sensitivity with Zoom Archives

Is the mall teeth whitening really Zoom?

September 11, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I have been thinking about getting my teeth whitened and have called to a couple dentist offices about Zoom. Unfortunately it’s too expensive for me. One of the dentists I called said he could give me some take home whitening system but it wasn’t Zoom. I came across this mall kiosk that offered bleaching and I think it said it was Zoom. But how can they offer Zoom whitening for only a hundred bucks? Is it too good to be true?

– Gina in Georgia

Gina,

Your instincts are probably correct. The mall kiosk whitening system is likely not Zoom whitening. Maybe they had a sign that said it was comparable or like Zoom. But Zoom whitening is created to be done by a professional dentist. They need to oversee the whitening process to ensure everything goes well. It is difficult to give you much more info on that mall whitening kiosk because there is no way to know what kind of whitening agent or active ingredient it contains. It is possible it is hydrogen peroxide or possibly carmaide peroxide. If it does actually contain these agents, it may be effective. Again, there is just no way to know for sure without going back and asking more about it.

Many people jump into a deal like the one at the mall and then have problems because the staff typically aren’t dental professionals. At a dental office the whole treatment and visit will be closely monitored and you know without a doubt their products are strong and will deliver dramatic results. A dentist cannot offer this type of system without certain safety processes in place.

There are Zoom-like systems outside of dentist offices that have left people with horror stories like burned gums and extremely sensitive teeth. So although the teeth whitening deal is good, it’s still best to go through a dentist’s office.

Another important factor that isn’t controlled in a mall setting is the sterilization. There is a good chance the equipment to properly sanitize the equipment and instruments is not available in a retail setting. Again, you are also dealing with potentially untrained staff. So there is likely an increased risk for infection occurring in a non-controlled environment.

At the off-chance the mall retailer you are referring to does offer Zoom whitening, remember it’s the professional that is administering it that is the most important. So be careful. Maybe it would be wise to look into the take-home trays that the dentist you called was mentioning. Although, the results take a little longer, take-home professional teeth whitening is very effective if done correctly. Take home trays are also less expensive.

How can I ensure avoiding a teeth whitening disaster (a la Ross from Friends)?

September 9, 2021 by Brian Sartin

How can I ensure avoiding a teeth whitening disaster (a la Ross from Friends)?

-Becca in North Dakota

Becca,

Teeth whitening can be a smile brightening, pleasant experience. There are some questions you can ask before making an appointment so you don’t get the glow in the dark, blinding “Ross” look, or end up spending money getting no results at all.

First, you want to know how strong is the bleach that’s being used? The ADA recommends a 10% peroxide solution to be used in an in-home bleaching kit, and a 15-35% peroxide solution for in office bleaching such as Zoom whitening, or other chair side products. You also need to be aware of who’s administering the bleaching. Teeth bleaching should be done by a trained professional only. Certain med spas, and stands at the mall may want to be passed over when looking to have such a delicate procedure done, which is best handled by a trained dentist. Delivering a highly potent agent requires medical oversight, thus decreasing risks for over-bleaching which can cause gum irritation and tooth sensitivity. Also, a trained dentist can oversee the process making sure no other dental therapies are needed due to tooth discoloration (natural teeth vs. caps/porcelain veneers). If only Ross was more proactive when he decided to Zoom his teeth!

This post is sponsored by Houston cosmetic dentist Coleman Dental.

Does Zoom whitening hurt?

August 28, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I got some teeth whitening kits from the drug store. I really wasn’t happy with them. They actually hurt. I am looking into Zoom whitening but was wondering if it has hydrogen peroxide in it because I think that is why my teeth hurt.

Also, do you have to get Zoom done multiple times to see results?

– Jeff in Illinois

Jeff,

Professional teeth whitening treatments done by a dentist are much more powerful than any over-the-counter whitening toothpaste or strips that you would get from the store. The whitening agents used in professional whitening are much stronger and remain on the teeth much longer. Therefore, the whitening agents deliver much more effective results.

