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Does Zoom Teeth Whitening Hurt?

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A woman smiling after teeth whitening

Zoom Teeth Whitening has become a popular choice for those seeking a brighter smile. The prospect of a whiter smile in such a short session is alluring, so some questions are to be expected—and we’re happy to answer any you have!

One of the most common concerns about Zoom Teeth Whitening is whether it hurts. The good news is that the procedure is designed to be as comfortable as possible. The majority of patients experience no significant discomfort during the treatment, just mild, temporary sensitivity.

How Do Teeth Stain?

Our teeth get quite a bit of use over the years, so it’s normal that their lustre can fade. Some of the most common causes of tooth discolouration include:

  • Smoking or using other tobacco products
  • Drinking dark-coloured beverages, such as tea, coffee, or red wine
  • Eating foods with heavy pigments, such as berries or tomato sauce
  • Certain medications, such as some antibiotics
  • Aging

Most stains are cosmetic, but some can indicate a more serious dental issue. Visit us before you undergo any teeth whitening method so we can determine the source of your stains.

There are 2 primary types of stains: intrinsic and extrinsic.

Intrinsic Stains

Intrinsic stains are located within the tooth’s interior and can result from certain medications, trauma, aging, or excessive fluoride exposure during childhood. These stains are more challenging to remove but can be lightened with professional treatments like Zoom Teeth Whitening.

Extrinsic Stains

Extrinsic stains occur on the tooth’s surface and are usually caused by external factors such as food, drink, or tobacco use. Common culprits include coffee, tea, red wine, and certain fruits. These stains are more superficial and respond well to whitening treatments.

The Difference Between At-Home & In-Office Whitening

There are many options when it comes to teeth whitening. At-home whitening products offer an effective and convenient solution for stain removal. They typically include lower concentrations of bleaching agents, requiring longer application times to achieve noticeable results.

Some at-home whitening products include:

  • Whitening toothpaste: Whitening toothpaste uses gentle abrasive particles to remove surface stains from your teeth.
  • Whitening strips: These easy-to-use strips are coated with a peroxide-based whitening gel. Individual instructions can vary, but typically you simply apply them to your teeth for about 30 minutes.
  • Whitening trays: Custom-fitted teeth whitening trays are filled with a whitening gel. You can wear them for several hours daily, or even overnight.

Since you’re typically applying them yourself, the results can depend on your skill. Because of this, these kits can sometimes cause uneven whitening and increased sensitivity. Always talk to a dental professional before pursuing any long-term teeth whitening plan.

A woman having her teeth professionally whitened with LED lights at the dentist

The Zoom Teeth Whitening Procedure

The effectiveness of any teeth whitening method typically depends on the amount of peroxide used. Zoom Teeth Whitening utilizes higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide than at-home treatments, enabling us to penetrate below the enamel and address intrinsic stains more effectively. We take extra care to protect your gums and teeth from this more concentrated formula.

The average Zoom Teeth Whitening session works like this:

  1. Exam and cleaning: Every whitening process starts with a comprehensive exam and cleaning to ensure you’re a suitable candidate for Zoom and clear away any plaque that may interfere with the results.
  2. Preparation: We’ll cover your lips and gums, leaving only your teeth exposed.
  3. Application: Our team applies a hydrogen peroxide-based whitening gel to your teeth.
  4. Activation: We use the Zoom LED light to activate the gel, which helps break down stains and discoloration. This light is applied in 15-minute intervals, usually lasting a total of 45 minutes to an hour.
  5. Rinse and fluoride treatment: After the whitening process, the gel is removed, and a fluoride treatment is applied to help reduce potential sensitivity.

The combination of specialized peroxide whitening gel and LED lights helps to penetrate the enamel and interact with the pigments causing discoloration. This chemical reaction effectively “bleaches” these coloured compounds and whitens teeth by up to 8 shades.

What Are the Benefits of Zoom?

Zoom Teeth Whitening is a popular method for a brighter smile for a reason. Here are some of the standout advantages:

  • Quick and easy: You can achieve a radiant smile in just 1 visit with the Zoom system.
  • Less sensitivity: While teeth whitening can sometimes cause sensitivity, Zoom is gentler on your gums and teeth.
  • Long-lasting results: Enjoy your dazzling smile for up to 12 months with proper care and maintenance.

Discover Your Brighter Smile Today!

Zoom Teeth Whitening is a comfortable and highly effective way to achieve a brighter smile. While some may experience mild sensitivity, the procedure shouldn’t hurt and is overseen by our professional dental team dedicated to your safety and comfort.Contact us at Shin Dentistry to schedule your Zoom Teeth Whitening appointment today. We can create a custom treatment plan that puts you on the path to your ideal smile. From consultation, to exam, to a sparkling future—your journey to a brighter smile starts here!

Written by Dr. Charles Shin

After graduating from the University of Western Ontario’s School of Dentistry in 1999, Dr. Charles Shin practiced in Burlington, Ontario before making the move to Stouffville in 2003 to open his own practice: Shin Dentistry.
Since then, Dr. Shin has never stopped his pursuit of learning, continuing his education at the Las Vegas Institute of Advanced Dental Studies while also staying current with the latest technology in dentistry.

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