First, we thoroughly examine your teeth and your mouth to make sure at-home whitening is an appropriate option for you. We then take impressions of your teeth, and use the impressions to make models of your teeth. Using these models, we make a personalized whitening tray that fits tightly over your teeth, allowing us to achieve optimum results.

At home, you'll fill the tray with the whitening gel and place the tray over your teeth, keeping it in place for several hours each day. You can wear the whitening trays while you sleep, or if you prefer, you can wear them as you go about your day. Typically, you'll begin to see results in two to three weeks.

We'll monitor your progress on a regular basis, ensuring that your gums aren't becoming irritated and your teeth are whitening as desired. When the process is complete, your smile will be noticeably whiter and brighter!

Maintaining your new whiter smile
* Let us know if you experience some sensitivity during or following the whitening process; this is normal, and should subside shortly. We can suggest toothpaste that will alleviate the sensitivity
* Avoid foods and beverages that stain, like coffee, cola, tea, berries and red wine, or brush or rinse with water after consuming them.
* See us periodically for touch-ups to remove new stains.
 

Zoom! Whitening
The Zoom! In-Office Whitening System uses proprietary technology to whiten your teeth in a little over an hour while you relax at our office. It's ideal for anyone who wants immediate results.

Zoom! in about an hour
The Zoom! In-Office Whitening System can make your teeth dramatically whiter in a little over an hour. The procedure is simple. It begins with a short preparation to cover your lips and gums, leaving only your teeth exposed. The Zoom! clinician then applies the proprietary Zoom! Whitening Gel, which is activated by a specially designed light. Teeth typically become an average of eight shades lighter, sometimes more, A five minute fluoride treatment completes the procedure. You'll be amazed with the results.

The Zoom! light and gel work together to gently penetrate your teeth, breaking up stains and discoloration. With proper care and an occasional touch-up at home with Zoom! Take-Home Gel, your smile will sparkle for years.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Zoom! tooth whitening?
A: Zoom! is a bleaching process that lightens discoloration of enamel and dentin.

Q: What causes tooth discoloration?
A: There are many causes. The most common include aging and consumption of staining substances such as coffee, tea, colas, tobacco, red wine, etc. During tooth formation, consumption of tetracycline, certain antibiotics or excessive fluoride may also cause tooth discoloration.

Q: Who may benefit from tooth whitening?
A: Almost anyone. However, treatment may not be as effective for some as it is for others. We can determine if you are a viable candidate for this procedure through a thorough oral exam, including a shade assessment.

Q: Do many people whiten their teeth?
A: More people than you might imagine. A bright sparkling smile can make a big difference for everyone. The Zoom! Whitening Systems make it easier and faster than ever before.

Q: Is whitening safe?
A: Yes. Extensive research and clinical studies indicate that whitening teeth under the supervision of a dentist is safe. In fact, many dentists consider whitening the safest cosmetic dental procedure available. As with any tooth whitening product, Zoom! is not recommended for children under 13 years of age and pregnant or lactating women.

Q: How long do the results last?
A: By following some simple post whitening care instructions, your teeth will always be lighter than they were before. To keep your teeth looking their best, we recommend flossing, brushing twice daily with Zoom! Whitening Toothpaste, and occasional touch-ups with Zoom!/take-home gel. These are professional formula products designed specifically to keep your teeth their brightest. They are available only through our practice.

Q: Is there any difference between over-the-counter tooth whiteners and Zoom!?
A: Yes! Consulting us is always the first step to whitening your teeth safely. Plus, over-the-counter tooth whitening strips, brush- on gels and toothpastes take weeks or months to whiten your teeth just a few shades. Zoom! in-office whitening is clinically proven to whiten your teeth eight shades in one hour.* Only a dentist can get your teeth this white, this fast.

Zoom! In-Office System Questions
Q: How does the Zoom! In-Office System work?
A: The Zoom! light activated whitening gel's active ingredient is Hydrogen Peroxide. As the Hydrogen Peroxide is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin, bleaching colored substances while the structure of the tooth is unchanged. The Zoom! light aids in activating the Hydrogen Peroxide and helps it penetrate the surface of the tooth. A study has shown that use of the Zoom! lamp increases the effectiveness of the Zoom! gel by 33% or more, giving an average improvement of eight shades*.

Q: What does a patient experience during the Zoom! Office Procedure?
A: During the procedure, patients may comfortably watch television or listen to music. Many actually fall asleep. Individuals with a strong gag reflex or anxiety may have difficulty undergoing the entire procedure.

Q: Are there any side effects?
A: Some people experience temporary increased tooth sensitivity to cold during treatment. These symptoms disappear within 1 -3 days after interruption or completion of the treatment.

Q: How is exposure to the Zoom! light controlled?
A: The Zoom! procedure requires that all soft tissue in and around the mouth be protected. The clinician is required to monitor the procedure to insure any exposed skin or tissue is isolated and protected. Protective eyewear is required during the procedure.

Light sensitive individuals, including those undergoing PUVA therapy (Psoralen+UV Radiation) or other photochemotherapy, as well as patients with melanoma, should not undergo the Zoom! In-Office procedure. Also, patients taking any light sensitive drugs or substances, whether over the counter, prescription or homeopathic, should consult their primary physicians prior to the procedure. Anyone who is not eligible for Zoom! In-Office for these reasons may be an excellent candidate for at-home whitening.

Q: How long does Zoom! In-Office Whitening take?
A: The complete procedure takes just over an hour. The procedure begins with a preparation period followed by one hour of bleaching. A five-minute fluoride treatment completes the procedure (a cleaning is recommended prior to the actual Zoom! whitening session).

A Note of Assurance
Tooth whitening is a well established procedure in cosmetic dentistry. Hydrogen Peroxide, the active agent in Zoom!, has been safely used for many years in the treatment of gums and other oral soft tissue.

The whitening process is effective on most discolored teeth. Darker stains, such as those caused by antibiotics, are more difficult to whiten. The degree of whiteness will vary from patient to patient, depending on the structure of the teeth.

If you have any questions, please ask us. We are here to help maximize your smile using the Zoom! Whitening Systems.

*Individual results may vary. Take-home results based on overnight wear. Data on file.