Although the history of dental hygiene can be dated back for centuries, the process of whitening teeth has really advanced over the past few years.  Many people want to lighten the color of their teeth to look younger, healthier and more attractive.  There are many causes of teeth discoloration, the biggest factors being age and consumption of staining substances such as coffee, tea, colas, tobacco, red wine, berries, etc.  Also, during tooth formation, consumption of tetracycline, certain antibiotics or excessive fluoride may contribute to tooth discoloration

Teeth whitening has become more and more popular over the years as methods have become more affordable for the average American.  There are several different methods used to whiten teeth.  There are dentist dispensed at-home products, laser tooth whitening methods, loaded tray teeth whitening methods and in-office whitening methods.

Zoom tooth whitening is a bleaching process that lightens discoloration of your teeth by combining a tooth whitener and a bleaching light.  The Zoom system uses a hydrogen peroxide-based tooth whitener which is the active ingredient.  It comes prepackaged as two individual components, a hydrogen peroxide gel and a proprietary "activator."  These two components are mixed together at the time of application to form a working gel that the dentist applies to your teeth. 

The Zoom system then uses a mercury metal halide light. The light of somehow activates some aspect of the Zoom tooth whitener to enhance its whitening effect.  As the hydrogen peroxide is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin and bleaches the discolored substances.  The Zoom light aids in activating the hydrogen peroxide and helps it penetrate the surface of the tooth.

The Zoom light has a filter that helps to minimize the amount of heat generated at the surface of the teeth during the whitening treatment.  When the light is in position, it is able to illuminate all of the teeth being treated, both upper and lower simultaneously.  Evaluations have shown that the Zoom bleaching light does not create a significant temperature change in the patient's teeth during the bleaching treatment.  This is a huge bonus for patients because heat is usually what causes the most sensitivity during treatments.

The whole process of Zoom teeth whitening takes less than an hour.  That is, unless you get a cleaning first, which is usually recommended.  The procedure begins with a preparation period followed by 45 minutes of bleaching.  Each whitening session is broken down into three 15 minute applications of whitener, for a cumulative exposure time of 45 minutes. Pre and post treatment preparations and activities round the total treatment time up to a little over an hour.   Post treatment consists of an application of fluoride.  You will then by given teeth whitening treatments with a whitener to take home and continue the process at home.

Side effects may include sensitivity during the treatment due to the minimal heat produced by the light.  However, you can expect to experience sensitivity with any teeth whitening product.  This is because when you whiten your teeth, you open up little "pores" on your tooth's surface which can create sensitivity with intensity that varies from person to person.  On some occasions, tingling sensations or sharp pains are experienced immediately after the procedure, but usually go away within a few hours to a few days.  You can ask your dentist to supply you with anti-sensitivity toothpaste for use prior to and after the treatment to alleviate sensitivity.

The effects that Zoom has on your teeth are that it makes your teeth significantly lighter.  Although you may experience discoloration again after having the procedure done, your teeth should never experience the same level of discoloration that they previously had.