When you’re ready to enhance your smile, you don’t want to wait! You want whiter teeth as fast as possible. There are pictures to be taken, dates to go on, people to meet, and experiences you want to have — but only with the smile of your dreams.
Zoom teeth whitening can give you brilliantly whiter teeth in about an hour. The Zoom whitening process combines the power of a special hydrogen peroxide gel and ultraviolet light to remove discoloration and stains on your teeth. It’s one of the most popular modern teeth whitening treatments. But as simple and common as Zoom is, many patients still have questions and concerns. We answer the seven most common Zoom teeth whitening questions below.
Zoom Whitening FAQs
Q: Can Zoom whitening damage teeth?
A: Zoom teeth whitening is an in-office, dentist-approved method for achieving a brighter smile, and it is safe for teeth enamel.
“As long as you stick to dentist-approved methods, whitening your teeth is considered safe,” affirms Healthline.
“When manufacturer’s instructions are followed, hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide-based tooth whitening is safe and effective,” adds research published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Q: Can Zoom whitening damage gums?
A: Zoom whitening does not damage your gums. However, generally speaking, “temporary tooth sensitivity and gingival inflammation are the most common adverse effects” of teeth whitening treatments, reports the American Dental Association (ADA).
At-home teeth whitening treatments are a different story. When not correctly performed, they can irritate or burn your gums. Always consult with your dentist before attempting a teeth whitening treatment on your own.
Q: Can Zoom whitening cause cancer?
A: No. Zoom whitening in and of itself has not been shown to lead to cancer. Research into the potential oral cancer risk from using tooth whitening products (TWP) containing hydrogen peroxide (Zoom contains hydrogen peroxide) or carbamide peroxide has shown that there is no increased oral cancer risk for people using TWP.
What’s more, research also concluded that the use of teeth whitening products does not pose an increased risk for oral cancer even in alcohol abusers and/or heavy cigarette smokers.
Teeth whitening products are safe for use by all members of the population, “including potential accidental use by children,” the research concludes.
Q: Can Zoom whitening work on crowns?
A: No. Zoom whitening does not whiten crowns, implants, or veneers.
“Only natural teeth can be whitened; in most cases, tooth-colored restorations will not bleach,” notes the ADA.
Why doesn’t Zoom work on cosmetic teeth? It’s all in the science of how Zoom works. When the hydrogen peroxide used in Zoom whitening comes into contact with your teeth, a chemical reaction occurs. The peroxide breaks down the bonds that trap stains in your enamel, in turn, “bleaching” the stain away.
But crowns are made of porcelain, not enamel. The porcelain is selected to match the current shade of your teeth and will not respond to any whitening treatment. That said, porcelain is a nonporous material, which means it doesn’t absorb or attract stains like a natural tooth. A crown should never become stained or require whitening in the first place.
Q: How often can Zoom whitening be done?
A: It’s not recommended that you do Zoom whitening treatments more than once a year. Depending on your health and teeth, however, you may be able to have touch-up Zoom treatments every six months.
Q: Can you get Zoom whitening with cavities?
A: If you’re worried about cavities, let’s talk! Your dental health comes first and always before cosmetics. Cavities, cracks, and tooth decay do not play well with whitening treatments.
There are some instances in which small cracks or cavities can be whitened first and then restored, especially on front teeth so that the filling can be selected to match the whiter smile.
If you have severe tooth damage or decay, you may be a better candidate for crowns or veneers.
Q: Can you get Zoom whitening when pregnant?
A: Everyone wants a whiter smile, including moms-to-be! Even so, “undergoing teeth whitening procedures may not be the best idea for an expectant mother,” notes Colgate.
The American Pregnancy Association and American Dental Association both agree. Even though risks to the fetus are low, teeth whitening and any elective cosmetic treatments should be postponed until after delivery.
Professional dental cleanings are still encouraged while pregnant and could help you get an instantly whiter smile, as a hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth during a cleaning.
Q: Where can I get Zoom whitening near me?
If you live in the Missoula, Montana area, call Dr. Dan at Ponderosa Dental Group! Schedule your Missoula Zoom teeth whitening treatment today to enjoy an immediately whiter smile without increased sensitivity.