7 Most Common Patient Questions About Zoom Teeth Whitening (2025)

When you’re ready to enhance your smile, you don’t want to wait! You want whiter teeth as fast as possible. There are pictures to be taken, dates to go on, people to meet, and experiences you want to have — but only with the smile of your dreams.

Zoom teeth whitening can give you brilliantly whiter teeth in about an hour. The Zoom whitening process combines the power of a special hydrogen peroxide gel and ultraviolet light to remove discoloration and stains on your teeth. It’s one of the most popular modern teeth whitening treatments. But as simple and common as Zoom is, many patients still have questions and concerns. We answer the seven most common Zoom teeth whitening questions below.

Zoom Whitening FAQs

Q: Can Zoom whitening damage teeth?

A: Zoom teeth whitening is an in-office, dentist-approved method for achieving a brighter smile, and it is safe for teeth enamel.

“As long as you stick to dentist-approved methods, whitening your teeth is considered safe,” affirms Healthline.

“When manufacturer’s instructions are followed, hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide-based tooth whitening is safe and effective,” adds research published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Q: Can Zoom whitening damage gums?

A: Zoom whitening does not damage your gums. However, generally speaking, “temporary tooth sensitivity and gingival inflammation are the most common adverse effects” of teeth whitening treatments, reports the American Dental Association (ADA).

At-home teeth whitening treatments are a different story. When not correctly performed, they can irritate or burn your gums. Always consult with your dentist before attempting a teeth whitening treatment on your own.

Q: Can Zoom whitening cause cancer?

A: No. Zoom whitening in and of itself has not been shown to lead to cancer. Research into the potential oral cancer risk from using tooth whitening products (TWP) containing hydrogen peroxide (Zoom contains hydrogen peroxide) or carbamide peroxide has shown that there is no increased oral cancer risk for people using TWP.

What’s more, research also concluded that the use of teeth whitening products does not pose an increased risk for oral cancer even in alcohol abusers and/or heavy cigarette smokers.

Teeth whitening products are safe for use by all members of the population, “including potential accidental use by children,” the research concludes.

Q: Can Zoom whitening work on crowns?

A: No. Zoom whitening does not whiten crowns, implants, or veneers.

“Only natural teeth can be whitened; in most cases, tooth-colored restorations will not bleach,” notes the ADA.

Why doesn’t Zoom work on cosmetic teeth? It’s all in the science of how Zoom works. When the hydrogen peroxide used in Zoom whitening comes into contact with your teeth, a chemical reaction occurs. The peroxide breaks down the bonds that trap stains in your enamel, in turn, “bleaching” the stain away.

But crowns are made of porcelain, not enamel. The porcelain is selected to match the current shade of your teeth and will not respond to any whitening treatment. That said, porcelain is a nonporous material, which means it doesn’t absorb or attract stains like a natural tooth. A crown should never become stained or require whitening in the first place.

Q: How often can Zoom whitening be done?

A: It’s not recommended that you do Zoom whitening treatments more than once a year. Depending on your health and teeth, however, you may be able to have touch-up Zoom treatments every six months.

Q: Can you get Zoom whitening with cavities?

A: If you’re worried about cavities, let’s talk! Your dental health comes first and always before cosmetics. Cavities, cracks, and tooth decay do not play well with whitening treatments.

There are some instances in which small cracks or cavities can be whitened first and then restored, especially on front teeth so that the filling can be selected to match the whiter smile.

If you have severe tooth damage or decay, you may be a better candidate for crowns or veneers.

Q: Can you get Zoom whitening when pregnant?

A: Everyone wants a whiter smile, including moms-to-be! Even so, “undergoing teeth whitening procedures may not be the best idea for an expectant mother,” notes Colgate.

The American Pregnancy Association and American Dental Association both agree. Even though risks to the fetus are low, teeth whitening and any elective cosmetic treatments should be postponed until after delivery.

Professional dental cleanings are still encouraged while pregnant and could help you get an instantly whiter smile, as a hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth during a cleaning.

Q: Where can I get Zoom whitening near me?

If you live in the Missoula, Montana area, call Dr. Dan at Ponderosa Dental Group! Schedule your Missoula Zoom teeth whitening treatment today to enjoy an immediately whiter smile without increased sensitivity.

7 Most Common Patient Questions About Zoom Teeth Whitening (2025)

FAQs

What are the downsides of Zoom whitening? ›

Potential risks may include increased tooth sensitivity, gum irritation or damage, uneven whitening results, and temporary discomfort. It's essential to consult with your dentist before undergoing ZOOM! whitening to discuss any underlying dental concerns and determine if the treatment is suitable for you.

