• Home
• Other treatments
• Tooth whitening Weblink
• FAQ - Zoom whitenin

FAQ - Zoom whitenin

What is tooth whitening?

Tooth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure aimed at whitening the shade of your teeth. This happens through placing topical gel on the tooth surface, which, in essence, bleaches the teeth.

Are there any side effects?

You may feel sensitivity of the gums or teeth. You may also experience dryness of the mouth. If there are any cuts or bruises on the mucous membranes of your mouth, you my experience pain if it comes into contact with the gel.

What is the active ingredient in the gel?

This is an excellent question. Until very recently, tooth whitening gels used peroxide as the active ingredient responsible for the whitening of your teeth. Peroxide gel has been banned in the UK and all over the EU as of January 2013. Not to worry though, now the active ingredients are usually salicylic acid, trolaminum, and a host of other, safer products. The gel also contains glycerol, which makes it unfit to consume for vegetarians, vegans, or those of the jewish or muslim faiths.

Does a whitening session work on all teeth?

Yes, all types and shapes and sizes of teeth will be whitened by a Zoom whitening session, regardless of whether or not it is a molar, a front tooth, if it is damaged or not, etc. What cannot be whitened in this manner is discoloration due to the tooth being dead (black teeth), as only living teeth can be bleached. Discoloration due to the negative side effects of antibiotics can also not be mended in this manner.

Does whitening work on crowns?

Yes it does. Crowns will never become whiter than they were when you got them, so make sure you get the shade that you want. The Zoom whitening gel is made to remove stains and discoloration, and it will remove it from anything, really.

My tooth is broken/decayed/damaged. Can I still get whitening?

You can, but it is not a good idea, as if the tooth is still alive, and the gel gets close to your nerve then you will experience excruciating pain. If the dentine is still present in the tooth, that may also be a problem, as the tooth may die in the process of having its insides bleached. The whitening gel was invented to bleach the surface of the tooth only. Make sure you take care of basic oral hygiene, such as getting fillings and such before you opt for cosmetic procedures like whitening.

How long does the whitening last?

Your teeth will remain whiter for 2-3 months on average, but the effects can be felt for longer, though. How long your teeth remain whiter depends on your diet and your lifestyle choices. If you smoke, for instance, you can cut that time in half easily. If you drink coffee, tea, red wine, foods with lots of red fruits and berries in them, you can also expect your teeth to return to a dingier shade fairly quickly.

Are there any medical/dental benefits to tooth whitening procedures?

Not really. The treatment does clean the inside of your mouth very thoroughly, but only once, so it is of no lasting significance. That is why tooth whitening sessions are also tied together with hygiene sessions, in which a deep, thorough cleaning of your mouth takes place.  

Is Zoom Whitening expensive?

The Zoom Whitening system is more expensive than over the counter whitening kits or pastes, but less expensive than veneers. If you only want to lighten your teeth one shade, £250 might be a bit overkill. However to lighten your teeth the 5-6 shades possible with the Zoom System, it would take months instead of hours and in the end likely cost about the same. 

If your smile is naturally bright, but you have one or two teeth that are discoloured, you might consider veneers instead. Though a bit more expensive than one whitening session, a veneer should remain the same colour throughout its life.

Chairside or In Home?

Advantages of chairside application:
Lightening fast
Safety - no need to worry about getting the whitening gel on your gums

Consistency - no need to worry about uneven application

Advantages of at home application:
Comfort - a simple tray while sleeping, or puttering about the house
Cheaper

For those who worry their teeth might be too sensitive for the Zoom Whitening light, take home trays with a milder solution might be your best whitening option.

I’m getting an implant / bridge / crown, should I whiten before or after?

If you are considering any other dental treatments, it’s best to whiten your teeth first. All dental implants, crowns, or bridges are made to match the colour of your existing teeth, and false teeth do not respond to whitening treatments as natural teeth do. 

Will whitening work on my crown or bridge?

No, whitening agents have no effect on pontics (false teeth).

Is Zoom Whitening safe?

Yes!

I’m pregnant / nursing, can I have my teeth whitened?

No research has actually been conducted, so best to wait until there’s no chance for unforseen harm.

My teeth have become sensitive after treatment. Should I be worried?

It is normal for teeth and gums to be more sensitive after a whitening session. This should subside within 3-4 days, but sometimes, teeth can remain sensitive for more time than that. The point is that after the initial sensitivity, your teeth should, over time, nice and slowly get back to their normal, initial state. If they are not making that progress, and if are hurting just as much or even more than previously, than you have a problem on your hands and you should contact your dentist immediately.

How Can I Prolong The Effects Of Zoom Whitening?

There are several things you can do to prolong the effects of any whitening procedure, including Zoom whitening. You can start by making sure that you take adequate care of your teeth. Make sure to floss and use mouthwash, and to brush after every meal. Using whitening toothpaste may be a good idea, but only if you brush well, as overactive brushing will damage your enamel. Diet and life choices are also a major contributor to the shade of your teeth. Smokers will develop stains, if you want truly white teeth, quit smoking or chewing tobacco. Tea, coffee, cola and red wine also stain teeth, so refrain from eating too much of these. Red fruits and berries also will stain your teeth, as will black and blueberries, beets and heavily dyed candies and soft drinks.

What Do I Do If I Am Not Satisfied With My Results?

Directly after a whitening session you will be faced with reality: this is as white as your teeth can possibly, under any circumstances, get. You can come back every three months for a session, to keep them as white as they re, but after a thorough hygiene session and a whitening, that’s about all the choices you have, if you are not looking to get veneers (in which case; sky’s the limit!) A good thing to try is to do internal whitening techniques, as these may actually whiten your teeth a few shades more, but do not expect any miracles.