Zoom Teeth Whitening has launched a new generation procedure that’s promising to deliver even better results.

After many mornings spent drinking black coffee and winter evenings indulging in plenty of pinot noir, my teeth were looking a little murky. Some might even say they were an unfortunate hue of yellowy-brown. It certainly wasn’t aesthetically pleasing. So, I made an appointment with my fave dentist, Dr Gamer Verdian at Dental Lounge Sydney and co-founder of the awesome Dental99 app, to discuss my smile brightening options.

Dr Gamer suggested I have the Zoom Teeth Whitening Procedure, as it has recently been upgraded to a more effective and gentle process. I grilled him in detail about the process, and after hearing his answers (below), I was all in!

What exactly is the new generation of Zoom teeth whitening offering?

The new generation of Zoom teeth whitening has a new lighting/laser system. It has a variable power setting, so we can ensure that the procedure is gentler and less likely to cause sensitivity.

Who is Zoom teeth whitening best suited to?

Zoom works well for most people as it is a fairly safe and simple procedure. However, it should be avoided by people who have had a lot of dental work or people or those with very sensitive teeth. It would also be advisable to arrange a thorough check-up and dental hygiene clean prior to undertaking Zoom. This allows us to remove any debris from your teeth, including plaque and tartar. More importantly, we can ascertain if there are any underlying dental conditions like a cracked tooth, that could be exacerbated by whitening.

What does the Zoom teeth whitening procedure actually involve?

The treatment is actually still the same. We do a protective setup to keep the lips and gums clear of the bleach and light. Then, we place bleach on the teeth and activate it using the laser. There are three to four 15 minute blocks of time used, depending on the level of whitening desired.

Is it painful?

Zoom teeth whitening causes sensitivity in around 25 percent of patients. Mostly, they report a zapping sensation or ‘zingers’ in certain teeth. This sensation lasts 24-48 hours after the procedure. Plus, there is no downtime, as long as the sensitivity is minimal.

What results can I expect?

We generally achieve a result of eight to 12 shades whiter for our patients.

How can I ensure results last a long time?

Avoid colourful foods and drinks in the immediate 48-72 hours after the procedure and drink water immediately after eating anything colourful that would stain your teeth. Using a top quality electric toothbrush, teamed with a paste that has fluoride and whitening benefits will help too. Electric toothbrushes are far more efficient than manual brushing, you get a lot more “bang for buck” for each movement compared to what one would achieve with a manual toothbrush. This equates to less food and plaque staining our teeth surfaces and results in your teeth staying whiter – less staining and less decay.

Our Verdict

Visiting Dr Gamer is always a delight. Though, I must say, I was a tad nervous, as I don’t tolerate pain well and I do get anxious in the dentist’s chair. Luckily, his clinics are the opposite of the stereotypical dental clinic – sterile, cold and unfriendly. Instead, they are beautifully decked out and have a super relaxing vibe, with music filtering throughout and warm, friendly staff. You kind of feel like you’re stepping into a day spa. Dr Gamer also provided me with mild anxiety relief medication to help ease my nerves and alleviate any discomfort I might have felt. I was so relaxed that I actually slept through the entire procedure! I felt a bit of a stinging sensation when the procedure was finished, and for a day or two afterwards – little zinging pains, but nothing unbearable at all.

I was really wowed by the results. My murky teeth are now white and bright and I am no longer concerned about smiling.

I followed Dr Gamer’s advice and began using the Oral-B iO toothbrush. I’ve been using natural bamboo toothbrushes for quite a few years now. While they certainly have their place, I honestly didn’t feel they were cutting it when it came to my dental hygiene and healthy smile. Oral B’s Oi toothbrush is pretty next level. It features a Smart Pressure Sensor to keep you from brushing too hard and damaging gums and enamel. 3D Teeth Tracking and AI Recognition use an interactive colour display, which helps to guide you as you brush, ensuring no area of the mouth is missed.

Oral B iO Series 4, $299
Oral-B iO Series 9 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush

It also has a neat two minute quadrant timer, which buzzes every 30 seconds to let you know it’s time to move on to the next section of your teeth.

Remember To Get Regular Dental Checks

It had also been a while between dental check-ups for me. Dr Gamer advised me that for a truly healthy smile, everyone should be visiting their dentist twice a year for a check up, hygiene clean and to avoid gum disease.

He makes a great point, as he found two fresh cavities during my check up. It made me realise I need to step up my dental care game. I do floss and brush after every meal, and I’ve now also implemented a whitening toothpaste alongside my electric toothbrush. My choice is the Oral B Lasting White Toothpaste, which contains fluoride for strength and claims to have a 24 hour whitening action. So far, so good!

Now, I just need to give up coffee and red wine!

The results for two patients:

BEFORE and AFTER ZOOM Whitening by Dr Gamer Verdian at Dental Lounge Sydney
BEFORE and AFTER ZOOM Whitening
BEFORE and AFTER ZOOM Whitening by Dr Gamer Verdian at Dental Lounge Sydney
BEFORE and AFTER ZOOM Whitening
Shonagh Walker is one of Australia's most prolific and respected lifestyle writers, covering everything from health and beauty to travel and entertainment. In her 30+ year career she has interviewed some of the world's most famous faces, covered stories from the lighthearted to the very serious, all with the aim of somehow helping her readers feel better about themselves, or arming them with information to enjoy life to the fullest. Shonagh is the recipient of several prestigious awards for her work. On the rare day she is not at her computer, she can be found walking her dogs or trying to improve her gardening skills.