If you’re dreaming of a brighter, more radiant smile, Zoom! Teeth Whitening in Arlington MA is a fast, safe, and effective solution offered by Arlington Dental. Over time, teeth can become discolored due to coffee, wine, smoking, or simply aging. Fortunately, professional whitening treatments like Zoom! can reverse years of staining in just a single visit.
What is Zoom! Teeth Whitening?
Zoom! is a professional teeth-whitening treatment (by Philips) offered at our Arlington, MA dental clinics. It uses a concentrated hydrogen-peroxide bleaching gel and a special LED light to brighten smiles quickly. In one in-office visit, Zoom! can dramatically lighten teeth – on average about 7–8 shades whiter. As the #1 patient-requested whitening system in the U.S, Zoom! is both safe and effective under dental supervision. Our Arlington dentists use Philips Zoom! technology to remove years of stains from coffee, tea, tobacco or simply aging enamel. Unlike store-bought strips, Zoom! is professionally applied: a protective gel shields your gums, then our dentist paints the Zoom! hydrogen peroxide gel on your teeth and activates it with a blue LED light for about 15 minutes at a time. We repeat this cycle 2–3 times in one session to maximize brightness. The result? In just 60–90 minutes, you walk out with a significantly whiter smile (often the “whitest smile in a single visit” as Philips advertises).
Zoom Whitening Procedure: In-Office & Take-Home
How Zoom Works (In-Office) – At the start of your appointment, your Arlington dentist will examine your teeth to ensure Zoom! is right for you. A mouth guard or gel covers your gums, then Zoom!’s hydrogen peroxide gel is applied to your teeth. An LED lamp is positioned to activate the gel. This light-accelerated process allows oxygen molecules to penetrate the enamel, breaking apart deep stains without damaging tooth structure. Many dentists report patients get an average 7–8 shade improvement. The entire Zoom! procedure (plus prep and a quick fluoride treatment) takes roughly 1–2 hours. You sit comfortably – some patients even watch TV or relax – while the Zoom! lamp does the work.
Take-Home Zoom Trays: In addition to in-office whitening, we offer custom Zoom! take-home kits. After crafting dental impressions, we provide you with snug-fitting trays and professional-strength Zoom! gel. You apply the gel to the trays at home (usually 30–60 minutes per day) for 1–2 weeks. This option is ideal for busy Arlington residents: it’s more gradual but still more powerful than store-bought kits. Many patients combine one in-office session with a short take-home regimen to maximize results.
Who’s a Candidate? Zoom! works best on healthy, natural teeth. It’s very effective for yellow and brown discoloration, but does not whiten crowns, veneers, fillings, or orthodontic appliances. A quick consultation will confirm your candidacy. (Note: Zoom! is generally not recommended for children under 13, pregnant women, or anyone with severe dental sensitivity.)
Benefits and Results of Zoom Whitening
Dramatic, Fast Results: Zoom! offers near-immediate improvement – many Arlington patients see a visibly brighter smile by the end of their appointment. Sutton Place Dental reports that most patients achieve 7–8 shades of whitening with Zoom (versus ~4 shades with some other in-office brands). Philips Zoom’s claim to “your whitest smile in a single visit” is backed up by these studies and by countless patient testimonials.
-
Safe and Supervised: Because Zoom! is done under professional supervision, it’s considered one of the safest cosmetic dental treatments. The high-concentration gel used in-office is buffered (pH-balanced) and precisely applied by our dentists. Unlike unsupervised home kits, we control the process to minimize risk. If any sensitivity occurs, we pause or stop treatment.
-
Long-lasting Brightness: With proper care, Zoom! results can last 18–24 months or longer. To maintain your shine, avoid stain-causing foods/drinks (coffee, tea, wine) and follow these tips: brush twice daily with a gentle whitening toothpaste, floss regularly, and use your custom take-home Zoom gel trays every few months as a touch-up. (We’ll give you detailed aftercare instructions before you leave.) Good oral hygiene and regular cleanings keep that new white shade vibrant.
-
Confidence Boost: Beyond aesthetics, many patients report boosted confidence after Zoom whitening. A whiter smile often makes you look younger and feel more self-assured. In Arlington, where image and presentation matter, Zoom! is a quick way to enhance your professional and social life.
-
Convenience: In-office Zoom! means no long treatment timeline. Busy Arlington residents love that it fits into one lunch-hour or weekend appointment. The Philadelphia study noted it’s ideal for busy patients with immediate results.
Before-and-After: While every smile is unique, typical Zoom! before-and-after shows a dramatic reduction in staining. (Ask us to see real Arlington patient photos or one of the many generic Zoom! result galleries.) You’ll notice a noticeable difference – not a stark bleach-white, but a natural, beautiful brightness.
Sensitive Patients: Some people do experience temporary sensitivity to cold or pressure for a day or two after Zoom. This is usually mild and passes quickly. We’ll apply a fluoride rinse immediately after and can supply desensitizing gel to use at home if needed. Following our aftercare guidelines (e.g., avoiding very hot/cold foods right after treatment, using sensitivity toothpaste) will help you stay comfortable as your smile settles into its new shade. To better understand the safety and effectiveness of professional teeth whitening treatments like Zoom, you can visit the American Dental Association’s page on whitening for reliable information.
