“Does Zoom whitening hurt?” is a question we hear a lot. Here is some information to help you understand if this procedure it right for you.
The ability to greet the world with a bold, beautiful smile is a natural gift to some and a lifelong dream to others. In either case, both require meticulous oral care from people who are invested in you.
Smiles never begin on the outside, they come from what’s inside. So, when you’re confident you have a great smile – you show it. And, there’s no easier way to help build your confidence than a bright, white smile because it immediately helps to unlock the inner you for everyone to see!
When it comes to teeth whitening processes, we get a lot of questions about ZoomTM and whether or not using that process to whiten teeth hurts. If you rank discomfort on a scale of 1 to 10 with 1 being no pain at all and 10 equating to being hit in the face with a golf club…it’s well south of 10!
In fact, most patients report zero discomfort either during or after the procedure, and a small percentage report a minimal discomfort level of between 3 and 4 over the 24-to-36-hour period following the whitening process. Quite simply – it all depends on your level of sensitivity; and everyone is different.
The most common sensation patients experience is referred to as a ‘zinger.’ Zingers are occasional twinges or sharp sensations in the teeth. Typically, they only last for a second or so but, they can occur randomly within the 24-to-36-hour period after the procedure. For a more detailed explanation, read the section below on ‘How Teeth Whitening Works’.
For most patients, the potential for temporary discomfort is far outweighed by the confidence they want to achieve through a brighter smile. While ZoomTM is certainly one product available to achieve this goal, there are other professional whitening alternatives.
How Teeth Whitening Works
Whitening processes are designed to lighten the color of a person’s teeth and to remove stains and discolorations. Stains can either be on the surface (due to normal drinking and eating) or they can actually be within the structure of the teeth themselves caused from aging, certain medications or trauma to the mouth, teeth, and gum area. Surface stains are more easily removed and respond well to whitening procedures while internal stains can be more difficult to repair. However, whitening has also proven to work well on these difficult stains.
To begin with, teeth are porous. Teeth whitening gels actually contain active ingredients that open those pores to allow a whitening agent, typically hydrogen peroxide, to penetrate a tooth’s enamel and dentin. Once the whitening agent enters the tooth its oxygen molecules come into contact with the discolored molecules in the tooth causing the discolored molecules to separate and reveal the tooth’s natural color. This breakdown and removal of discolored molecules needs to occur several times in order to remove stains and return the teeth to their natural luster.
Naturally, when a tooth’s pores are open, they create little ‘exposure windows’ that can be temporarily sensitive to hot, cold, air, and pressure. As the pores begin to close, immediately for some and a bit longer for others, sensitivity starts to decrease and the teeth return to their normal state. Typically, after a few hours or a day or so, the teeth no longer create discomfort and patients are left with healthy, bright teeth that add an additional element of confidence and enjoyment to their smile.
To get the best results possible, it’s a good idea to avoid eating or drinking anything that might create stains (coffee, blueberry pie, tea, tobacco, dark colas, etc.) for about a week following the procedure. After your pores completely close you can eat and drink all the coffee and pie you want!
How ZoomTM Whitening Works
The answer to this depends on which ZoomTM whitening process is used. One version incorporates an ultraviolet light into the procedure and is performed in-office. The other version is a professional, dentist-recommended product for home use that does not utilize any kind of light source.
ZoomTM with a UV light is performed in a dentist’s office and generates the most immediate results. It is a more costly method because it is conducted in-office and requires more overall procedural and staff time. Additionally, this option uses a stronger whitening formula to help generate faster results.
Before the whitening procedure begins the patient’s eyes, mouth, and gums are covered to prevent contact with the ultraviolet light or whitening elements used in the process, ensuring that only the teeth to be treated are exposed.
Once the preparations are complete, the process begins. First, a gel containing hydrogen peroxide is applied to the teeth. Next, ZoomTM uses an ultraviolet light to breakdown the hydrogen peroxide to allow oxygen to enter the enamel and dentin of each tooth in order to bleach the stained substances inside the teeth. This takes about 15 to 20 minutes. After that, the existing gel is removed, a fresh coating of gel is applied to the teeth, the UV light is again activated, and the process is repeated. This is done several times and can take anywhere between 60 and 90 minutes – perfect for people who need immediate results for an upcoming special event, are on the go or who have tight schedules.
To achieve full effectiveness, take-home trays and gel are provided to each patient and should be used for routine use and maintenance.
ZoomTM without a UV light is not performed in an office environment. It is specifically designed as a professional take-home whitening product recommended by your dentist. It is less costly because it is done in the convenience of your own home. This version offers two whitening options, one for daytime use and the other for nighttime use (ZoomTM DayWhite and ZoomTM NiteWhite.) Different strength whitening formulas are used, depending on whether you whiten during the day or overnight, but neither formula is as strong as that used in the in-office procedure, which can impact the sensitivity / discomfort question.
First, your dentist will take complete impressions of both your upper and lower teeth. Then, from those impressions, they will create customized trays to specifically fit your teeth and gum line to provide safe, effective whitening results.
You will then be given the trays and whitening gel that corresponds with the option you have chosen – daytime or nighttime whitening – for use at home to achieve the full effectiveness of the whitening. You take both home with you and the process begins with the first use!
DayWhite whitening trays are worn between 30 and 90 minutes once a day for 2 weeks.
NiteWhite whitening trays are worn overnight for 2 weeks while you sleep.
Regardless which ZoomTM whitening method is selected, they are perfectly safe, do not harm the enamel on the teeth, and generate brighter, healthy-looking smiles!
How to Treat Teeth Whitening Sensitivity Issues
Although most people never have any problems, there are those that experience brief discomfort from occasional twinges (zingers). One way to help reduce sensitivity issues is to use a sensitivity toothpaste such as Sensodyne about a week or two prior to having the whitening procedure. This can help to lessen the potential effects caused by the whitening process. Otherwise, here are a few suggestions to help with temporary discomfort after the procedure.
- Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen (like you would for a headache).
- Use toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
- Use a soft bristled toothbrush.
- Brush your teeth using lukewarm water.
- Brush lightly (not a lot of pressure).
- Avoid eating or drinking things that are very hot or cold for a day or so.
- If you use any of the take-home tray whitening options, you may skip days between use to help decrease sensitivity. You will achieve the same whitening results but, it may just take a little longer.
Teeth Whitening Options
To keep your teeth normal and healthy looking we offer professional whitening through ZoomTM DayWhite and NiteWhite. We also offer OpalescenseTM.
We do not offer the ZoomTM UV light option. In our opinion, that particular product worked better, provided better results, and lasted longer years ago – prior to Philips changing the formula for the whitening agent. Additionally, studies have shown that the application of a UV light produced little to no measurable results over cases where no UV light was used.
Let us know if you have questions or would like additional information.
Farragut and Knoxville ZoomTM Whitening
We want your smile to not only be a reflection of your confidence, but a reflection of your complete experience with our West Knoxville dental team. If there’s anything we can do to help you show your best self to the world, please let us know. Whether it’s whitening, a cosmetic smile consultation, restorative work or other need, call or email us here.
