Teeth whitening before & after photos
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Teeth Whitening Cost $400 average cost

Torture Crazy Inhuman Pain

3 posts
Comments (39)
Updated 2 Jan 2009
Posted 13 Nov 2007
Worth It
Spent: $299 in San Fernando, CA

I got it done and it HURT LIKE **** about 5 hours after the treatment. It totally did not hurt during the treatment at all, it was actually somewhat relaxing. The pain though afterward was so severe that I really think that it made me crazy - but the next day the pain was gone and I had gleeming white teeth.

I think from now on tho I will do monthly gel plate whitening for maintanance instead of going through that horrible inhuman pain again!

This review is the subjective opinion of a RealSelf member and not of RealSelf, Inc.

Vote: 32 members found this review helpful

Comments (39)

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Kristin89787 (unregistered guest) 17 Apr 2008
I had it done at 11 am today and now its about 10 pm and feels like someone took a mallet to my teeth. I have stringy shooting pains going all over my teeth. Its so bad I cant even talk. No one wants to talk to me cause all I do is complain. I advocate Zoom! for no one.
Tanner (1 post) 25 Apr 2008
Yeah i had zoom done at about 1 o'clock and it hurt so severely that they couldn't even finish the 3rd session.!!!! and it didn't get my teeth as white as i had wished. maybe like 2 shades... if that. definately, not worth 450 dollars. ef that lol..
cb716 (1 post) 3 May 2008
I had this done 3 days ago and can tell you had I known what it woukd feel like I would have probably not done it. It was like a long agonizing pain that only let up in between the 15 minute sessions. I can take a lot of pain, but after 3 sessions I said ENOUGH. It did whiten, but here 3 days later my gums are super sensitive and due to having temp caps on the top front (decided to whiten other teeth before getting the new caps) those are extremely sensitive to the cold I need to sooth my gums. Catch 22. And they SHOULD let people know prior to the procedure the things you can't drink or eat for 48 hours. I don't drink coffee/tea or smoke but I could see that being an issue with people who do.
scarah (1 post) 17 May 2008
This is not worth the $400 that you pay. I tried it and my teeth did get white, but after a couple of days, you see that you have only lightened a couple of shades, you can buy some gel on ebay and get the same effect. The pain is also not worth it, it was not that bad for me, but I am very tolerant. Do yourself a favor and save some money. Also, my botton teeth didn't lighten that much, even less than the top. DOn't be fooled by the before after shots on their website. Most of the celebrities you see with super white teeth are wearing veneers anyway.
mary ezell (1 post) 17 May 2008
It is Saturday night - and I'm miserable! I had the zoom whitening done this past Wednesday and my teeth are still very sensitive. About 2 minutes into the process, the heat on my upper gums was unbearable. Luckily, I don't have the burned gums that some people have reported - but if the procedure had continued, I feel sure my gums would have caught fire - it felt like I was getting a severe sun burn on my gums! I have had a lot of work done on my teeth in the past and I can honestly say that the root canal I had was a pleasant experience compared to the this...When the light was turned off, the burning/heat sensation stopped - she tried it again for a couple of minutes - same result. I should have researched this first - when I got back to work and complained about the procedure, a lot of my co-workers passed on horror stories they had heard. I wouldn't recommend this procedure to anyone - and the trays are going in the trash. What an expensive mistake - although they knocked off $150.00 without me even asking them to...I just wanted to get out of there before any more damage could be done! Whiter teeth aren't worth it - I'll stick with yellow..
sylviaG from Spa-View (1 post) 18 May 2008
your gums hurt during the treatment? didn't they put the goooey gum protectors to fit over them before they did the zoom?? that sounds way super scary!
heljam (3 posts) 23 May 2008
