Zoom teeth bleaching 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.

Can false teeth be whitened?

September 5, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I was born without my two lateral incisors. I wanted to get dental implants in the next few years but currently I have two false teeth that are attached to a retainer to fill the gaps. My teeth are discolored and I have been wanting to get them whitened. Does teeth whitening work on false teeth?

– John in Kentucky

John,

Unfortunately, false teeth cannot be whitened. Actually, any kind of prosthetic or restoration will not whiten, including porcelain veneers, porcelain crowns, or dental bonding. This is because the teeth whitening agents are only effective on living surfaces. The oxygen is released to penetrate deep into the tooth. This also means that if a tooth has had a root canal, the only way it can be whitened is with internal whitening because nerves inside the tooth are no longer living. Zoom whitening will not work either.

You can use teeth whitening on your teeth prior to getting the permanent dental implants. At that time you can choose the shade you want and then have the implant dentist match the shade of your whitened teeth. If you can’t wait to whiten your teeth and want to do it now, you can always get a new retainer made and have the false teeth made to match.

Thanks for your question!

Tooth pain and sensitvity after Zoom whitening.

August 31, 2021 by Brian Sartin

Why do my teeth hurt after getting Zoom whitening done? I didn’t anticipate not being able to eat normally, drink, or heck – even breathe after getting the treatment. Is there something wrong or did my dentist mess up? What is going on? The tooth pain is so intense I’m considering going to urgent care to see if they can do anything. My dentist is gone for the week and I’m left feeling helpless.

– Vic in California

Vic,

Sorry to hear you are having a difficult time after Zoom whitening. Do you typically have sensitive teeth? From the sounds of it, there is a good chance that you do. And for someone that does have sensitive teeth, this is pretty common. The pain should only be temporary and can be managed. It is surprising that your dentist didn’t prepare you for this possibility, especially if you have sensitive teeth.

Your teeth are covered in tiny, microscopic pores or what are referred to as tubules. These pores were opened during the Zoom whitening process so that the whitening agent could penetrate deep into the teeth. It is not uncommon for sensitivity to occur after any teeth whitening treatment for a couple of days following the appointment. Since these tubules were opened, this also means that anything else that you expose your teeth to may irritate the teeth and cause some pain. That is because the food, drink, or even your breath as you mentioned, is reaching the inside of your teeth. It is also important to avoid anything that may cause immediate staining like tea, red wine, and berries for several days immediately following the whitening appointment. All that to be said, some people have more sensitivity than others. Others won’t even notice anything out of the ordinary.

Here is what you can do to manage the discomfort.

Take an over-the-counter ibuprofen or pain reliever as needed for a couple days.
Do your best to breathe using your nose instead of your mouth.
Drinking from a straw will help.
Avoid extreme hot or cold food and drink.
A fluoride rinse can be used to reduce tooth sensitivity. Although, this is typically more effective when it is started prior to getting Zoom done.

In rare instances, patients may have another dental problem that is causing the pain. If the pulp of the tooth is inflamed than you may be dealing with the pain for a longer period of time, up to two weeks. The treatment for this condition is similar. But if the pain doesn’t subside within a few days, call your dentist. They will be able to check you out to make sure there isn’t anything else going on that is causing your discomfort. If the dentist is out of town, there should be another back-up number to call.

As always, if the tooth pain is waking you up at night or is too intense to handle, contact your dentist right away. Professional treatment may include a stronger pain medication or desensitizing treatment.

Thank you for your question.