Zoom FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zoom!® tooth whitening?
What causes tooth discoloration?
Who may benefit from tooth whitening?
Do many people whiten their teeth?
Is whitening safe?
How long do the results last?
Is there any difference between over-the-counter tooth whiteners and Zoom!?

Zoom! In-Office System Questions
How does the Zoom! In-Office procedure work?
What does a patient experience during the Zoom! In-Office procedure?
Are there any side effects?
How is exposure to the Zoom! light controlled?
How long does Zoom! In-Office Whitening take?

Zoom! Take-Home System Questions
How does the Zoom! Take-Home System work?
How long does Zoom! Take-Home Whitening take?
How is the Zoom! Take-Home System different from the Zoom! In-Office System?

What is Zoom! tooth whitening?
Zoom! is a bleaching process that lightens discoloration of enamel and dentin.

What causes tooth discoloration?
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.

Who may benefit from tooth whitening?
Almost anyone. However, treatment may not be as effective or 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 a shade assessment.

Do many people whiten their teeth?
More people than you might imagine. A bright, sparkling smile can make a big difference for everyone. The Zoom! Whitening System makes it easier and faster than ever before.

Is whitening safe?
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.

How long do 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, brushing twice daily with Zoom! Whitening Toothpaste, 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.

Is there any difference between over-the-counter tooth whiteners and Zoom!
Yes! Consulting your dental professional is always the first step to whitening your teeth safely. Plus, over-the-counter tooth whitening strips, brush-on gels and toothpastes take weeks or months to whiten your teeth just a few shades. Zoom! is clinically proven to whiten your teeth eight shades in one hour or six shades in just one weekend.* Only a dentist can get your teeth this white, this fast.

How does the Zoom! In-Office System work?
The Zoom! light-activated whitening gel's active ingredient is Hydrogen Peroxide. As the Hydrogen Peroxide gel 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*.

What does a patient experience during the Zoom! In-Office procedure?
During the procedure, patients may comfortably watch television or listen to music. Many actually fall asleep. Individuals with a strong gag reflex or anxiety may have difficulty undergoing the entire procedure.

Are there any side effects?
Some people experience temporary increased tooth sensitivity to cold during treatment. These symptoms disappear within 1-3 days after interruption or completion of the treatment.

How is exposure to the Zoom! light controlled?
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.

How long does Zoom! In-Office Whitening take?
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).

How does the Zoom! Take-Home System work?
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.

How long does Zoom! Take-Home Whitening take?
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.

How is the Zoom! Take-Home System different from the Zoom! In-Office System?
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.

* Individual results may vary. Take-home results based on overnight wear. Data on file.

A note of assurance
Tooth whitening is a well-established procedure in cosmetic dentistry. Hydrogen Peroxide, the active agent in Zoom! has also been safely used for many years in the treatment of gums and other oral soft tissue.

The whitening process is effective on most discolored teeth. Darker stains, such as those cause by antibiotics, are more difficult to whiten. The degree of whiteness will vary from patient to patient, depending on the structure of the teeth.

If you have any questions, please ask your dental professional who is there to help maximize your smile using the Zoom! Whitening System.

Teeth Whitening - Bleaching

Ignite the White! Zoom! Chair side Whitening System

Our office is proud to offer the radically new "Zoom!" in-office tooth whitening system that uses a full-mouth bleaching light combined with a revolutionary 25% Hydrogen Peroxide light activated gel to lighten teeth 6 to 10 shades in about an hour.

See Zoom used in Cosmetic Dental Makeovers

The Zoom! Technology

Zoom! is the culmination of extensive research into light technology, chemical reaction to light and years of traditional tooth whitening experience.

Combining this proprietary light technology (specially designed for tooth whitening) with a specifically formulated hydrogen peroxide gel in a two part delivery system results in a tooth whitening system that significantly reduces the time it takes to achieve dramatically whiter teeth.

Zoom! 2 Now Available

The Zoom product line has recently undergone significant improvements and has been replaced with Zoom! 2. The improved technologies now deliver 33% faster whitening, with 73% less sensitivity.

Why Zoom!

There are other competitive one hour whitening systems on the market, such as Brite Smile, and Rembrandt's Virtuoso Lightening System; however, I feel that Zoom! is the best. It was developed by the leader and pioneer in whitening products, Discus Dental, and is the most complete tooth whitening system available today. The Zoom! system is fast, very fast. In just over one hour your teeth will be dramatically whiter. Zoom! is ideal for anyone looking for immediate results without the inconvenience of wearing trays. It's the perfect choice for the busy individual.

The proprietary light technology and light activated gel were scientifically designed to work together for faster in-office whitening and reduced sensitivity.

Is bleaching for you?

Generally, bleaching is successful in at least 90 percent of patients though it may not be an option for everyone. Consider tooth bleaching if your teeth are darkened from age, coffee, tea, or smoking. Teeth darkened with the color of yellow, brown, or orange respond better to whitening. Other types of gray stains caused by fluorosis, smoking or tetracycline are lightened, but results are not as dramatic. If you have very sensitive teeth, periodontal disease, or teeth with worn enamel, your dentist may discourage bleaching.

How long does it last?

Lightness should last from one to five years, depending on your personal habits such as smoking and drinking coffee and tea. At this point you may choose to get a touch up. This procedure may not be as costly because you can probably still use the same mouthguard. The retreatment time also is much shorter than the original treatment time.

How does it work?

There are two options available for bleaching ones teeth. One option is called at-home bleaching and the other is an in-office procedure. For at-home bleaching, impressions are taken of the teeth and custom trays are carefully fabricated to closely adapt to the teeth. A bleaching gel is applied to the inside of the custom fitted trays which are generally worn from 1-3 hours. The active ingredient in most of the whitening agents is carbamide peroxide (CH4N2O2), also known as urea peroxide; when water contacts this white crystal, the release of hydrogen peroxide lightens the teeth. Carbamide peroxide is dispensed in varying concentrations ranging from 10%-20%. There are also hydrogen peroxide based at-home gel that are dispensed in a dual barrel dispenser which mixes and activates the gel.

How long does it take?

The at-home system could take as long as two weeks to fully bleach the teeth or it could be as little as three days. The in-office system takes just over an hour. Which system is right for you is an individual decision. Some patients desire immediate results and do not want the inconvenience of trays and gels over a period of time. Which ever system you chose the end result is the same.

Is it safe? Any side effects?

Several studies, during the past five years, have proven bleaching to be safe and effective. The American Dental Association has granted its seal of approval to some teeth bleaching products. Some patients may experience slight gum irritation or tooth sensitivity, which will resolve when the treatment ends.

What are realistic expectations?

No one can really predict how much lighter your teeth will become. Every case is different. Typically, there is a two-shade improvement as seen on a dentist's shade guide. The success rate depends upon the type of stain involved and your compliance. Bleaching can only provide a shift in color from gray to a lighter shade of gray, for example. Bleaching does not lighten artificial materials such as resins, silicants, or porcelains.