You need only flip open a magazine or drive down the highway to see advertisements and billboards for products and services that claim to whiten teeth. In our quest for a whiter smile, a number of products have come out in recent years to help people whiten and brighten their teeth.

As a general rule, no product you can buy off the shelf will give you the results your dentist can during an in-office visit. This is because dentists can use products and procedures available only to them to whiten teeth, and these procedures typically whiten teeth up to 8 shades lighter. Zoom whitening is just one of these methods.

Zoom whitening is conducted in a dentist's office and takes just one visit to the dentist that lasts about an hour. With this procedure, the dentist first places a special retractor in the patient's mouth to keep the lips from touching the teeth during treatment. Then a translucent bleaching gel is applied to the teeth, and a laser is shone on the teeth for an hour. This light activates the gel, which in turn whitens the teeth. The dentist may decide to shine the light for longer than an hour, depending on the degree of discoloration the patient has.

The main ingredient found in the Zoom gel that works to whiten teeth is Hydrogen Peroxide. The Hydrogen Peroxide is broken down by the light, and oxygen enters the enamel and dentin, bleaching colored particles without changing the structure of the tooth.

Zoom whitening comes with a number of advantages. First of all, where bleaching or in-home kits can take weeks to whiten, Zoom takes an hour. It also whitens teeth up to 8 shades, which is the most you can whiten without getting crowns or veneers. Zoom bleaching also lasts longer than most other whitening procedures. One disadvantage for some people, however, is the cost. The entire Zoom procedure is around $1000, so it's fairly expensive.

Zoom whitening effects on teeth
As with most cosmetic whitening products, there are a number of effects Zoom whitening has on the teeth.

Most of these effects are positive. Because the procedure is so strong, the results will be noticeable right when you leave the dentist's office. While some people may be uncomfortable with such an extreme and noticeable different, the majority of people who opt for Zoom do so because it is instantaneous. Those who would prefer a more gradual method of whitening should try over-the-counter products or bleaching.

When performed correctly, there are no disadvantages to Zoom whitening. The most commonly reported side effect to Zoom, however, is tooth sensitivity. The lighting used during the Zoom treatment produces a very small amount of heat, but it is still a source of minimal discomfort for some people. In addition, some minor tingling can also be felt after the Zoom procedure.

Patients who experience tooth sensitivity anyway or who don't want to take any chances should ask their doctor for specially formulated toothpaste to help prevent sensitivity.

If you're looking for a fast and effective way to lighten your teeth, Zoom lightening is worth looking in to. Zoom whitening is an effective as well as safe method for whitening teeth.