At9 am this morning i attended my dentist for Zoom treatment, before the treatment began i was given 3 full A4 sheets of information of any side effects the treatment may have, all of the above complaints were listed,it was then up to myself without any pressure whatsoever to decide if i wanted to continue.I did and i must say i am so happy with the result.My dentist took all the precautions with shielding my gums,tongue,lips,protection was placed from just below my nostrils down to my chin,no area was exposed apart from my teeth which was what i was expecting,even my lips were expertly balmed before the procedure began.I had a few of the zingers during the 3rd 10 min session,then for a few hours on and off this afternoon, the pain if i could even call it pain,it was like a little shock that barely lasted a second at a time went on and off till abour 3pm.I am absolutely delighted with the result,cant help smiling and looking and smiling at myself in the mirror tonight.It was not as cheap as other folk that have commented on this site, but remember u only get what u pay for, You have to research and be prepared to pay for a truly proffesional service, forget the cheapsakes and go to the pros and i doubt you will have all the problems.
E.L.K (1 post) 8 Sep 2008
Heh, you have a lot better review that others here. Where did you have this done?
heljam (3 posts) 13 Sep 2008
Sorry to take so long to reply, I have been awayfor a few days, my treatment was done through a private dentist in Perth, Scotland. I am still happy with the results and have never experienced any of the horrors that a lot of people have had to go through. I use the trays provided with my at home kit from time to time and am still happy with the result.
js25 (2 posts) 2 Jun 2008
Heljam, it's good that it worked for you, 2 reasons for this comment: 1. You were one of the lucky ones. Many people have severe, LASTING pain. You can't assume that other people's teeth will respond the same way, even if the procedure is done exactly the same way by the same person. You also have no way of knowing ahead of time whether your pain will last a few hours or a year, or more. Cost has nothing to do with it, some of the $400 providers are more skilled and more careful than some of the $1200 providers. 2. The question of whether the same whitening results as Zoom can be obtained with less risk deserves a lot more attention. There are other ways to bleach teeth, with much less risk. It takes a bit more time, is all......
js25 (2 posts) 2 Jun 2008
Heljam, it's good that it worked for you, 2 reasons for this comment: 1. You were one of the lucky ones. Many people have severe, LASTING pain. You can't assume that other people's teeth will respond the same way, even if the procedure is done exactly the same way by the same person. You also have no way of knowing ahead of time whether your pain will last a few hours or a year, or more. Cost has nothing to do with it, some of the $400 providers are more skilled and more careful than some of the $1200 providers. 2. The question of whether the same whitening results as Zoom can be obtained with less risk deserves a lot more attention. There are other ways to bleach teeth, even stubborn teeth, with the same(or better) results,and with much less risk. It takes a bit more time, is all......
Spamber (1 post) 16 Jun 2008
I work in a dental office and anytime we have a patient interested in Zoom! we warn them about the risk of sensitivity, have them read and sign the consent form, and give them an Rx fluoride toothpaste to use daily for at least 2 weeks prior to the procedure. Don't blame the product if the Dentist didn't treat you properly, and don't blame the Dentist if you read the consent form and agreed to go on with the procedure after being informed of the risk.
kara (unregistered guest) 22 Jun 2008
They should use a better word than 'sensitive' because it is NOT sensitivity, it is EXTREME PAIN. Also, they word it like it's uncommon and one of those things they need to include just in case. eg " SOME people MAY experience SLIGHT... SENSITIVITY. " They do not say that you will be almost crying, almost fainting, and that it will painful even a whole year later. They make it out that being badly effected is rare, and even with it being rare, the sensitivity (not pain) is only SLIGHT. They should include the phrase " this procedure wrecks some people's teeth, where they previously had no sensitivity problems" Of course we should blame them! IMO they should not even be doing a treatment like that when you can get the same results with a mouth tray. It takes longer you say? Get this - with ZOOM, they evaluate your teeth RIGHT AFTER THE PROCEDURE when they are GLOWING WHITE. Yeah they are really really white. Definitely going to achieve the "8 shades whiter in an hour" or whatever they advertise. But wait, do you know why are they so white??? It's not that they have a great, working product.. it's because... the teeth are extremely DEHYDRATED, and DEHYDRATED TEETH GLOW WHITE!! (thats why you might notice white patches on your teeth in the morning) After a few days to a week, when you are long gone from the dentist, the white fades and you think you must have done something wrong or you've just got used to the color of your teeth and don't notice it anymore. If you try to go back and complain, they will note that you achieved a much lighter shade and that you were happy with the color when you left straight after the treatment. (before the true color showed up)
