Zoom is one of the better-known in-chair whitening systems. Here is how the treatment works, what to expect afterwards, and the limitations worth knowing before you book.
Your smile says a good deal about your oral health, and teeth that look dull or discoloured are often the thing people notice first about their own. Whitening toothpaste can help with light surface staining, but for more stubborn discolouration most people end up asking a dentist about professional whitening.
Zoom is one of the better-known in-chair whitening systems, and it comes up often enough to be worth explaining properly. Here is what the treatment involves, what happens afterwards, and where its limits lie.
Zoom teeth whitening is an in-chair, dentist-supervised whitening treatment. It uses a hydrogen peroxide based gel applied to the front surfaces of the teeth, activated by a specialised light, to lift staining and lighten the natural shade of the teeth.
It is non-surgical and does not remove tooth structure, which distinguishes it from cosmetic treatments such as veneers. It is still a clinical procedure, and it is not suitable for everyone, so an assessment comes first.
The appointment usually follows a consistent pattern. Your dentist checks that your teeth and gums are healthy enough for whitening, records the starting shade, then isolates and protects the lips and gum tissue.
The gel is applied and the light is used to activate it. Hydrogen peroxide breaks down and oxidises the coloured molecules held within the enamel and dentine, which is what lightens the shade. Each application typically runs for around fifteen minutes, and the cycle is usually repeated a few times in the same visit, with the whole appointment commonly taking 45 to 60 minutes.
A desensitising gel is often applied at the end. Depending on your starting shade and how your teeth respond, your dentist may recommend more than one session, or take-home trays to continue the process gradually.
It is worth speaking to your dentist before undergoing any whitening treatment. Existing decay, gum disease, cracks, exposed root surfaces or leaking fillings should be dealt with first, and whitening is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
The first 48 hours matter most, because enamel is temporarily more porous and picks up stain more easily. Your dentist will give you advice specific to your teeth, and the following generally applies:
In-chair whitening has a few genuine advantages over supermarket products:
Whitening is not right for every case, and being clear about that avoids disappointment. In-chair treatment generally costs more than take-home options. Results vary between individuals and depend heavily on the cause of the discolouration — staining from tea, coffee or smoking usually responds better than discolouration caused by trauma, certain medications or developmental changes to the enamel.
Whitening gels only work on natural tooth structure, so crowns, veneers and composite fillings will not change shade. Short-term sensitivity is common and normally settles quickly. Results also fade over time, and how quickly depends on your diet and habits. Where whitening is not the right fit, your dentist may discuss alternatives such as composite resin bonding or enamel microabrasion.
Helix Dental is a cosmetic and general dental practice at 2/299 Rio Vista Blvd, Mermaid Waters. Our dentists offer professional teeth whitening, including in-chair and take-home options, and will assess whether whitening is appropriate for your teeth before recommending anything.
A complimentary whitening consultation is available so you can discuss your options first — Offer terms apply. Call 07 5572 8969 or book online to arrange a time.
General information only. This page provides general information about dental treatment and is not a substitute for individual clinical advice. Whether any treatment is suitable for you can only be determined by a dentist after an examination. Results and recovery vary from person to person and are not guaranteed.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Good to know
Most in-chair appointments run for around 45 to 60 minutes of active treatment, usually split into several shorter gel applications with the light in between, plus time for preparation and protecting the gums. Some people are advised to have more than one session, or to follow up with take-home trays, depending on the starting shade and how the teeth respond. Your dentist will give you a realistic idea after assessing your teeth.
Short-term sensitivity to cold is the most common side effect of professional whitening, and gum irritation can also occur if the soft tissues are not well isolated. It usually settles within a day or two. Tell your dentist if you already have sensitive teeth, exposed root surfaces, cracks or untreated decay, because these need addressing first and may change whether whitening is suitable for you at all.
This varies a great deal between individuals. Diet, smoking, oral hygiene and the natural shade you started from all influence how long the result holds. Tea, coffee, red wine and dark-coloured foods will gradually reintroduce staining. Many people choose to maintain the result with occasional take-home top-ups. Your dentist can advise on what is realistic for your teeth rather than quoting a fixed number.
No. Whitening gels act on natural tooth structure only, so porcelain and composite restorations will not change shade. If you have crowns, veneers or visible white fillings at the front of the mouth, whitening the surrounding natural teeth can leave them looking mismatched. Your dentist will look at this before recommending treatment, and may suggest replacing or adjusting restorations afterwards.
Ask our Gold Coast dentists whether whitening suits your teeth on 07 5572 8969 or email hello@helixdental.com.au.
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