Step-by-Step Guide to Zoom!® Laser Teeth Whitening

Most people are not born with naturally perfect teeth, but fortunately, dental procedures can help create a radiant smile. Teeth whitening is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to transform a smile. Laser teeth whitening involves the use of an oxidant that penetrates the enamel through the use of light energy. 

The procedure does not damage the enamel but breaks down the stain compounds, leaving the teeth looking whiter. Before you get the whitening, you need to understand the step-by-step of Zoom!®.

Dental Examination

The first step in the laser teeth whitening procedure is the dental examination. The dentist will examine your teeth before coming up with a treatment plan. Your teeth and gums need to be healthy before the whitening. 

If you have some oral health issues, the dentist will recommend a treatment plan. Using a shade chart, the dentist will show you the current shade of your teeth. You will also see the shade the teeth can get to after the whitening. 

Dental Cleaning

The next step in the process is cleaning, the dentist uses a disinfectant solution to clean your mouth. Your mouth will need to be clean and sterile before the whitening procedure to prevent cross-infection and other complications. Cleaning the mouth will help ensure optimal whitening results.

Soft Tissue Protection

Your lips and gums will need to be protected before the whitening solution is applied to the teeth. The dentist will use a lip or cheek retractor and cotton balls to keep the top and bottom teeth apart. 

This will help protect the inner mouth. A gingival barrier is applied to the gums to protect them from the solution. The whitening agent used is strong, making it vital to apply this protective layer thoroughly.

Applying the Agent

After protecting the soft tissue, the dentist will apply the Zoom! whitener directly on the front of the teeth. The whitening agent will be adjusted based on the shade of your teeth. The agent works by temporarily dissolving a thin layer that covers the enamel known as the pellicle. 
 

The layer helps protect the teeth from sensitivity during daily activities. Some people experience discomfort that feels like tiny electric shocks around the teeth and gums. 

The Laser Treatment 

You will wear protective goggles before the laser treatment. The dentist will shine a laser light in front of the teeth. The laser beam and whitening solution work together, breaking down the stain pigments on the teeth. 

You then wait for some time to allow the treatment to work. It usually takes between 15 to 20 minutes once the whitening begins. The entire Zoom! procedure usually consists of four 15-minute sessions. 

The procedure ends with post-treatment cleaning. The dentist will clean up the solution, remove the cotton balls, and instruct the patient to rinse the mouth with water. If the teeth have not reached the desired shade, it is possible to repeat the process. 

The teeth will reveal their true color several days after the procedure. The dentist can also apply a fluoride paste gel to reduce teeth sensitivity and give you a home touch-up kit. 

For more on the laser whitening procedure, visit Concierge Smile Boutique at our office in Culver City, California. You can call (424) 404-6400 today to schedule an appointment.