red wine and cola are most commonly responsible for staining teeth. Smoking also causes teeth to get discolored. A procedure called teeth whitening can help restore teeth to their original whiteness and luster. Teeth whitening has been around for a long time, but with newer technologies and advancements in dental research, the process has become safer and more effective. In effect, teeth whitening is a bleaching process that uses hydrogen peroxide to lighten the color of the enamel and underlying dentin.

Zoom Whitening is a whitening process developed by Philips that speeds up the bleaching process. When done at the dentist’s office, Zoom whitening can show results of teeth being up to eight times whiter than before. Contact us at San Anselmo Family Dentistry if you would like to know if Zoom Whitening is right for you.

When you first visit us at our center, we will give you an oral examination and let you know if Zoom Whitening is the best option for you. The procedure is short and can be done in one sitting if we decide to proceed. Please note, that if you have veneers or crowns, the procedure will not work for you. Zoom Whitening can only be done on natural tooth enamel.

The color of your teeth and your desired results will be noted so that the procedure can proceed accordingly. Teeth that are badly discolored will need a stronger treatment as compared to teeth that are not too far from the desired results. Other factors like your natural skin tone, lifestyle and habits will also be considered before proceeding with the treatment.

First, your teeth will be cleaned thoroughly, after which you will be prepared for the whitening. Your lips and gums will be covered to protect them from the gel. The Zoom Whitening gel will then be applied to your teeth. After the gel is applied, the Zoom Advanced Power Chairside Lamp is used to activate it.

The light accelerates the bleaching process and helps the hydrogen peroxide to breakdown and lighten stains and discoloration. The whole process takes three fifteen-minute sessions during which time you can just sit back and relax. After the three sessions are over, a fluoride gel is applied to the teeth to reduce sensitivity. The effects of the teeth whitening can be seen instantly once the treatment is complete.