Cost of Zoom Teeth Whitening in Arlington, MA
The cost of Zoom! whitening can vary, but in the Boston/Arlington area, in-office whitening typically ranges from about $400 to $800. Many local dental practices average around $500–$600 for a full Zoom! session. This price often includes the entire procedure and a set of custom take-home trays for touch-ups. (Take-home kits alone are cheaper, usually a few hundred dollars, since they skip the in-office lamp time.)
Our Arlington clinic frequently runs promotions or specials (for example, some practices offer Zoom! for $499 with a cleaning). We also accept most dental insurance plans for exams and cleanings, which are typically done before whitening. While cosmetic whitening itself isn’t usually covered by insurance, good insurance can help offset the required teeth cleaning or exam, making Zoom! more affordable.
Financing and Deals: We understand Zoom! can be an investment. Our office offers flexible payment plans and accepts healthcare credit. Also, ask about bundled packages (a discount when combining Zoom! with other cosmetic services or family bookings). Keeping an eye on local offers can help – for instance, Arlington Dental Center lists deals on teeth whitening near us.
Value: Considering how long the results last and how much it improves your smile, many patients find Zoom! to be a worthwhile investment. As a reference, professional in-office whitening in Boston averages about $600, which aligns with local Arlington pricing. DIY kits might seem cheaper, but they require multiple applications and never match the power of Zoom! under the dentist’s LED.
Aftercare Tips & Maintaining Your Smile
After Zoom! treatment, follow these guidelines to maximize and prolong your new shade:
-
Avoid Stains for 48 Hours: Right after whitening, your enamel is more porous. Avoid coffee, tea, red wine, dark juices, or tobacco for at least two days. If you indulge sooner, rinse your mouth or brush gently afterward.
-
Gentle Oral Hygiene: Continue brushing twice daily with a soft-bristle brush. A remineralizing toothpaste (look for fluoride/Calcium Phosphate) can help ease sensitivity. Floss daily to remove plaque that could trap new stains.
-
Whitening Toothpastes and Rinses: We recommend a mild whitening toothpaste (with hydrogen peroxide or baking soda) to help lift surface stains that accumulate. Be mindful that some toothpastes are too abrasive – check for the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
-
Touch-Up Treatments: Use your take-home Zoom trays (with gel) about once a month or as needed to maintain brightness. This usually means wearing the trays for 30 minutes to 1 hour one day a month.
-
Limit Acidic Foods: Citric or acidic beverages (like soda, citrus juice, or sports drinks) can erode enamel over time, making stains return faster. If you consume them, drink water afterward and wait before brushing.
-
Routine Dental Visits: Keep your 6-month cleanings and exams. During these visits, our hygienist can remove new surface stains with a quick polishing. Maintaining gum health also ensures your whitening results look their best.
By following these aftercare steps, most patients keep their Zoom! results for a year or longer. If staining does reappear after several months (especially for coffee or wine drinkers), a brief touch-up session (either take-home or a short in-office top-up) can easily restore your smile.
People Also Ask
How much does Zoom whitening cost in Arlington, MA? In-office Zoom whitening typically costs around $500–$600 in the Arlington/Boston area. Some providers may offer specials (e.g. around $499) for new patients. Exact pricing depends on the dentist, any bundled cleaning/prep, and whether a take-home kit is included.
How long does a Zoom whitening session take? The Zoom in-office procedure takes about 1 to 2 hours total. This includes preparation (protecting gums, taking initial tooth shade), the 45–60 minutes of active bleaching (broken into 3–4 sessions under the light), plus a short fluoride treatment at the end.
Is Zoom teeth whitening safe? Yes. Zoom! is one of the safest cosmetic dental treatments when supervised. The bleaching gel is professionally buffered and the dentist carefully protects your gums. Many dentists consider Zoom! the safest whitening option, as evidenced by minimal lasting sensitivity and controlled dosing.
How many shades whiter will my teeth get? On average, Zoom! patients see an improvement of about 7–8 shades lighter. Results vary by person: those with lighter yellow stains tend to see dramatic brightening, whereas very dark or gray teeth lighten somewhat less. Your dentist can give a realistic expectation after seeing your starting shade.
How long do Zoom whitening results last? With proper care, Zoom! effects can last 18 months to 2 years, sometimes longer. Avoiding staining habits (or using straw for coffee), touching up with the provided gels, and good oral hygiene all extend the whiteness. Eventually, teeth can naturally darken again, but then a quick refresh appointment or at-home bleaching kit can bring back the brightness.
Does Zoom whitening cause tooth sensitivity? Some patients do experience temporary sensitivity (to cold or pressure) for a day or two after treatment. This is usually mild. We manage it by using fluoride gel post-treatment and advising you to use desensitizing toothpaste. Most people find it tolerable and it fades quickly. If your teeth are very sensitive, we can adjust the treatment (e.g. fewer bleaching cycles) or pre-treat with sensitivity gel.
