I’ve been thinking about teeth whitening because I have an important event coming up. I’ve heard a lot about Zoom whitening and like the idea that it can whiten teeth quickly. However, when I asked my dentist about it, I found that she doesn’t  offer Zoom at all. In fact, when I called around a few cosmetic dentists and most of them didn’t offer it. If Zoom whitening works, why would a cosmetic dentist choose not to use it? Is another type of professional whitening better?

Dannie

Dear Dannie,

Zoom is probably one of the best-known names in professional teeth whitening, and there’s a reason for that. It can produce a noticeable change in tooth color very quickly. But when choosing a whitening treatment, speed isn’t the only thing a cosmetic dentist considers.

Different whitening systems have different strengths and limitations. A dentist who has worked with multiple systems may decide that another option provides the kind of results they want for their patients.

What Is Zoom Whitening?

Zoom is an in-office whitening system that uses a concentrated whitening gel along with a special light. Treatment can significantly brighten the teeth during a single office visit, which understandably makes it appealing to someone who wants a whiter smile quickly.

However, the dramatic color immediately after treatment doesn’t always represent the color your teeth will ultimately maintain.

Part of the initial brightness can be caused by dehydration of the teeth during the whitening process. Dehydrated enamel temporarily appears lighter. As your teeth rehydrate over the following days, some of that extremely bright or “frosty” appearance can diminish.

That doesn’t mean Zoom didn’t whiten the teeth. It simply means that the result immediately after treatment and the stabilized result may not look exactly the same.

Look at What Gives the Result You Want

Ultimately, Dr. Dennis found another professional whitening system—KöR Whitening—provided better results for her patients.  One of the advantages of KöR is that it is designed to help the whitening gel remain effective for an extended period of time. The system also uses custom-fitted whitening trays designed to minimize contamination of the gel by saliva, which can interfere with the whitening process.

As Dr. Dennis says,, the question became less about, “How white can we make your teeth before you leave the office today?” and more about, “What approach gives us the result we want after your teeth have had time to stabilize?”

Is KöR Whitening Better Than Zoom?

“Better” depends partly on what you’re trying to accomplish. If your only priority is seeing a dramatic change in tooth color during a single appointment, an in-office system such as Zoom has an obvious appeal.

There are other things to consider, however, such as the quality and predictability of the final result. KöR can also be useful for some types of discoloration that are notoriously difficult to whiten, including certain deeply stained teeth such as tetracycline stains. That doesn’t mean every patient needs the same whitening protocol. Your natural tooth color, existing restorations, sensitivity, type of staining, and cosmetic goals all matter.

What About Tooth Sensitivity?

Sensitivity is another consideration with teeth whitening. Any peroxide-based whitening treatment has the potential to cause temporary sensitivity. Some patients are naturally much more prone to it than others.

This is another reason professional supervision matters. Teeth whitening isn’t simply a matter of using the strongest product available. We want to whiten your teeth effectively while keeping you as comfortable as possible and protecting the health of your teeth and gums.

If you already have sensitive teeth, tell your dentist before beginning any whitening. Your treatment can be adjusted to make the process easier to tolerate.

Why Not Just Use Store-Bought Whitening?

While there are some over-the-counter whitening products that work, others are fraudulent and will just take your money. For instance, I know of one product that just uses a pigment which makes your teeth look white for a few days and then the pigment wears out.

Even the over-the-counter whitening products are very mild. It woud take a large number of the kits to get the same results you would with your dentist in a fraction of the time. Plus, a dentist can make sure you don’t have any vulnerable spots that will cause you problems. One of my colleagues had a patient who ended up needing a root canal treatment after using an over-the-counter kit without realizing she had an exposed filling.

This blog is brought to you by a gentle dentist in Kalamazoo, Dr. Susan Dennis.
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