There was a time where the only way to achieve a whiter, brighter smile was by spending hours of time, and thousands of dollars on porcelain restorations (i.e. crowns or veneers). We now have many more options available, and many of our patients take advantage of the “instant gratification” of Zoom Whitening! Dr. Padilla will meet with you, discuss your wants and needs, and do an examination to determine if Zoom can help get you the result you are seeking.

 

Zoom, as well as any other form of teeth whitening, will not change the shade of any fillings, be it silver amalgam fillings, or tooth-colored composite ones. In the event that there are composite fillings (sometimes called “bonding”) on the teeth, please be advised that the remaining natural tooth structure can lighten with Zoom, but the filling itself will not change shade, often resulting in changing the filling to match the new shade. The same is true of any existing crowns, veneers, etc. Porcelain will not change shade. After reviewing the procedure and obtaining consent, you will be comfortably positioned in the chair for the next hour or so.

 

Upper and lower impressions are taken for the fabrication of your custom touch-up trays. We make these for you to periodically “touch up” with take-home whitening material, as needed. Keep in mind that certain habits, like coffee, tea, cola, red wine, chocolate, berries, smoking, etc. will all stain your teeth. With the touch-up trays provided, you can give yourself a “booster” when necessary. Great care is taken to cover the lips and adequately block the tissues—only the teeth are showing. The teeth are first prepared with a solution, onto which the first of three applications of whitening gel is put on the teeth.

 

You will then relax under the Zoom light, watching TV, or snoozing, if you prefer! After the first fifteen-minute session, the material is removed, teeth reconditioned, and the second application is under way. Following the third application, a desensitizing fluoride is applied to the teeth. Post-operative sensitivity varies from person to person, and subsequently varies in duration. Some patients take a couple Advil prior to the procedure, if they tend to be sensitive.After the procedure, touch-up trays and take-home material are delivered, and instructions reviewed. It is very important to remember that over the initial day or two following Zoom, your teeth are more susceptible to staining, so please try to avoid the things previously mentioned that will stain your teeth.

 

Now that your teeth are whiter and brighter, tell everyone Dr. Padilla gave you the smile you were looking for!