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What is Zoom!™ tooth whitening? What causes tooth discoloration? Who may benefit from tooth whitening? Do many people whiten their teeth? Is whitening safe? How does Zoom! work? What does a patient experience during the Zoom! procedure? How is exposure to the Zoom! light controlled? How long does Zoom! Whitening take? Are there any side effects? How long do the results last? What is Zoom! tooth whitening? Zoom! is a bleaching process that lightens discoloration of enamel and dentin. What causes tooth discoloration? 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. Who may benefit from tooth whitening? Almost anyone. However, treatment may not be as effective or some as it is for others. Your dental professional can determine if you are a viable candidate for this procedure through a thorough oral exam, including a shade assessment. Do many people whiten their teeth? More people than you might imagine. A bright, sparkling smile can make a big difference for everyone. The Zoom! Whitening System makes it easier and faster than ever before. Is whitening safe? 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. How does Zoom! work? The Zoom! light-activated whitening gel's active ingredient is Hydrogen Peroxide. As the Hydrogen Peroxide gel is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin, bleaching colored substances while the structure of the tooth is unchanged. What does a patient experience during the Zoom! procedure? 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. How is exposure to the Zoom! light controlled? 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 (Psoralen+UV Radiation) therapy or other photo-chemotherapy, 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 physician prior to procedure. How long does Zoom! Whitening take? 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). Are there any side effects? Sensitivity during the treatment may occur with some patients. The Zoom! lights generates minimal heat which is the usual source for discomfort. On rare occasions, minor tingling sensations are experienced immediately after the procedure but always dissipate. How long do the results last? By following the Zoom! Post Whitening Care Instructions, your teeth will always be lighter than they were prior to the procedure. The Zoom! whitening procedure includes a take-home touch-up kit and trays that can be used whenever discoloration is noticed. Most often a touch-up once a year will maintain a whiter smile that sparkles for years.