When it comes to whitening your smile, we know you have options. And sometimes, it can be difficult to understand what to expect from different bleaching modalities offered in a modern dental practice like Dr. Messina's. This month we'll take a deep-dive into the fastest way to achieve a brighter smile: Philips ZOOM in-office whitening!
With ZOOM in-office bleaching, you can unlock a smile up to 8 shades whiter in just 45 minutes with little to no tooth sensitivity. ZOOM reverses stains from food and drinks, aging, even discoloration from some types of medication. Dr. Messina's office has been offering ZOOM whitening since the day the practice doors opened, and we're always excited to talk about this conservative and effective way to freshen your smile!
So how does ZOOM work? It is a form of laser treatment that activates tooth bleach to lighten the staining or discoloration of tooth enamel. It is a simple, non-invasive procedure that uses a special lamp, referred to as a "ZOOM light"
or "ZOOM laser," to "activate" whitening gel, combining to produce effective and immediate results.
A high concentration of hydrogen peroxide is used in this gel that covers your teeth. When peroxide comes into contact with the intense light emitted from the lamp, it dissolves a thin layer of stain over top of the enamel and releases oxygen into the teeth. The oxygen then helps to flush out and get rid of tooth discoloration that has set deep into the structure of the enamel. This process is safe, gentle, and gives the appearance of 'turning back the clock' on years of stains that may have set in.
What should you expect during ZOOM treatment in Dr. Messina's office? First, we will take the current shade of your teeth. Then we will place a covering over your gums and lips so that only the teeth are visible. You will then be given protective eyewear and a layer of the whitening gel will be applied to the outer surface of the teeth.
After you are positioned comfortably, the ZOOM lamp will be set in place for up to four 15-minute increments. Between each session, Dr. Messina and Simone check for progress. As needed, they will adjust the light or add more fresh gel to your teeth.
After your treatment is complete, our team will check your new shade and provide post op instructions. Our ZOOM treatments also include a take-home kit with custom bleach trays and a syringe of touch up material for you to keep your smile white at home!
We like to tell our patients not to eat or drink anything that could stain a white shirt for 24 hours after whitening treatment. And if you happen to be a smoker, resuming smoking immediately post-procedure is discouraged, as it can rapidly
reverse the effects of the treatment and cause greater damage to your teeth.
Don't forget: before you leave our office, you’ll receive customized whitening trays and a take home whitening kit, which is included in the price of your treatment. This way, you can top-up the brightness of your smile whenever you want to.
Keep in mind that there may be times when Dr. Messina encourages holding off on ZOOM whitening. For example, if you have active cavities in your mouth, if you are too young to bleach, or if you're in temporary restorations already undergoing another kind of procedure, like veneers or crowns. Want to know if you're a candidate for bleaching in our office? Call Carly or make an appointment online today and we'll do a quick assessment!
ZOOM whitening results are fresh and natural looking. If you're on the fence or want to know more about ZOOM or about tooth bleaching in general, book a consultation! At your consultation, we will explain the ins and outs of the procedure. Dr. Messina will review your gums and teeth, ask you about your goals, and answer any questions you may have.
We write a blog post every month to keep our patients and our community updated on important dental topics, so be sure to check back here often! And don't forget: we love your questions! We welcome discussion of these blog topics or anything you're curious about. Our patient family is the best part of our practice, and we are grateful for you!