Can Zoom whitening remove stubborn stains (coffee, tobacco, etc.)? Yes. Zoom’s high-powered gel is effective at breaking down tough stains from coffee, tea, wine, tobacco and more. While no whitening can permanently remove stains if you continue the habits, Zoom! significantly lightens them quickly. Very intrinsic stains (like from medications or age) may require multiple sessions or supplementary treatments (like veneers) for maximum effect.
Can I get Zoom whitening at home? Zoom! itself is a brand that makes both in-office and take-home systems. The most dramatic results come from the in-office Lamp version. However, dentists can provide custom take-home Zoom gel kits that you use at home over a couple of weeks. These are highly effective too (taking longer than the single-visit option). Caution: Over-the-counter “home” kits with lighter gels exist, but none are as strong or reliable as dentist-provided Zoom! trays.
Do I need a dental exam before Zoom whitening? Yes. It’s best practice to have a check-up and cleaning first. We’ll ensure your teeth and gums are healthy (no cavities or gum disease) before applying a whitening gel. We also take baseline photos/shade. This way, we both maximize safety and get the best results.
How often can I repeat Zoom whitening? You can usually have an in-office Zoom! treatment once a year if needed, or skip to take-home applications in between. Some people touch up with an hour-long Zoom session every 6 months to a year if they want to stay at peak brightness. Our dentists will recommend the right interval based on your stain level and sensitivity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What exactly is Zoom! whitening?
A: Zoom! whitening is a professional bleaching procedure developed by Philips. It uses a specially formulated hydrogen peroxide gel and a blue light to activate it. You can get Zoom! in-office (the light-accelerated version) or as a dentist-prescribed take-home gel. Both methods brighten enamel much faster than regular over-the-counter options.
Q: Is Zoom! whitening better than other professional methods?
A: In-office Zoom! is often preferred for busy patients because it’s fast (results in one visit) and powerful (average 7–8 shade improvement). Some other in-office systems (like Laser or GLO) may require multiple sessions. Zoom! is also well-studied and widely used, which many dentists trust. That said, all professional whitening under dentist care is safe.
Q: Will Zoom whiten my crowns or fillings?
A: No. Zoom! (or any bleaching) only affects natural tooth structure. If you have dental restorations on your front teeth, they may remain their original shade. We can discuss replacing old crowns or fillings to match your new tooth color once whitening is done.
Q: How long after Zoom can I eat or drink?
A: We recommend waiting at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking after Zoom! Because your teeth are more porous, consuming very hot or staining foods/drinks immediately could cause extra staining or sensitivity. After that, it’s fine to resume normal diet, with mindful brushing afterward if possible.
Q: Are there side effects of Zoom whitening?
A: The main side effect is temporary sensitivity in some patients. A few may have gum irritation if the gel contacts the gum, but using the barrier gel almost always prevents this. No long-term damage has been reported when done properly. As with any treatment, inform us of any discomfort during the session – we can take breaks or adjust the procedure.
Q: Is Zoom whitening painful?
A: Not at all. Patients may feel a mild “tingling” during the bleaching, but most describe Zoom! as very comfortable. In fact, many patients relax or nap under the light. Any sensations usually stop once the treatment is over.
Q: How many Zoom sessions will I need?
A: Typically just one in-office session does the job. In our experience, nearly all Arlington patients achieve their desired whitening in a single visit (plus the take-home kit). If your teeth are extremely stained, you might do a second short session. The difference in results is usually biggest between 1st and 2nd sessions.
Q: Can teens get Zoom whitening?
A: Zoom! is generally recommended for adults. Dentists usually wait until after adolescence (around age 16–18) to whiten, unless there’s a medical reason to brighten a teen’s teeth. Younger teeth are still developing and whitening agents could affect nerve tissues.
Q: Does Zoom whitening work on grey or tetracycline-stained teeth?
A: It works best on common yellow or brown stains. Grey tones (often from medications or trauma) are more resistant. Zoom! may provide some improvement, but the results vary. We’ll assess the type of discoloration and set realistic goals. In some cases, dental veneers or bonding might be a better solution for stubborn intrinsic stains.
Q: How does Zoom compare to whitening strips or toothpaste?
A: In a word: power. Retail strips and whitening toothpaste use much lower concentrations of whitening agents. They often require weeks of daily use for minimal effect. Zoom!’s gel is dentist-strength (over 25–35% hydrogen peroxide) and is applied in one or a few visits. You’ll get dramatically faster and more uniform results with Zoom. Most patients find the extra cost worth it for the instant, reliable improvement.
Conclusion
Zoom! Teeth Whitening in Arlington, MA, offers a reliable, professional solution to achieving a whiter smile. With its fast and effective results, customizable approach, and professional oversight, it’s an excellent choice for anyone seeking to enhance their appearance. To maintain your radiant smile, follow the recommended aftercare tips and consult with your dentist about routine maintenance.
Ready to transform your smile? Visit a trusted dentist at Arlington Dental, 43 Broadway, Arlington, MA 02474. (781) 641-0500 today.