Zoom whitening Archives - Coleman Dental

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.

What’s with the blue Zoom light?

September 9, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I just have to ask the question because I can’t stop wondering what’s with the blue light with Zoom whitening? I love my newly whitened smile. I don’t think my smile has ever looked so good. When I was telling my friend about Zoom, she told me I fell for a gimmick and that the blue light is pointless. Is this true? What is the blue light used for in Zoom whitening? Please tell me I didn’t fall for a gag?

-Gentry in New York

Gentry,

It’s possible your friend may have come across the controversial blue light debate online. The blue light is actually LED lights. The lighting runs at different intensities. A home tooth whitening systems may utilize an LED light. In this manner, when it is not done professionally, the light really doesn’t have a purpose. It is for show. So that may be how Zoom’s blue light is getting a bad reputation. These lights on the makeover shows you see on television and in some home whitening systems, utilize a timer and provide the consumer a feeling like something more is happening.

The Zoom whitening systems uses the light to trigger a reaction in the teeth whitening gel. It increases the rate at which the cosmetic dentist will be able to deliver results. When a non-light, Zoom system is used, most dentists agree that the results are not as noticeable. The quality of the blue light matters as well. But to answer your question, the blue light does serve a purpose when used in a professional dentist’s office. The active ingredients are activated when the light is administered during treatment. Your dentist will send you home with Zoom whitening gel for you to use for touch-ups. The at-home treatments, do not require a light. The results you see in the office are much faster than any take-home whitening system and much more dramatic. This is largely due to the combination of the ingredients in the Zoom formula, used with the powerful Zoom light.

Hopefully this helps you build your defense with your friend. The bottom line is that you love your new white smile!

My white smile is fading only a couple days after Zoom whitening!

September 7, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I have been hiding my ugly, discolored teeth for awhile now. So I finally decided to get Zoom whitening done. But I have to say, although I was really happy at first, that all faded in only a few days. I feel like this is unfair. I don’t think I should have to pay for the treatment since I am unhappy. Why did my whitening fade after only days?

– Vicki in Wisconsin

Vicki,

Teeth whitening results can vary greatly among people. Your dentist really has no way to predict the exact shade. Although, the dentist should have done a better job of explaining what would happen after the procedure. Zoom whitening is typically done in three separate, fifteen minute whitening sessions. In some cases, the dentist will opt to do a fourth if the patient is cooperative. The Zoom whitening system uses a special Zoom light to when teeth and it actually dehydrates teeth. This gives your teeth a bright white effect immediately and then as the teeth rehydrate over the next few days and weeks, the whiteness can fade. This actually happens with almost all teeth whitening cosmetic dentistry treatments. It is very difficult to predict exactly how much it will fade. Many dentists will send patients home with teeth whitening trays so touch up treatments can be performed at home. This technique helps to maintain the whiteness that was achieved in the office. Don’t feel cheated or ripped off. What you have described is quite common. It is unfortunate that you were not better prepared for what would happen after you left the office.

Looking for Zoom to complete my personal makeover.

September 6, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I’m kind of obsessed with makeover reality shows. That said, they did the trick to motivate me. I’m proudly down over 95 pounds and I feel like I deserve Zoom whitening like they show on those shows. I told myself if I met my goal, I could makeover my smile too. When I talked to my dentist, he doesn’t do Zoom. He uses something called Kor whitening. I am kind of disappointed because I’ve been fixated on Zoom whitening since I started my weight loss journey. Is it possible to purchase Zoom personally so I could do it myself? I want the real thing!

– Jo Ann in Missouri

Jo Ann,

That is excellent news about your fantastic weight loss journey. Congratulations!

It sounds like your dentist prefers the Kor whitening system over Zoom whitening. Different dentists have different preferences and typically they will offer one or the other. They are both about the same price, so it’s likely his personal preference. Kor proponents like that the ingredients are kept in their own refrigerator until they are used. It is a very strong whitening system and delivers impressive results.

