Will Zoom whiten your teeth and porcelain veneers?

I’m wondering if Zoom will whiten both my teeth and my porcelain veneers. I’ve had the veneers since 2010 and they don’t look as bright as they used to. Also, my teeth need to be whitened. Will Zoom whiten both, or will I need a different treatment to whiten my veneers? Thanks. Tyler

Tyler,

Zoom whitening won’t be effective on both your teeth and your porcelain veneers. The facts below will help you understand why.

How Teeth Whitening Works

The stains inside your teeth are called intrinsic stains. Carbamide oxide is an active whitening ingredient. When it’s applied to teeth, it penetrates tooth enamel and releases oxygen molecules. The oxygen molecules spread throughout each tooth and break down the discolored molecules inside them.

Zoom whitening provides a powerful blast of bleaching gel that contains carbamide oxide. The in-office treatment is completed in three to four 15-minute sessions. In-office treatment is a jumpstart to getting your teeth their whitest, but it doesn’t stop there. You’ll receive a Zoom take-home kit with custom trays and bleaching gels to continue whitening at home and make your teeth even brighter.

What about Zoom and Porcelain Veneers?

Although carbamide peroxide penetrates tooth enamel and breaks down stains, it won’t remove stains from your porcelain veneers. It can do them more harm than good:

• A 2006 study published in the journal Clinical Oral Investigations revealed that applying carbamide peroxide to porcelain roughens the surface of the material.
• Likewise, a 2015 study in the Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice concluded that “roughening of porcelain and polished fiber reinforced composite occur following bleaching procedure.”

These studies show that bleaching your porcelain veneers can damage the surface, make them more susceptible to stains, and even weaken them.

What Can Be Done about the Stains?

Zoom whitening is not the answer for both your teeth and your veneers. Visit an experienced—preferably accredited—cosmetic dentist to examine your teeth and porcelain veneers. It is possible that the cosmetic dentist can polish the veneers and make them look better. Depending on the cause of the stains in your teeth, an alternative to whitening might be recommended.

Although a very small percentage of cosmetic dentists are accredited, look for one in your area. If you’re unable to find a dentist with accreditation, search the Internet for a cosmetic dentist with post-graduate training in cosmetic or aesthetic dentistry. The dentist will determine the cause of stains in your teeth and veneers and discuss your options.

This post is sponsored by Chatham, NJ cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley. Dr. Hurley is accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and has won the NJ Monthly magazine Top Dentist award since 2001.