Why Zoom Professional Teeth Whitening is Superior to Over-the-Counter Products

Are discolored, stained, or dull teeth taking the confidence out of your smile? Have you thought about using a teeth-whitening system to tackle your less-than-pearly teeth?  

There are many choices when it comes to teeth whitening, from over-the-counter (OTC) products, like whitening toothpaste, charcoal treatments, and whitening strips to in-office professional systems. It’s hard to know what to do!

The dental experts at Smile Design Manhattan, located in Midtown West, New York City understand. Our office is one of New York City’s most trusted sources for teeth whitening, and our experienced professionals choose the Philips Zoom!® in-office whitening system to give our patients the best results possible. 

To help you understand why Zoom! professional teeth whitening is superior to over-the-counter whitening products, we created this guide. 

How does Zoom! professional whitening work?

Getting whiter, brighter results with the Zoom! whitening system couldn’t be easier. First, our dentists will evaluate your teeth to ensure you’re a good candidate for treatment. 

Some types of discoloration, such as trauma, tetracycline exposure, or excessive fluoride exposure, cannot be resolved with teeth whitening. We’ll also check to see if you have any oral health issues that should be resolved before whitening.

At your whitening appointment, your dentist will apply a rubber dam to the gum tissue to protect them. Next, they’ll fill a retainer with whitening solution and fit it snugly over your teeth. 

The Zoom! whitening solution is made of safe-to-use bleaching agents that break down staining pigments on your teeth. A special light applied to the teeth enables the Zoom! system to enhance the whitening process.

The Zoom! light penetrates teeth deeply to get rid of stains and areas of discoloration. And the best part? With Zoom! and Smile Design Manhattan, your teeth can become up to eight shades lighter after a single one-hour appointment. 

How is Zoom superior to over-the-counter whiteners?

Professional teeth whitening with Zoom! is one of the most effective ways to fix your smile. OTC whitening products are less effective and sometimes even dangerous to use. 

OTC whitening products don’t need approval from the FDA since they’re considered “cosmetic,” a category that is lightly regulated. As such, some OTC whiteners are extremely strong and pose a danger to your gums and health if ingested. 

Most OTC whiteners, however, are far weaker than the whitening agent you’ll get at Smile Design Manhattan. What’s more? Because at-home whitening kits aren’t customized, the bleaching solution frequently leaks out. 

As the bleaching solution sits on your gums, they become irritated and can even be temporarily bleached. Leaking solution can also increase tooth sensitivity, making whitening more painful. 

Zoom! is more effective than OTC products because the light reaches all of your teeth at the same time, instead of the six front teeth reached with most at-home treatments. It’s also a fast process—appointments are usually about an hour—so you can get results quickly instead of waiting weeks. 

How long will my Zoom results last?

With the Zoom! whitening system, you’ll enjoy noticeable results immediately, though the treatment takes a few days to reach full effect. How long the results last depends on each person and their habits. 

All bleaching — in-home or in-office — require occasional touch-up treatments. You can ensure your results last as long as possible by following these tips:

• Exercise good dental health practices — brush and floss regularly, and don’t skip dental cleanings
• Avoid acidic, tannin-rich, and highly pigmented foods and beverages (e.g., wine; berries)
• Avoid light and dark sodas
• Switch from coffee or black tea to white or green tea
• Quit smoking
• Use a whitening toothpaste at home

You don’t have to wait any longer to get the smile of your dreams! Schedule an appointment with Smile Design Manhattan today by calling the office or booking a consultation online.