etting whiter teeth doesn’t have to take hours a day for weeks at a time and involve messy whitening strips or poor-fitting trays. By utilizing the Zoom whitening system, Dr. Christopher Omeltschenko can get your teeth up to 8 shades whiter in just over an hour in our Cincinnati dental office.
What is Zoom Whitening?
Zoom whitening is a bleaching process that, utilizing a light-activated whitening gel, lightens areas of discoloration of enamel and dentin. Enamel is the hard, white covering of a tooth and dentin is the middle layer of a tooth that surrounds the pulp. Zoom is performed in a dental office and takes approximately one hour to complete. The hour begins with a preparation period, where the dentists and staff prep the teeth for the procedure, and is followed by as little as 45 minutes of bleaching.
How does Zoom Whitening work?The active ingredient in the Zoom gel is Hydrogen Peroxide. The gel is placed on your teeth and the Zoom light is directed at the teeth. The light activates the gel, causing the hydrogen peroxide to break down and oxygen to enter the enamel and dentin. This process bleaches the colored substances of the enamel and dentin but leaves the structure of the tooth unchanged. In a study, the Zoom light was shown to increase the effectiveness of the Zoom gel by 26%.
What will I experience during the procedure?Every effort to make you comfortable during the procedure will be made. A retractor will be used to pull your lips away from your teeth so the light can reach all of your teeth. You will wear protective eye goggles to shield you from the light. We encourage patients to watch television or listen to music during the procedure to pass the time. Individuals with a strong gag reflex or anxiety may have difficulty undergoing the entire procedure. After the procedure you can expect for your lips to feel “tired” from being held open and for your mouth to feel dry. |
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Are there any side effects of Zoom Whitening?
The main side effect we hear from patients is sensitive teeth, but this always goes away. The Zoom light generates minimal heat, which can also be a source of discomfort. Sometimes minor tingling sensations are reported immediately after the procedure, but always dissipate. Using an anti-sensitivity toothpaste before and after treatment is recommended.
How long will the results last?
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 once a day, brushing at least twice a day, and occasional touch-ups with a Zoom gel, such as Weekender or Nite White.