Zoom whitening sensitivity Archives

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.

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.