In regard to Zoom whitening, there is a percentage of hydrogen peroxide in the whitening agent. When the special Zoom light is used and shone on the teeth prepared with the Zoom whitening gel, it activates and accelerates the bleaching process. Oxygen is able to penetrate deep into the teeth and give results that are up to 10 shades whiter. You don’t have to go back into the office multiple times for treatment, but the dentist will perform multiple sessions at the whitening appointment. It will all be done in one appointment.

As far as your question asking if Zoom hurts, that is a possibility. Any teeth whitening procedure can cause increased sensitivity. But with Zoom, the heat of the light and the powerful whitening agents can intensify the sensitivity. Patients have reported increased sensitivity that usually subsides after a few days. But for some, the symptoms last longer than that. Talk to your dentist about your experience and expectations. Maybe take home whitening trays are more appropriate for you. Zoom is popular, but isn’t right for everyone.

Do I need sedation for Zoom?

August 28, 2021 by Brian Sartin

My teeth are very, very sensitive! But I have been wanting to whiten my teeth for awhile and I am finally moving forward with getting Zoom! Since I have never had a cavity filled or really any other dental issue (aside from sensitivity) I don’t have anything to compare it to. I’m kind of freaking out about having the Zoom done because I’m afraid it will hurt my super sensitive teeth. I’ve read about people having sensitivity after the procedure so I think mine will be intense. I also had a friend that had Zoom whitening and she said she has never been in so much pain before! Do you think the dentist would do sedation dentistry for me since my teeth are already sensitive?

– Trisha in California

Trisha,

Sensitivity is not uncommon after professional teeth whitening techniques, like Zoom whitening. That said, it is virtually unheard of for a dentist to use sedation dentistry for this type of procedure. Sedation is more commonly used for restorative work like crowns or root canal treatments, that sort of thing. There are people that use sedation if they have had a bad experience in the past and they are particularly fearful. So although it’s not out of the question, it probably wouldn’t be recommended.

Oral sedation will make you indifferent to what is going on and will actually feel like you were asleep during the procedure. But it really is unnecessary for a non-painful procedure like Zoom whitening. Your sensitivity may be heightened for a couple days following the procedure, but it shouldn’t be painful. You may feel a couple zings or unique sensations, but nothing too bothersome. You can talk to your dentist about any recommendations like fluoride treatments or fluoride mouthwash that may help with desensitizing the teeth after the procedure. The cosmetic dentist may actually be able to prescribe a stronger fluoride formulation than you could get over the counter. So be upfront with your dentist about your concern. And if you feel any discomfort during the procedure, tell your dentist right away. The use of the Zoom light can be limited or discontinued if necessary.

Try not to get yourself worked up! It won’t hurt and you will have a beautiful, white smile when it’s all said and done.

My teeth are tingling after Zoom whitening.

August 28, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I am wondering if it’s normal to feel extreme sensitivity after getting Zoom whitening done? I had my appointment yesterday. During the last round of treatment I starting noticing my teeth felt tingly. When I woke up, they are even more tingly than before. When I mentioned this to the dentist yesterday, he told me it is normal and usually lasts for a couple days afterwards. Have you heard of this?

– Jess in Missouri

Jess,

Sensitivity is common with Zoom whitening and really any kind of teeth whitening treatment. The peroxide is what most whitening products contain and it can cause sensitivity. In most cases, the sensitivity or “tingling” will subside in a week at the most.

If after two weeks, you still have the tingling sensation you are describing, make sure you contact your dentist and make an appointment to be seen. There may be other issues that need to be addressed. Sometimes extreme sensitivity may indicate a cavity, receding of the gums, or exposed dentin. These issues would have likely have existed prior to the Zoom whitening but may have been aggravated or worsened from the whitening agents and chemicals in the formulas.

Try not to worry too much about it. The sensitivity almost always goes away on its own. Over the counter toothpastes like Sensodyne or fluoride rinses may help in the short-term.