What to Know About Zoom Teeth Whitening

You may have noticed your smile could be a bit whiter. There are numerous products and procedures available to lighten teeth, typically considered cosmetic treatments. One popular option on the market is called Zoom, produced by Philips.

Your dentist can suggest from several Zoom options to whiten your teeth — ranging from in-office procedures to at-home regimens. A dental professional supervises your Zoom treatment, offering extra confidence that the whitening process is both safe and effective.

Here, we’ll explain how Zoom teeth whitening functions, how long results may last, and what it might cost.

How Zoom teeth whitening works

There are multiple Zoom whitening approaches. Some are performed at your dentist’s clinic, while others are completed at home following consultation with your dentist.

All of these methods use a whitening agent that contains hydrogen peroxide. The fastest and most powerful option also uses an LED light during the session to enhance whitening.

The Zoom WhiteSpeed treatment can noticeably brighten teeth after about a 45-minute visit to the dental office. It combines a whitening gel with an LED lamp.

The Zoom QuickPro treatment can be done in just 10 minutes at the dentist’s office. It relies on a whitening agent applied to the teeth and left for around 30 minutes.

Two at-home variations involve trays filled with whitening gel that typically deliver results over a two-week course.

It’s important that your teeth are reasonably clean before these procedures, so pay attention to what you eat and drink beforehand. Your dentist may also advise you to avoid certain foods and beverages immediately after the procedure.

In-office Zoom teeth whitening treatments

Philips Zoom WhiteSpeed

This is the most powerful Zoom option, making teeth much brighter in under an hour. It requires applying a whitening gel and using a specialized LED light during a 45-minute session. It can lighten teeth by several shades.

Your dentist might suggest a professional cleaning before the whitening session. During the procedure, your dentist will:

• apply a whitening gel to your teeth
• position the Zoom WhiteSpeed LED light toward your teeth
• repeat the gel-and-light steps two additional times
• place an enamel-protective gel afterwards

Following the procedure, your dentist will give you at-home whitening supplies and instructions for post-treatment care. These items are included in the price of the Zoom WhiteSpeed treatment.

Philips Zoom QuickPro

This method takes about half an hour in total, with just 10 minutes of in-office application. It does not whiten as dramatically as the Zoom WhiteSpeed option, but it requires less chair time and is less expensive.

For a Zoom QuickPro session, your dentist will:

• apply a whitening substance to your teeth after a routine cleaning
• place a sealant over the whitening substance to protect the teeth
• give you aftercare directions

You can leave the dental office after the application. You’ll need to brush away the applied whitening material after about 30 minutes.

At-home Zoom teeth whitening treatments

There are two at-home Zoom choices. Your dentist will recommend the most suitable option for your situation and provide the necessary supplies to take home.

Your dentist may also suggest one of these at-home regimens following a Zoom WhiteSpeed session to further enhance whitening.

Philips Zoom DayWhite and Philips Zoom NiteWhite

At-home Zoom options include custom-fitted trays designed to sit over your teeth. For Zoom DayWhite, you wear the trays during daytime for about 30 minutes to 90 minutes once or twice daily. Zoom NiteWhite is used overnight, with trays worn during sleep.

Both at-home programs usually run over a two-week period.

Your home routine will involve:

• brushing your teeth
• placing a small amount of whitening gel into the trays provided by your dentist
• setting the trays over your teeth
• wearing the trays for the instructed duration
• removing and rinsing the trays with cold water
• brushing your teeth again

Your dentist might also supply an additional gel to use after whitening to help protect tooth enamel.

How long does Zoom teeth whitening last?

Zoom whitening can last several months and, in some cases, over a year. One study reported that Zoom WhiteSpeed followed by Zoom DayWhite maintained results for 12 to 15 months.

Does Zoom teeth whitening hurt?

Zoom whitening treatments are not typically painful during the procedure. You may need to adjust to the sensation of the trays in your mouth during at-home use, but they shouldn’t cause pain.

Some increased tooth sensitivity after whitening can occur, though it’s uncommon with Zoom systems. One study found that only 1.8 percent of participants experienced tooth sensitivity after Zoom treatments.

Another study observed that just 2 out of 9 participants reported sensitivity following treatment.

What is the aftercare like for Zoom teeth whitening?

Your dentist will give you specific post-procedure instructions. With Zoom QuickPro, you should brush off the varnish applied after 30 minutes. After at-home sessions, you’ll also brush your teeth once you remove the trays.

Your dentist will probably advise avoiding foods and drinks that can stain, since they can affect how long your whitening results last. Drinks like coffee, tea, and soda can discolor teeth, and tobacco products also cause staining.

How much does Zoom teeth whitening cost?

The Zoom WhiteSpeed treatment is typically around $500. This includes the 45-minute in-office session plus additional at-home materials. Zoom QuickPro generally costs about $125 to $150, depending on the dental practice.

At-home Zoom options are less expensive than WhiteSpeed and QuickPro. Prices will vary and are determined during your dental consultation.

Because teeth whitening is a cosmetic service, most dental insurance plans do not cover it, so you’ll likely pay out of pocket.

When to talk with a dentist about Zoom teeth whitening

Your teeth may darken over time from aging, certain foods and drinks, or medications. If you want a brighter smile, discuss Zoom whitening options with your dentist.

Your dentist will ensure your teeth are healthy before starting any whitening treatment, review your medical history and allergies, and talk about how whitening may affect dental restorations or crowns.

Adults are generally better candidates for whitening than children. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry does not recommend cosmetic tooth whitening for children and adolescents.

The takeaway

Zoom teeth whitening can be an effective method to enhance the brightness of your smile. A dentist supervises the treatment to help ensure safe and predictable outcomes.

Some options deliver results in under an hour, while others require a few weeks to achieve the desired effect. Talk with your dentist about the best approach to whiten your teeth.