Barrington Zoom Whitening

You may have heard of Zoom Teeth Whitening and wonder if it is a better method than the take-home method recommended by Dr Gavrilos. The answer is no. The fact is that the take-home method is just as effective as Zoom whitening and other light-enhanced in-office methods, and it has several advantages.

Comparing the Procedures

Professional teeth whitening is accomplished with powerful peroxide solutions that penetrate the enamel layer of the teeth. The peroxide then releases oxygen in the dentin layer. This chemically bonds with the pigment, permanently bleaching it through the process of oxidation.

With the take-home method, Dr. Gavrilos will create custom-fit trays, as seen above, or offer professional-strength whitening strips. You will wear these a minimum of twenty minutes per day for about two weeks, or until your teeth are as white as you want them to be.

Zoom whitening is done in the office with the aid of a special light that speeds the absorption of the peroxide solution through the enamel. Before the solution and light are applied, the gums, lips and other soft tissues are protected.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Although teeth bleaching removes stains permanently, new stains will appear over time. That is why many patients periodically touch up their whitening. The take-home method is less expensive than the Zoom whitening procedure, and it allows for periodic touch-ups using the same trays or strips. The main disadvantage of this method is that you have to actively engage in wearing the strips or trays for the requisite period of time.

The Zoom procedure is quicker but more expensive. In addition, thorough bleaching often requires several appointments or follow-up with take-home trays or strips. In addition, you’ll still need the trays or strips for touch-ups. Zoom whitening also heats the teeth, leading to dehydration, so it is associated with greater sensitivity. Some patients experience sharp zings in their teeth for a day or two after the appointment. This can be alleviated with ibuprofen taken at the end of the appointment before the zinging begins.

Read more about the take-home method on our teeth whitening page.