Zoom also delivers incredible results. Unfortunately, it would not be a good idea to purchase Zoom on your own. You wouldn’t want to try to tackle this kind of cosmetic dentistry procedure on your own. It needs to be professionally applied and monitored by a dentist. There are some malls that have whitening kiosks, but there really is no way to ensure the product is the name brand nor the individuals applying it are trained to do so. The whitening agents in Zoom are very powerful and can cause damage to the surrounding gums and teeth if it is not done correctly.

So it sounds like you have a couple options to complete your transformation. You could search for another dentist that offers Zoom, if that brand name is particularly important. Or you could go with your current dentist and give Kor a try. You will see fabulous results with either teeth whitening system. Just don’t try to cut corners and try something like this at home. You deserve the real thing!

Can I Give My Leftover Zoom Whitening Gel to a Friend?

September 6, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I had Zoom whitening done about a year ago and the doctor gave me a tray and some gel to use at home for touch ups if I wanted. My teeth have retained their color and I’m still happy with them, but the stuff is just sitting around. My best friend has always wanted to try Zoom whitening, and I am thinking about giving her mine. I have four syringes left. That should be enough, I think. Is it safe for me to give her my kit?

Thanks,

Tina in Oregon

Dear Tina,

Your Zoom whitening take-home kit should not be shared. The first concern is the gel itself. Most of the time it’s good for about a year, but your dental office may have had it in stock for a while. There’s a chance that it has expired now, especially if you kept it in a bathroom or other warm environment. It should be clear, but if it’s cloudy or white, that means it’s no longer good. Of course, it still may be ineffective due to age, even if it’s not showing signs.

A second consideration is your friend’s oral health. It’s important to start with clean teeth, so that the gel can work properly. If she hasn’t had a cleaning in a while, trying to lighten her teeth now can lead to splotchy results. It’s also worth noting that the color of dental work won’t change. So, if she has fillings and crowns, those will remain the darker shade. It may not matter for back teeth, but it’s certainly a consideration if she’s had dental work anywhere that shows when she smiles.

Lastly, your trays were custom-made for you. You probably remember having impressions taken, and from those, a stone model was made that’s an exact replica of your teeth. The trays were made from that, and so they will not fit your friend. Even if she can get them on, they won’t be an exact match, which means she runs the risk of uneven whitening and possibly even sore gums from not being able to keep the gel off them.

The bottom line is that it’s a bad idea to share your Zoom teeth whitening kit. While it was a very thoughtful notion, it could leave her with bad results. It’s best if she visits a dentist and has a kit made especially for her, after having an exam and cleaning.

These teeth whitening strips are doing nothing.

September 5, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I admit, I drink a lot of coffee and I’m a regular smoker. I know if I cut back on these habits, my teeth would look nicer. But I have been using these teeth whitening strips and nothing is happening. In fact, since I’ve started using them, the one really dark tooth I have looks worse. Is that even possible? Well, maybe the others are lightening and the really dark one just is more noticeable. So, I started cutting the strips so I can place it only on the really dark tooth. Why isn’t it working on the main tooth I want to focus on?

-Sheila in North Carolina

Sheila,

Thank you for your question. It sounds like you have figured out that most of your teeth are being whitened from the tooth whitening strips. But there is one fairly discolored one that is not lightening. This is actually a concern. It should be responding like the others are, if it is indeed surface staining on the tooth from coffee and smoking. But since it’s not, there may be a problem. For example, if the tooth is gray and isn’t whitening, it may be dead. Did you suffer a trauma that you can recall? Do you have any pain? These would be symptoms of a dead tooth.

It is important to schedule an appointment to get an x-ray on the tooth. If the tooth is not getting blood flow, it may turn into an infection and will require treatment to save the tooth. Don’t put this off because it may end up requiring a root canal. During that procedure, the color of the tooth can be improved.

It sounds like the tooth that isn’t responding to the whitening, may be stained from the inside and not externally. No tooth whitening strips, take-take home trays, or powerful Zoom whitening will help, if it is dead. An experienced cosmetic dentist may be able to explore the option of whitening it from the inside. But if it does need a root canal, you may end up with a porcelain crown anyway, which will improve the appearance of the tooth.

Don’t put off seeking treatment to figure out what is going on with the tooth and why it is not responding to the tooth whitening.

I wanted to ask a cosmetic dentist about the Premium Home Whitening brand products?

