After only one 15 minute session of ZOOM WHITENING I couldn't continue because of the pain. What other options do I have?

Question

do you have any recommendations on how I can reduce this pain and prolong my treatment?

Scott Young, DDS · Answer

I am sorry to hear about your experience with the Zoom Whitening.  Unfortunately,  some people have very sensitive teeth and are not able to handle the whitening procedure.  You could try bleaching trays, but I suspect they would still be sensitive and you would not see the same result that you would with Zoom.  The only other option to permanently whiten your teeth is porcelain veneers.  This is more invasive as some tooth structure would need to be removed to give you a beautiful, aesthetic result.   Good luck.

Steven Davidowitz, DDS · Answer

I have my patients brush with sensitive reducing toothpastes for 2 weeks prior to whitening along with a 600mg dose of iburofen 1 hr prior to the whitening visit.  This helps alleviate some sensitivity.  however, everyone is different and some feel sensitivity more than others even with these precaution steps.for those who feel immediate sensitivity during session 1 utilizing zooms newest white speed technology the light output is decreased making continuation of treatment possible and more tolerable.  For those that experience immediate sensitivity following treatment we have the patient use their at home whitening trays and they leave the office wearing the trays with Zoom relief gel inside them.  They leave this on for 30 min following the procedure. Additionally, patients use the desensitizing toothpaste for the next 2 weeks.I am not sure if you used any of the above methods before and after the session but it sure will help!  IN any case sensitivity will go away within 5 days. So in conclusion.  Look for an office offering zoom white speed...use desesitizing toothpastes and avoid very cold and very hot foods and liquids for 3 days along with any very acidic or spicy foods.Motrin and ibuprofin will work very well for the discomfort.

Sarah Thompson, DMD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear that you had such a painful experience with Zoom Whitening, but I hope you're relieved to know that there is something even better that doesn't cause nearly the same tooth sensitivity.  I recommend take-home teeth whitening trays to my patients.  In order to get this, you have to go to your dentist and request it.  He/She will make custom fitting whitening trays for you and give you whitening gel that you must add to the tray every night before bed.  You will wear the trays only when you sleep; the top one should be worn at night for a week and the bottom at night for a week.  By the end of the two week time period, you should notice a huge difference.  My patients actually prefer take-home whitening over Zoom whitening, most of the time.  Good luck and I hope this helps. Follow me if you have more questions.Sarah Thompson, DMD

After only one 15 minute session of ZOOM WHITENING I couldn't continue because of the pain. What other options do I have?

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Zoom Whitening

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After only one 15 minute session of ZOOM WHITENING I couldn't continue because of the pain. What other options do I have?

Answers (3)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Zoom Whitening

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.