How do I get the best results from Zoom whitening? ›

Zoom teeth whitening results and aftercare

Avoid consuming colored food and drinks: For the first 48 hours after the procedure, avoid consuming colored food and drinks such as coffee, tea, red wine, tomato sauce, and berries. These items can stain your teeth and reduce the whitening effect.

What are the dos and don ts after Zoom whitening? ›

Along with avoiding staining foods, you should prevent staining beverages like red wine, tea, sodas, tea, and coffee. These drinks will stain your teeth and impact the zoom teeth whitening results. Coloured dental products do more harm than good. Coloured toothpaste and mouthwash can re-stain your teeth faster.

Why didn't Zoom whiten my teeth? ›

while Zoom Whitening is an extraordinarily effective treatment for whitening stained teeth, it is not the correct treatment for uneven teeth. When it comes to white spots, any type of teeth whitening procedure will actually make the situation worse.

Is there anything better than Zoom whitening? ›

Laser whitening guarantees greater protection from tooth sensitivity than zoom whitening. However, it is also more expensive and may take longer than zoom whitening. On the one hand, Zoom whitening can protect your mouth from excess heat, reducing gum irritation and enamel or pulp damage.

Why do my teeth hurt so bad after Zoom whitening? ›

One of the most common side effects of Zoom teeth whitening is tooth sensitivity. Sensitivity is caused by the hydrogen peroxide gel penetrating the enamel and dentin of the teeth, reaching the nerve endings in the pulp. The sensitivity usually lasts for a few days after the treatment.

Why are my teeth yellow after Zoom whitening? ›

Another factor that can contribute to yellow teeth after Zoom whitening is poor post-treatment care. After undergoing Zoom whitening, avoiding certain foods and drinks that can cause staining, such as coffee, tea, and red wine, is important.

How long do teeth continue to whiten after zoom? ›

5) After ZOOM is completed, the teeth will continue to whiten over the next 2 weeks! I have always been very careful not to proceed with matching shades or cosmetic or restorative dentistry until the ZOOM color has settled.

What toothpaste is best after Zoom whitening? ›

Brushing your teeth with sensitive toothpaste, such as Sensodyne, or Fluoridex Daily Defense Sensitivity Relief toothpaste for the weeks following the procedure is strongly recommended.

How do you rehydrate teeth after zoom whitening? ›

A primary way to ensure that your teeth remain hydrated is to drink enough water throughout the day. Most health professionals recommend around 8 to 9 glasses of water a day.

Can I drink coffee through a straw after Zoom whitening? ›

After the teeth whitening procedure, you should avoid coffee and other foods or beverages that might dull your smile. And, yes, this includes drinking coffee through a straw after teeth whitening; you can never be too careful.

How soon can you drink coffee after teeth whitening? ›

Open pores also make it easier for staining agents to get into tooth enamel and create new stains. The best way to preserve teeth whitening results is to avoid coffee, tea, wine, and any other staining food or beverage for at least 48 hours.

Why do dentists not recommend teeth whitening? ›

Though teeth whitening is a noninvasive dental procedure, at-home kits, even when used by the average healthy patient, can come with risks and side effects. Tooth sensitivity, adverse reactions to dubious ingredients, and a poorly done or inconsistent job of teeth whitening can result.

What teeth Cannot be whitened? ›

Teeth that have yellowed with age

As we age, the enamel becomes thinner due to wear and tear, revealing the underlying layer of tooth structure called dentin. Dentin is naturally yellowish and cannot be lightened with teeth whitening products.

Can Zoom whitening go wrong? ›

A: Zoom whitening does not damage your gums. However, generally speaking, “temporary tooth sensitivity and gingival inflammation are the most common adverse effects” of teeth whitening treatments, reports the American Dental Association (ADA).

Is zoom teeth whitening worth it? ›

While the initial Zoom teeth whitening price may be higher than other methods, it's a long-term investment in your smile. Instead of wasting money trying sub-par OTC products that don't work and can damage your teeth and gums, Zoom whitening guarantees lasting results.

Who is not a candidate for Zoom whitening? ›

Whitening is not recommended for people who experience chronic sensitivity, periodontal disease, oral cancer, or excessively worn and damaged enamel. Teeth that appear translucent may worsen with each whitening application and should be discontinued upon notice.

Do teeth keep getting whiter after zoom? ›

5) After ZOOM is completed, the teeth will continue to whiten over the next 2 weeks! I have always been very careful not to proceed with matching shades or cosmetic or restorative dentistry until the ZOOM color has settled.

Is Zoom teeth whitening bad for enamel? ›

Q: Can Zoom whitening damage teeth? A: Zoom teeth whitening is an in-office, dentist-approved method for achieving a brighter smile, and it is safe for teeth enamel. “As long as you stick to dentist-approved methods, whitening your teeth is considered safe,” affirms Healthline.

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