Zoom! Are You Getting Your Full Treatment?

July 8, 2011 - PRLog -- Zoom! is one of the most requested cosmetic dentistry procedures

Most cosmetic dentists offer Zoom! whitening to their patients. And for good reason! ZOOM! technology boasts dramatic results, with an average improvement of six to ten shades in one office visit. However, many Zoom! patients are not getting the full benefit from their investment.  Dr. James A. Wells http://www.zoomcharlotte.com/staff.asp of South Charlotte Dentistry explains why, and offers some tips to ensure that you get the most for your whitening dollar.

What is Zoom!?
First, it is important to fully understand how Zoom! Whitening works. Although the whitening procedure itself takes about an hour, You can expect to be in the dentist's chair for at least twice that. it is recommended that a dentist performs a full exam and professional cleaning prior to the bleaching process. After your teeth are thoroughly checked for abnormalities that might affect the results of the whitening process, or cause discomfort to you during it (underlying cracks, cavities, or gum recession can cause uneven results and lead to significant discomfort for the patient) and are perfectly clean, the procedure can begin.

The lips are pulled back and a special protective coating is applied to them as well as your gums. This is done to insure the bleaching agent does not come in contact with any sensitive tissue. Only your teeth will remain exposed. The dentist or dental assistant then applies the Zoom! Hydrogen peroxide whitening gel, which works together with the Zoom! light to penetrate the teeth and break up stains and discoloration. The gel remains in place for 15 to 20 minutes while the light is activated. During this time, you can relax, watch TV or listen to music. South Charlotte Dentistry http://www.zoomcharlotte.com/products.asp offers their patients the luxury of  Personal Video Glasses and free Wi-Fi during this time. The gel is applied for four 15 to 20 minute sessions of light activation, for a total treatment time of at least one hour. Immediately afterwards, a sensitivity-reducing fluoride paste-gel is applied to the teeth. That’s it!  Your new smile will amaze you!  

What can go wrong?
There are Three common factors that come into play when a Zoom! patient gets less than optimal results from their cosmetic whitening.  The first has to do with tooth sensitivity. Some patients are highly sensitive to the hydrogen peroxide gel used. It is not uncommon for patients to experience “zingers” or shooting pains in the teeth and a tingling feeling in the gums after the 2nd or 3rd application of gel. This is not dangerous, and the discomfort will go away with time. However, it may prove to be more than some patients can tolerate, and they may ask to suspend treatment. Dr. Wells suggests pretreating with over the counter Ibuprofen before going for a Zoom! treatment.

Individuals with a strong gag reflex or anxiety may have difficulty undergoing the entire procedure as well. If you have trouble with the idea of your mouth remaining open for an extended time, or know that you tend to gag easily, Zoom! whitening may be too uncomfortable for you to tolerate. In this case, professional take home bleaching trays may be a better option for you.

The final factor that can compromise Zoom! results has to do with aftercare. Whether you choose ZOOM! or a dentist provided  at-home bleaching system, there is always the need for upkeep afterwards.  Patients of Dr. Wells are given complimentary custom trays for use at home. These trays are for use with post treatment fluoride gel application (which cuts down on sensitivity) as well as additional bleaching agent.

Teeth are porous and constantly taking up stain. After whitening treatments, teeth are even more porous. It is imperative to avoid staining foods for the first 48 hours after treatment and, if your teeth are not too sensitive, use the trays for at-home bleach at least an hour a day, preferably overnight for these 48 hours.
 
How can you ensure the best results from Zoom!?
Dr. Wells and his staff at South Charlotte Dentistry http://www.zoomcharlotte.com/index.asp are confident that you can expect excellent, long lasting results from your Zoom! experience if you follow the tips listed above.

If you live in the Ballantyne, Charlotte, Mint Hill, Matthews, or Pineville areas of North Carolina, Dr. Wells and his professional staff at South Charlotte Dentistry would love the opportunity to help you attain that bright white smile you’ve been dreaming of!
Please visit them on the web at http://www.zoomcharlotte.com/index.asp or call 704.759.0908. They look forward to hearing from you!

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A friendly Family and Cosmetic Dentistry practice located in Charlotte, NC that utilizes the latest in dental technology to ensure patient understanding, comfort, and the utmost in dental health.