Q: What is
Zoom! tooth whitening?
A: Zoom! is a bleaching
process that lightens discoloration of enamel and dentin.
Q:
What causes tooth discoloration?
A: There are many causes.
The most common include aging and consumption of staining substances such as coffee,
tea, colas, tobacco, red wine, etc. During tooth formation, consumption of tetracycline,
certain antibiotics or excessive fluoride may also cause tooth discoloration.
Q:
Who may benefit from tooth whitening?
A: Almost anyone.
However, treatment may not be as effective on some as it is for others. Your dental
professional can determine if you are a viable candidate for this procedure through
a thorough oral exam, including shade assessment.
Q: Do
many people whiten their teeth?
A: More people than you
might imagine. A bright sparkling smile can make a big difference for everyone.
The Zoom! Chairside Whitening System makes it easier and faster than ever
before.
Q: Is whitening safe?
A:
Yes. Extensive research and clinical studies indicate that whitening teeth under
the supervision of a dentist is safe. In fact, many dentists consider whitening
the safest cosmetic dental procedure available. As with any tooth whitening product,
Zoom! is not recommended for children under 13 years of age and pregnant
or lactating women.
Q: How long do the results last?
A:
By following some simple post whitening care instructions, your teeth will always
be lighter than they were before. To keep your teeth looking their best, we recommend
flossing, brushing twice daily, and occasional touch-ups with Zoom! Take-Home
gel. These are professional formula products designed specifically to keep your
teeth their brightest. They are available only through your dental professional.
Q:
How does the Zoom! In-office system work?
A: The
Zoom! light activated whitening gel's acive ingredient is Hydrogen Peroxide.
As the Hydrogen Peroxide is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin,
bleaching colored substances while the structure of the tooth is unchanged. The
Zoom! light aids in activating the hydrogen peroxide and helps it penetrate
the surface of the tooth. A study has shown that use of the Zoom! lamp
increases the effectiveness of the Zoom! gel by 33% or more, giving an
average improvement of eight shades*.
Q: What does a patient
experience during the Zoom! In-office Procedure?
A:
During the procedure, patients may comfortably watch television to listen to music.
Many actually fall asleep. Individuals with a strong gag reflex or anxiety may
have difficulty undergoing the entire procedure.
Q: How
is exposure to the Zoom! light controlled?
A: The Zoom!
procedure requires that all soft tissue in and around the mouth be protected.
The clinician is required to monitor the procedure to insure any exposed skin
or tissue is isolated and protected. Protective eyewear is required during the
procedure. Light sensitive individuals including those undergoing PUVA (Psoralen+UV
Radiation) therapy or other photo-chemotherapy, as well as patients with melanoma,
should not undergo the Zoom! In-Office procedure. Also patients taking
any light sensitive drugs or substances, whether over-the-counter, prescription
or homeopathic, should consult their primary physician prior to procedure. Anyone
who is not eligible for Zoom! In-Office for these reasons may be an excellent
candidate for Zoom! Take-Home.
Q: How long does Zoom! In-Office
Whitening take?
A: The complete procedure takes just over an
hour. The procedure begins with a preparation period followed by one hour of bleaching.
A five minute fluoride treatment completes the procedure (a cleaning is recommended
prior to the actual Zoom! Whitening session).
Q:
How does the Zoom! Take-Home System work?
A: Zoom! utilizes
a breakthrough dual barrel chemistry that is engineered to accelerate whitening
efficacy in two unique ways. First, it utilizes a breakthrough surfactant technology
for improved gel penetration. Second, it helps to control the activation of Hydrogen
Peroxide. This innovative formula creates an activation matrix that helps regulate
the release of free radicals for optimal results. A recent study showed that the
Zoom! Take-Home System delivers an average of six shades* after three
applications.
Q: How long does Zoom! Take-Home Whitening
take?
A: The Zoom! take-home gel is designed to be
worn between four and eight hours per application. Your dental professional will
advise you on how long you should wear each application. Most people prefer to
wear it over night while they sleep, but you can also wear it during the day if
that works better for you. A recent study showed that you can achieve an average
improvement of six shades* after just three applications. However, individual
results may vary. Your dental professional will help you determine how many applications
are right for you.
Q: How is the Zoom! Take-Home System
different from the Zoom! In-Office System?
A: The main difference
between the two systems is that you use the Zoom! Take-Home System in the
convenience of your own home over a few days or nights. The Zoom! In-Office
System is performed entirely in the office.
*
As measureed with the Vita Classical Shade Guide, chromatically aranged.