Zoom Whitening: What You Need to Know

Nearly everyone wants a brighter, whiter smile. However, the vast array of available tooth whitening treatments can make a decision seem daunting.

Zoom teeth whitening is a popular option for people looking for an in-office treatment from a licensed dental professional. There are also at-home Zoom treatments available, which we will cover later.

In this article, we explain Zoom teeth whitening and discuss the pros and cons of this procedure. We also answer common questions about Zoom treatment, including its cost, safety, effectiveness, and more. However, only you and your dentist can decide if Zoom suits you.

What Is Zoom Teeth Whitening?

Zoom is a professional teeth whitening treatment that takes place in a dental office. It uses hydrogen peroxide to remove stains from your teeth, leaving them whiter and brighter. 

This is the general process of Zoom teeth whitening:

• Your dentist will apply a hydrogen peroxide whitening gel to your teeth.
• They activate the gel with a special blue light.¹
• The gel and Zoom light remove surface stains by penetrating deep into your tooth enamel.

Zoom whitening takes a fraction of the time of other whitening methods. The process is minimally invasive and usually takes up to two hours. It can get teeth up to eight shades whiter in one procedure.²

How Does a Zoom Teeth Whitening Procedure Work?

Here’s what to expect before, during, and after a Zoom whitening procedure.

Before Treatment

The first step is consulting a dentist who offers in-office Zoom treatments. Your dentist will evaluate your oral health and lifestyle habits to determine if Zoom suits you.

You may not be a candidate if you’re pregnant, have gum disease, or are allergic to whitening agents. Additionally, people with a strong gag reflex may not be a good fit.

During Treatment

Zoom whitening happens at your dentist’s office. The entire procedure takes 45 minutes to an hour. 

Here’s what to expect: 

1. Before the procedure, the dentist will protect your gums and lips, exposing only your teeth.
2. Then, they will apply the Zoom whitening gel, which contains 25 percent hydrogen peroxide, directly to your teeth. 
3. After the gel is applied, they’ll use a specially designed Zoom light that helps speed up the whitening process. 
4. More gel is applied every 15 minutes for a total of 3 rounds. 
5. Once the procedure is done, your dentist will rinse the whitening gel off your teeth and apply a fluoride-based gel to reduce sensitivity. 
6. The results last between 6 months and a year with proper care. You can set up retouch appointments during routine dental exams. 

Aftercare

After treatment, your dentist will provide instructions on how to care for and maintain your bright new smile. Make sure to follow your dentist’s instructions. This may include avoiding certain foods and beverages that can stain teeth, such as coffee, tea, and red wine.

Potential Side Effects

After your Zoom whitening, you may experience a few side effects. Possible side effects of the procedure include:

• Tooth sensitivity — The bleaching solution used in a Zoom whitening procedure can remove minerals in the enamel
• Gum irritation — The bleaching agent can irritate the gums and cause a burning sensation
• White spots on tooth surfaces — From dehydration or a loss of minerals in the tooth enamel

Zoom Teeth Whitening Pros and Cons

Before you decide to try Zoom whitening, it’s important to consider the procedure's pros and cons. These include: 

Pros

The advantages of Zoom include:

• Instant results — You’ll notice changes in tooth color right away (up to eight shades lighter after one or two sessions)
• Simple procedure — The complete procedure only takes 45 minutes to an hour
• Lasting results — Whitening results last up to a year with proper care, and you’ll receive an at-home retouch kit to maintain the desired shade
• Safe for sensitive teeth — A dentist performs the entire treatment for you, which means less risk of gum irritation 
• Convenience — You can set up whitening treatment sessions to be completed during routine dental exams

Cons 

The disadvantages of Zoom include:

• Treatment is expensive
• Temporary tooth sensitivity is common
• In-office treatment is required
• Doesn’t work on veneers, implants, fillings, and other dental restorations

How Much Does Zoom Teeth Whitening Cost?

The average cost of a Zoom procedure is around $500, but it ranges from $300 to $1,000. The price will depend on a few factors:

• Where you’re getting treatment
• The type of Zoom you’re getting
• The intensity of treatment

Does Insurance Cover Zoom Whitening? 

Dental insurance probably won’t cover Zoom teeth whitening because it’s a cosmetic procedure. It doesn’t hurt to ask, but you should prepare to pay out-of-pocket.

Most dental insurance companies don’t cover cosmetic procedures, such as:

• Teeth whitening
• Tooth shaping
• Veneers
• Gum contouring

These procedures are intended to improve the look of teeth. They’re not medically necessary. 

Alternative Ways to Pay for Zoom Whitening Treatment

Other payment options are available to help with the cost of Zoom teeth whitening. These include:

• Financing options like CareCredit
• In-house financing through the dental office
• Coupons or promotional deals through the dental office

Zoom vs. Other Teeth Whitening Options

Here’s how Zoom compares to other popular teeth whitening treatments and products: 

Zoom vs. Opalescence Teeth Whitening

Opalescence is a teeth whitening brand with a line of professional products you can purchase at your dentist’s office. Similar to Zoom, they offer at-home kits and in-office treatments.

The main difference between Zoom and Opalescence teeth whitening is that Opalescence doesn’t use a special light for their in-office procedure. Talk to your dentist about the best procedure for your teeth.

Zoom vs. At-Home Whitening Kits

Direct-to-consumer whitening kits are available for those who would rather whiten their teeth at home. Although they cost less than in-office Zoom whitening, they’re less powerful and lack the supervision of a dental professional.

Popular at-home teeth whitening kits include Snow and GLO Science. These kits are multiple-use. They range in price from an average of $100 to $200.

Zoom vs. Teeth Whitening Products

Like at-home kits, over-the-counter products aren’t as effective as in-office treatments. However, they’re more economical and versatile.

Many whitening products are available, including:

• Toothpaste
• Mouthwash
• Strips
• Gels
• Pens
• Charcoal-based cleaners

Depending on the chosen product, these can cost anywhere between $10 to a few hundred dollars. 

Types of Zoom Whitening Treatments

There are several Zoom teeth whitening treatments available. Some are in-office, and others are for at-home use.

Philips Zoom Whitespeed

This is the in-office procedure explained in this article. Whitespeed is the most effective Zoom treatment. The treatment lasts 45 minutes and uses hydrogen peroxide and a Zoom light.

Philips Zoom QuickPro

QuickPro is a fast alternative for whitening without getting full-on whitening treatment. The results are immediate and noticeable.

You’ll notice your teeth get four shades whiter within 30 minutes. It’s also more affordable than a complete whitening treatment. 

Philips Zoom DayWhite & NiteWhite

DayWhite and NiteWhite are at-home treatments. Each at-home whitening kit includes whitening trays you wear at different times of day. 

Both options will enable you to see results within two weeks. The only difference is when they’re worn:

• DayWhite — These trays are custom-made and worn for 30 to 90 minutes a day 
• NiteWhite — Allows you to wear the tray overnight 

Common Questions about Zoom Whitening

Summary

Zoom is a safe and effective teeth whitening procedure performed by a dentist. It uses hydrogen peroxide and a special light to treat tooth discoloration. They also offer whitening kits to use at home.