Zoom Tooth Whitening

Why are my teeth discoloured?

First of all, don’t buy into the media portrayal of what your teeth should look like, no model, thespian or celebrity is born with those pearly whites you see in photographs – they’ve obviously had a little bit of help. As we live our lives, the elements will take their toll on the colour of our teeth, but you can slow down this process by avoiding food and drink that will stain the enamel, cut out the smoking, and get stuck into a daily hygiene routine. It’s even possible to reverse these effects altogether with a zoom whitening treatment, provided by the technicians at the Pearl Dental Clinic in London. If you are uncomfortable with the colour and appearance of your teeth, it doesn’t cost too much to get a whiter, brighter smile, and if it will rebuild your confidence it really is a small price to pay.

What is Zoom whitening?

Zoom whitening is a revolutionary procedure which can lighten the colour of your teeth by ten shades or more in less than an hour. Thousands of people have experienced the confidence-boosting effects of this sought after treatment, and have seen dramatic results. Even the deepest stains are no match for Zoom, the bleaching components break them down to restore the teeth to a level of natural whiteness – and beyond.

How can it do that?

Although there are lots of similar whitening treatments available, Zoom stands out as a market leader because of its ability to break down even the darkest stains and lighten heavy discolouration. Other gel products can normally make a difference of about eight shades, but Zoom whitening technology is capable of bleaching teeth to a natural finish of ten shades or more.

What does the treatment involve?

If you decide that Zoom whitening is for you, you will be able to discuss the treatment with your dentist so that you fully understand what is involved. Teeth whitening is not a painful or risky procedure, but it’s best to know what it entails beforehand. After your initial consultation, the gel will be applied to the surface of your teeth in a thin layer – at this point, your lips and gums will be shielded to stop any harmful bleach coming into contact with them, then the specially designed Zoom curing light will be used to activate the whitening agents in the gel. The blue lamp is an important part of the process, without this to encourage the bleaching, only minimal whitening will occur. The light warms the gel to the optimum temperature for breaking down stains, without compromising the structure of the tooth. After about twenty minutes, the gel is removed and a new layer is applied to repeat the process a second time. A third application follows and then the treatment is complete. Most patients will be able to see an immediate difference in the colour of their teeth after only an hours whitening. However, for those who have a heavy build up of staining, it may take two or maybe three one-hour sessions to get the best results.

Can anyone have it done?

Your dentist will be able to advise you on your suitability, but because Zoom whitening is a low-risk procedure, you should be able to undergo treatment without any problems. If you have dentures or crowns, it’s safe to have your teeth whitened, but be aware that the gel is designed for use on the porous enamel of natural teeth and won’t be able to whiten any synthetic additions. The process won’t adversely affect them, but it won’t change their colour either.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, your dentist will probably tell you to come back at a later date, there are no known problems with whitening for women in this condition, but most dentists prefer to tread carefully and wait a while. People on certain types of medication should also think twice about going for a whitening treatment, ask your dentist if you’re unsure about safety.

Side effects include; sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, soreness or tenderness around the gums, and white patches on the soft tissues inside the mouth – lips, cheeks, etc. None of these are permanent or life threatening, they should subside in two or three days. The most problematic side effects come from the gel leaking from the bleaching shield, but this is less likely to happen with a professional Zoom procedure, than if you carry out the whitening at home with a DIY kit. If you become concerned about pain or an allergic reaction, call your dentist immediately and have them take a look at you – for more severe symptoms, go to the emergency dentist.

How long will it last?

The effects of Zoom whitening should last a long time, providing you stick to a good cleaning routine and don’t slip back into bad habits. A lot of people choose to buy a Zoom home kit occasionally, to top-up their colour without having to return to the surgery, but even without ongoing treatments it’s likely that your teeth will always be a few shades lighter than they were before. You may find that the enamel starts to darken slightly after the whitening, this is because the teeth rehydrate following the gel application. If you’re unhappy with the results, you can always return to the surgery for further treatment, which should give a more permanent outcome.

Remember that your teeth are not immune to further staining after you have had them whitened, stay away from the things that discoloured them in the past, or you will end up with similar problems. Brush and floss twice a day and attend regular check-ups with your dentist to keep your new smile looking its best.