September 3, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I saw a Groupon discount offer for something called Premium Home Whitening. It is advertised as a professional grade teeth whitening brand. I wanted to ask a cosmetic dentist if it would be worth it to give it a try?

– Paul in New Jersey

Paul,

Thank you for your question. It is not uncommon to see all sorts of teeth whitening offers on sites like Groupon. They can range from simple take home whitening trays, like Crest Whitening strips to Zoom whitening and everything in between. Also, most dental offices will use this marketing tactic to draw in new patients by offering free teeth whitening. But as far as the particular brand, Premium Home Whitening, here are my two cents.

The main teeth whitening agent in the Premium Home Whitening system is carbamide peroxide at 35 percent. This whitening agent will whiten your teeth. That said, the “cold blue light” probably won’t do anything to intensify or increase the effectiveness of the product. Nothing in the ingredient list or instructions really sets them apart from any other teeth whitening system.

But, I’d caution you to make the purchase for a few reasons. The cost is pretty high, although you didn’t mention the Groupon discounted price. The retail cost is high when you look at professional teeth whitening that you’d get at dentist’s office. When your whitening is overseen by a reputable dentist, the results will be more effective and they will likely double check that you don’t have any immediate issues that need to be addressed prior to treatment.

Then, there’s the safety issue of the formula and process. There have been cases of patients that ended up requiring a root canal treatment after using an over-the-counter whitening system. From a safety perspective, teeth whitening under the supervision of a dentist will ensure your safety. Other issues with take-home whitening systems on the market include damage to gums or existing dental work, cracked or leaky fillings or other sensitivity problems.

Also, you need to take into consideration the fit of the tray from this brand you are considering, will not give you a perfect fit. This is because it isn’t made to fit your teeth perfectly like it would be at a dentist’s office. This could lead to the possibility of the gel leaking and also an uneven coloration. If there are leaks, than the effectiveness goes down too. Gum irritation from an inadequate fit of the tray is also a concern.

So, if you are looking for an endorsement from a cosmetic dentist on this product, you likely won’t get it. That said, most dentists do a good job of whitening and you don’t necessarily need to see an expert cosmetic dentist for teeth whitening treatment. It may be worth your while to call around town to see if you can compare prices between dentists. That way you may end up saving a little money and also have the professional supervision that will ensure your safety, as well as a beautiful white smile. Good luck!

How Can I Lighten the Color of a Filling?

September 2, 2021 by Brian Sartin

I went through a serious depression a couple of years ago and stopped taking care of myself entirely. I’m back to my normal self again, and I’m trying to update my appearance so I can feel better about the way I look. I wanted to do Zoom Whitening, but it was out of my budget and I wasn’t ready to go to the dentist yet. So, I started using one of those home systems you can buy online. I’ve been using it daily for a few months and my teeth are brighter, but I have a tiny filling on one tooth that didn’t change and it looks funny. Now I’m thinking I’ll have to have Zoom Whitening done. I’d like to go whiter, but if there’s a way to fix this at home for now, I’d really rather do that. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Melissa in Kentucky

Dear Melissa,

Glad to hear you’re doing better. Unfortunately, there isn’t tooth whitening available anywhere that will change the color of a filling – not even Zoom Whitening in the dental office. The color of a filling is permanent, and the only way to correct it is to have the old filling removed, and to replace it with a new one in a lighter shade.

On a side note, it sounds like you’ve been using the home kit quite a bit, probably more than the instructions call for. Some of the weak ones are safe to use daily, but stronger varieties can cause issues when you use them too much. The biggest complaints are chronic tooth pain, gum irritation, and discolored enamel. If you’re having any of these issues, you should stop treatment right away, because the tooth pain will get worse and can cause permanent damage. Some people also report uneven color, which is somewhat common with the systems you can use at home. Again, though, this depends on the strength of the product you are using.

For the best results, it’s a good idea to go and have a consultation with your dentist. Any kind of whitening system works better on clean teeth, and it’s certainly wise to have a checkup. Plus, the doctor will be able to evaluate your progress and help you troubleshoot any issues you are having. If you want to go brighter and the regular in-office system is out of your reach financially, you can have custom trays made with professional-strength solution for a fraction of the price.

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.