What is Zoom teeth whitening?
Zoom teeth whitening is a professional whitening system from Philips that uses hydrogen peroxide gel to lighten the natural colour of tooth enamel. AMK Dental Clinic offers two forms: in-chair whitening in a single appointment, and take-home whitening with custom-made trays.
Philips’ in-chair kit uses a 25% hydrogen peroxide gel applied in three 15-minute cycles, about 45 minutes of gel time in total (Philips). Philips describes the process as light-accelerated. Zoom is sometimes called “laser whitening”, but it uses a lamp, not a laser.
How does in-chair Zoom whitening work?
In-chair Zoom whitening at AMK Dental Clinic happens in one appointment after a check-up confirms your teeth and gums are suitable. The steps are:
- Shade record. We note your starting tooth colour so you can compare afterwards.
- Protection. Your lips, cheeks and gums are protected with a retractor and a barrier.
- Gel cycles. The whitening gel is applied and the Zoom lamp is positioned over your teeth. This is repeated in cycles, usually three of about 15 minutes.
- Finishing. The gel is removed, and a desensitising product may be applied.
Allow extra time for preparation, so the whole appointment is longer than the gel time alone.
How much does Zoom whitening cost?
Zoom in-chair whitening at AMK Dental Clinic is quoted in writing before treatment. Please ask us for the current fee.
- Includes: one in-chair Zoom whitening appointment, including the whitening gel and gum protection.
- Not included: custom take-home trays (charged separately) and any check-up, clean or treatment needed beforehand, which is billed at our usual fees.
- GST: fees include GST where it applies. Your written quote shows GST where it applies.
Your fee is confirmed in a written estimate before treatment. Health fund cover for whitening varies and is often limited, so check with your fund first. See fees and health funds for payment options.
How does take-home whitening work?
Take-home whitening is a dentist-supervised option in which you wear a lower-strength peroxide gel in custom-made trays at home. We take a scan or impressions of your teeth, make trays that fit closely, and show you how much gel to use and how long to wear them.
Philips’ take-home gels come in different strengths, with wear times ranging from about 15 minutes twice a day to overnight, depending on the product (Philips). Your dentist chooses the product and schedule for you.
In-chair or take-home: which suits you?
In-chair and take-home whitening both lighten natural enamel; the main differences are time, gel strength and control.
| In-chair Zoom | Take-home trays | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | At AMK Dental Clinic | At home, with dentist supervision |
| Gel | Higher-strength hydrogen peroxide | Lower-strength hydrogen or carbamide peroxide |
| Time | One appointment (about 45 min of gel) | Daily wear over a course set by your dentist |
| Sensitivity | Can be more noticeable in the first day or two | Can often be managed by adjusting wear time |
| Fee | Quoted before treatment | Quoted before treatment |
| Trays kept for later use | No, unless bought separately | Yes |
Who is whitening not suitable for?
Whitening is not suitable for everyone. The Australian Dental Association says it is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding (teeth.org.au). Healthdirect adds that people with gum disease, cracks, cavities, untreated dental problems or very sensitive teeth should not whiten until these are managed (healthdirect).
Whitening also won’t change the colour of fillings, crowns or veneers, and it may not suit some types of deep or internal staining. Whitening is not generally recommended for children, and for teenagers your dentist will consider whether the teeth and gums are developed enough.
What are the risks of teeth whitening?
The most common risk of teeth whitening is tooth sensitivity, which can occasionally be sharp and is usually temporary. Gel that touches the gums, lips or tongue can cause irritation or burns, and swallowing gel can upset the stomach (healthdirect).
Results vary between people and are not predictable in advance. Whitening does not last indefinitely; teeth gradually stain again. In Australia, products with more than 6% hydrogen peroxide may only be used or supplied by registered dental practitioners (ADA), and a dental check first lowers the chance of problems.
Common questions
How much does Zoom whitening cost at AMK Dental Clinic?
AMK Dental Clinic gives you a written quote for Zoom in-chair whitening before treatment. The quote covers one in-chair Zoom whitening appointment. Custom take-home trays are not included and are charged separately. A check-up beforehand may be needed and is billed at the usual fee. Your fee is confirmed in writing before treatment, including GST where it applies.
Is Zoom whitening a laser treatment?
No, Zoom whitening is not a laser treatment. It uses a hydrogen peroxide gel on the teeth, and Philips describes the process as light-accelerated, using a lamp rather than a laser. The gel is applied in timed cycles, usually three cycles of about 15 minutes each. The lamp's light shines on the gel while your lips and gums are protected with a barrier.
Does teeth whitening hurt?
Many people notice some tooth sensitivity during or after whitening, and for some it can be sharp, particularly with cold drinks or air. It is usually temporary. Gums can also be irritated if gel touches them. Your dentist will check for cracks, exposed roots and gum problems first, and can suggest ways to reduce sensitivity, such as desensitising products or a slower take-home approach.
How long do whitening results last?
Whitening results fade gradually, and how long they last varies from person to person. Tea, coffee, red wine, smoking and some foods stain teeth again over time, while good oral hygiene and regular check-ups help. Some people later use take-home trays for a top-up, but only when their dentist advises it. Whitening is not something that needs repeating on a set schedule.
Will whitening change the colour of my fillings or crowns?
No, whitening only lightens natural tooth enamel. Tooth-coloured fillings, crowns and veneers stay the same colour, so after whitening they may look darker than the teeth around them. Some people choose to replace visible fillings or crowns afterwards to match, which is extra treatment with its own cost. Your dentist will point out any restorations that may be affected before you start.
Why should teeth whitening be done by a dentist?
In Australia, whitening products stronger than 6% hydrogen peroxide may only be used or supplied by registered dental practitioners. A dentist can also check for decay, cracks and gum disease first, since whitening over these can cause pain or damage. Healthdirect warns that salon and online kits used without a dental check can burn the gums and lips or cause sensitivity.