The collective public — the United States, in particular — has an obsession with perfect, white teeth. It's one reason why so many people go through the harrowing process of getting veneers, and it's why the cosmetic dentistry industry is so profitable. The fixation on a pretty smile makes a lot of sense, really: Your mouth is one of the first things people notice about you, and it's representative of your overall health.
I'm admittedly fixated myself, particularly when it comes to whitening. I'm all about going to the dental hygienist more than the twice-annual requirement, I actually enjoy flossing, I always use whitening toothpaste, and Crest Whitestrips are part of my makeup routine. (I like to let them do their thing while getting ready).
That confessed, I was so excited to take my #whiteteethgoals one step further via a professional, in-office, Zoomwhitening session with Dr. Inna Chern at New York General Dentistry. If you've ever been curious about what the experience is like, how long the whitening lasts, how it's different from at-home whitening, and whether it's worth your money, keep reading. I'm even going bold and sharing my up-close-and-personal before and after pictures!
Image courtesy Wendy Gould
The Zoom Teeth Whitening Process + Ideal Candidate
Having your teeth professionally whitened is pretty straightforward. Your dentist will probably want to do a light cleaning and polishing beforehand (unless you've recently been to the hygienist). After, your dentist will place a device in your mouth that keeps your lips spread open, then will insert tissue and a special mixture around the gums to prevent them from being exposed to the whitening solution.
From there, the whitening solution is carefully painted on to your teeth. You'll be given a pair of glasses to protect your eyes, and then the blue Zoom light will be placed directly over your mouth for 15 minutes. After that time is elapsed, your dentist will repeat the painting process again. You'll have a total of three 15-minute sessions.
The ideal candidate for Zoom teeth whitening is anyone who's teeth are already in generally healthy shape. Since it can cause sensitivity, it's also best for people who don't already have very sensitive teeth. I personally don't have much sensitivity, and I didn't feel any sort of discomfort or pain.
Image courtesy Wendy Gould
The Results + How it Differs From At-Home Treatments
As mentioned, I am a seasoned at-home teeth whitener and have had decent results. An in-office session doesn't compare to anything you can get over the counter, though: When Dr. Chern handed me a mirror following my treatment, I was floored with the results! There was a very noticeable difference in how white my teeth were — and she even began the session by telling me my teeth were already quite white. At the end of the session, we determined that I was able to go four shades lighter, bringing my tooth color to a 010 shade.
In addition to going far whiter than an over-the-counter product allows — and in only 45 minutes — painting the solution on and ensuring lips don't get in the way makes for a more even finished result. Another bonus (at least for me personally) was that there was zero sensitivity. This isn't the case for everyone, but speaking from experience I can say that using strips or gel trays does expose my gums to the whitening solution, which has caused some discomfort.
Image courtesy Wendy Gould
How Long Zoom Results Last + Cost
Zoom teeth whitening results can last anywhere from six months to two years, and dentists will usually recommend touch-up sessions (or at home kits) to help maintain your results longer.
Note that after getting your teeth professionally whitened, it's super important to not drink or eat anything rich in color. A good rule of thumb, as prescribed by Dr. Chern, is to avoid anything that could stain a white t-shirt. This is because your teeth are especially receptive to absorbing color following any whitening. Avoiding these foods and drinks in general can help prolong your white teeth, as well. As for cost, you can expect to pay between $300 and $700 depending on your location and dentist's pricing.
Image courtesy Wendy Gould
Is Zoom Whitening Worth It?
The answer to this question is entirely up to you. For me, I think it's worth the investment. I like the immediacy of the results and that they last for some time. If you're just kind of "meh" about the idea and are fine with your teeth, then there's no need. However, if you're someone who's always on the quest for whiter teeth (like me), or if you have stained teeth and want an instant refresh, or if you're planning a big event (say, a wedding), then you absolutely cannot beat in-office whitening. I give the treatment five out of five pearly white teeth.
Image courtesy Wendy Gould
