Teeth whitening

Zoom is a bleaching process that’s used to lighten discolouration of enamel. Teeth can get discoloured from a bunch of (usually you favourite) things – drinking things like coffee, tea, cola and red wine, from smoking and just from getting older.

Whitening has been proven safe for enamel and dental restorations. Zoom uses a light activated gel, made of mainly hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide lets oxygen into the tooth enamel and bleaches stains without changing the tooth’s surface. While whitening gel isn’t effective on dental restorations like bonding material or porcelain, it won’t damage or weaken any previous dental work. 

Whitening works best on a clean surface, so if it’s been a while since your last visit to the dentist it might be a good idea to have a check-up and clean before you use Zoom. You might also need follow-up appointments if you have any tooth sensitivity, veneers or fillings in your front teeth, caps, crowns or problems with your enamel – these things will need to be looked at before you start using Zoom.

The Zoom treatment itself can’t be claimed with health insurance, but the dental check-up before you start treatment can be if you’ve got extras cover.

Everyone’s different. Some people are just super-humans and experience no pain at all, and then some people experience sensitivity after whitening. Most people fall somewhere in the middle. If you’re worried it’s going to hurt, give us a call or you can speak to the dentist on the day.

Zoom usually lasts 12 -18 months, even longer if you can stick to the rules! To keep your teeth sparkling for as long as possible, you should try to keep away from tea, coffee and dark coloured foods. Smoking is also off-limits. 

Most people get about 3-5 shades whiter than where they started (depending on how your teeth are when you start). No matter how white you go, you’ll get quick, long lasting results with Zoom.

If you go for the in-chair option, it’ll take about an hour. That’s it – you can get on with enjoying your brand new smile as soon as you walk out the door.

If you’d prefer the take-home kit, you’ll need a 15 minute check-up with the dentist first, then use it for 15-30 minutes twice a day and your teeth will be sparkling in 7-14 days.