How Does Zoom Work?
A lot of us would like to know how Zoom works. Of course we all want white teeth, but it would be nice to know exactly how Zoom will make our teeth whiter, right?
Clinical study presented at the AADR by Dr Joe Ontiveros concluded that treatment with the Zoom! lamp showed significantly higher whitening color changes 7 days after the procedure when compared to treatment without the light using both a spectrophotometer (Vita® Easyshade) and visual findings (Vita Bleached Guide 3D-Master®).The report concluded that, “Whitening with use of the high-output, sodium-free, short-arc bulb lamp resulted in a greater shade change compared to whitening without the lamp immediately after treatment, after 7-10 days, and after 30 days. Results immediately after whitening and at 30 days with the use of the high-output, sodiumfree, short-arc bulb lamp showed that maxillary teeth on average were 1.9 shades lighter and mandibular teeth were 0.7 shades lighter as compared to whitening without the lamp.” So how does Zoom work on our teeth to make them so white?
The Zoom! light-activated whitening gel’s active ingredient is Hydrogen Peroxide. As the Hydrogen Peroxide gel is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin, bleaching colored substances while the structure of the tooth is unchanged. The Zoom! light aids in activating the Hydrogen Peroxide and helps it penetrate the surface of the tooth. A study has shown that use of the Zoom! lamp increases the effectiveness of the Zoom! gel by 33% or more, giving an average improvement of eight shades.
The Zoom! procedure requires that all soft tissue in and around the mouth be protected. The clinician is required to monitor the procedure to insure any exposed skin or tissue is isolated and protected. Protective eyewear is required during the procedure. Light sensitive individuals including those undergoing PUVA (Psoralen+UV Radiation) therapy or other photo-chemotherapy, as well as patients with melanoma, should not undergo the Zoom! In-Office procedure. Also patients taking any light sensitive drugs or substances, whether over-the-counter, prescription or homeopathic, should consult their primary physician prior to procedure. Anyone who is not eligible for Zoom! In-Office for these reasons may be an excellent candidate for Zoom! Take-Home.