Sharon Andreas (1 post) 30 Jun 2008
I recently had the ZOOM Treatment and I was pleased with my results! The assistant gave me a paper that had all the pros and cons and I agreed to move forward. She took quite a bit of time prepping my gums for the procedure so I had no burning at all. My gums were completely covered and we moved forward. She put some lip balm on my lips and sunblock on my nose and cheeks just in case. I made it through all three sessions and just at the end of the third I started to feel the "zingers" that most talk about. My Aunt had the same procedure and she could only get through 2 sessions. I think its a case by case, depending on your sensitivity levels. For the rest of the day I was fine with maybe only a zinger or two in the hour immediately following the procedure. No pain and I really wouldn't call it even discomfort. It was a quick zing that just comes and goes very quickly. I only paid a little over $200 because there was a 50% off summer sale. The little trays fit my teeth perfectly and suctioned right on. I'm very happy with those as I can wear them comfortably and when I take them off... BRIGHT white smile within an hour or two! I can tell my teeth are whiter. I took before and after pictures and its obvious. I forgot to ask how many shades I had changed (they documented the before and after) but I could tell a difference. I think the whitening trays they gave me give me a more dramatic result in a much shorter time, but I'd definitely do the procedure again... even maybe for the full $400+ price. The Cons: I will say that the before and after pictures they use, and the models in the pictures... are completely dramatized. You're not gonna come out of it with WHITE WHITE teeth... It's gonna be several shades whiter than your current shade but you're teeth wont look like the models unless you go in with extremely white teeth already. Also, you're teeth may look spotted afterwards cause your teeth will be dehydrated. I had extra white spots on my teeth but they faded. They'll be extra white following the treatment and will slightly fade so those spots will blend in. But even with that said... you should be happy with the results... I am. :)
Ryli (14 posts) 30 Jun 2008
Thank you for the comment. I'm glad you had such a positive experience with zoom teeth whitening. I know other RealSelf readers would love to hear more about your story. Please consider writing a review. Click here to review your experience with zoom. I know our users would love to see those before and after pictures! In fact, if anyone has an experience with a cosmetic treatment or procedure, we also want to hear from you! Go here to share your story.
ami (1 post) 30 Jun 2008
I am interested in the Zoom whitening but cannot afford the $500-$600. would you please let me know what city you found the summer special for $200. Thanks-
Jerry Hernandez (unregistered guest) 28 Aug 2008
Everything you stated above was the result of a correctly performed procedure except the zingers. Toothwhitening should not have the zingers. Its a combination of the heat and the chemical penetrating too deep into the living pulp of the tooth. The bleaching is a result of the chemical hydrogen peroxide breaking down the chroma within the tooth. The no credible research study has conluded the lights work. I am glad you are okay but most people I have interveiwed have had profound sensitivities. I only hope no one experiences a zinger in heavy traffic.
Marilyn RN (1 post) 26 Aug 2008
I had the ZOOM whitening yesterday afternoon, and also experienced the discomfort during the second 15 minute session. My hygienist applied a flouride gel and we waited a few minutes. Then finished the sessions with minimal zinging pains. On a scale of 1-10, I'd describe as a 6. Last night I had quite a bit of pain in my front top and bottom teeth, but again applied a flourides solution in the trays provided by my dentist and the pain was alleviated. This morning the sensitivitiy is down to a minimum. My teeth look great. For years I was told that nothing could be done because I had Tetracycline staining....I considered laminates. But, after investigating the laminates, I opted for the much lesser invasive procedure. ZOOM worked for me, I did not have unrealistic expectations. My hygienist took much time prepping my lips and gums so that I wouldnt have any undue exposure to the UV light. My advice...Pick your dental professional well. Have realistic expectations, and take excedrin for the discomfort. And...once its over....SMILE!
peter1234 (1 post) 24 Sep 2008
I am in agony right now. I got it done at 6pm and 1226am and i cant sleep. I have taken so many pain killers. I agree with a previous person who said that sensitive should be changed for extreme pain. It is very very sore. I feel my teeth have been knocked out. I am hoping there is people here just trying to scare me with the lasting a year thing. I dont imagine i will get any sleep tonight, the painkillers are not working. Vanity has a lot to answer for.... any suggestions on gettin rid of the pain is welcome???
shellman (3 posts) 29 Sep 2008
It cracks me up how some of you say "take excedrin" Or "the pain wasn't that bad". Clearly, Zoom whitening has different effects on people. I have had strong, good teeth my whole life and actually they were very white too. i only went because the dentist offered our company such a huge discount that everyone would want to go. I have had three children, a chemical burn to the cornea of my eye, experienced a dry socket with the removal of a wisdom tooth, and had to have my jaw bone cut while awake to remove another wisdom tooth and of all of these painful experiences the zoom teeth whitening experience was the most painful of them all. I felt like i was going to go mad about 2 hrs. after the procedure. I was prescribed prescription strength pain relievers and they did absolutely nothing. my husband wanted to take me to the emergency room. we called my dentist like three times to find out what was going on and could it be an allergic reaction? we were basically told that this does happen sometimes but is not common and the pain should subside by MORNING!!! The proper thing to do would have been to have me come back in and give me an injection to numb the pain for 24 hrs. It truly felt like all of my nerves were exposed. so if you had a great experience that is super but for those of us that didn't please do not minimize it. i had to get on the internet and see that there were others that had experienced this pain because it could not just be me. apparently there is something that can cause a severe reaction in others. just lucky i guess:).
Lynnette F. (1 post) 10 Oct 2008
I had Zoom whitening done 4 days ago. I did not experience any real pain in my teeth during the process, however, I could feel a burning sensation on my lower lip during the second half of the procedure. When they removed all of the "protective materials" my lower lip was 3 times it's normal size and I had a HUGE blister on and inside my lower lip. As if that weren't bad enough, a few hours later my teeth started with the "zing" of pain that everyone refers to....by night I was in SOOOOO much pain I thought I was going to throw up. Praise God that my husband had some leftover vicodin or I don't think I could have made it through the night. I was still waking up every 3 hours needing more painkiller. Aside from childbirth, that was the worst pain I have every experienced. And today, 4 days later, I still have a big gross looking blister type 'thing' on the inside of my lip. I just pray that it doesn't cause any permanent damage. I SO,SO wish I had done more research before having this procedure done. I'm not sure why this happened to me but I do know one thing for sure, I would NEVER do it again. My teeth are a few shades lighter and look better but still NOT WORTH IT!!!
Tala (1 post) 13 Oct 2008
I had Zoom whitening done yesterday at 4pm, and it started to hurt me during the second session, i couldnt go through the whole third session (only 5 mins).. and after i finished it hurted me like hell for 5 hours!! the pain is unbearable, and painkillers didnt seem to work.. if i knew that it would hurt that much i wouldnt have done it eventhough the results are good.. i didnt use the trays the doctor gave to me yet, i'm scared since he said i would feel some zingers afterwards, i wish to know if this is true! if someone has already used them at home, does it hurt afterwards? thanks
shellman (3 posts) 14 Oct 2008
i have not done my trays yet either but my dentist said that the strengths are not the same as what they do in office. while the strength in office is (i think) 32% the strength of what is used in our trays is about 9%. i am still scared. once you have been in that much pain it is almost not worth the risk.
heljam (3 posts) 30 Mar 2009
I have nothing to do with zoom marketing,i guess i must have been one of the lucky ones to have had the procedure done without any of the dramas many people have experienced.I only gave an honest account of my experience at the time.Hope your pain is now gone and you can enjoy your nice white teeth now.
JK34 (unregistered guest) 17 Apr 2009
I had the zoom prodecude done today. I came online looking for some kind of relief from the pain. My teeth are definitely whiter, but I am not sure it is worth it. My weekend is ruined from this pain. I was warned about "sensitivity" but not about pain in my teeth so bad that I can't even speak. I would only recommend this procedure to people who have wronged me.

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