Zoom Teeth Whitening in Burnaby: Cost, Results, and What to Expect
If you've been thinking about whitening your teeth before the holidays, a family event, or just because you're tired of looking at coffee stains in the mirror — Zoom whitening is worth understanding properly. Not all whitening is the same, and this guide explains exactly what Zoom does, what it costs, who it works best for, and what to expect on the day.
What Is Zoom Teeth Whitening?
Zoom is a professional, light-activated teeth whitening system used in dental clinics. It's one of the most widely used in-office whitening treatments in North America — and for good reason. It works faster and produces more consistent results than at-home kits because the concentration of whitening gel is higher, and the process is supervised by a dentist.
The system uses a hydrogen peroxide-based whitening gel applied directly to your teeth, which is then activated by a Zoom LED light. The light helps the gel break down stains more effectively than gel alone. The full treatment takes about an hour.
How Zoom Whitening Works: Step by Step
Step 1 — Shade assessment Before anything starts, your dentist will assess your current tooth shade and discuss your whitening goals. This helps set realistic expectations for how many shades lighter you can go.
Step 2 — Gum protection A protective covering is applied to your gums and soft tissue before the gel goes on. This is important — the whitening gel is strong, and protecting the surrounding tissue ensures a comfortable treatment.
Step 3 — Whitening gel application The Zoom whitening gel is applied to the surface of your teeth. It's left on while the LED light is positioned in front of your mouth.
Step 4 — Three light sessions The Zoom light is applied in three sessions of approximately 15 minutes each. Between sessions, the gel is refreshed. Most patients sit comfortably during this time — many read or listen to music.
Step 5 — Final rinse and reveal After the three sessions, the gel is removed and your teeth are rinsed. Most patients see results up to 8 shades whiter immediately after treatment.
How Much Does Zoom Whitening Cost in Burnaby?
Professional in-office whitening in Burnaby typically ranges from $400 to $700, depending on the clinic and whether the treatment includes a take-home maintenance kit.
Treatment | Approximate Cost |
Zoom in-office whitening | $400 – $700 |
Take-home whitening trays (custom) | $200 – $400 |
Over-the-counter whitening strips | $30 – $80 |
Is teeth whitening covered by dental insurance in Canada? No. Whitening is a cosmetic procedure and is not covered under standard dental insurance plans or the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). You'll pay the full cost out of pocket.
For exact pricing at Gentle Dental Burnaby, contact the clinic directly — your consultation will include a clear breakdown of cost before any treatment begins.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Zoom Whitening?
Zoom whitening works best for patients with:
Surface and moderate deep staining — from coffee, tea, red wine, smoking, or general discolouration over time
Generally healthy teeth and gums — active decay or gum disease needs to be treated before any cosmetic work
Natural tooth enamel — whitening gel does not change the colour of crowns, veneers, bonding, or fillings; if you have visible dental restorations on front teeth, results may be uneven
Zoom may not be the right fit if:
Your teeth are very sensitive (though this can often be managed — ask your dentist)
Your staining is internal rather than surface-level (tetracycline staining, for example, often responds better to veneers)
You're pregnant or breastfeeding
You have front-tooth restorations that won't match the whitened shade
The best way to find out if you're a candidate is a quick consultation — there's no obligation, and your dentist can tell you honestly whether Zoom or another option will give you the result you're after.
Zoom vs. At-Home Whitening: What's the Actual Difference?
This is one of the most common questions — and the honest answer is that they are genuinely different products, not just different price points for the same thing.
Zoom In-Office | Custom Trays (Take-Home) | Whitening Strips | |
Whitening agent concentration | High (professional) | Medium (prescription) | Low (OTC) |
Application time | ~1 hour | 1–2 hrs/day, several weeks | 30 min/day, 2 weeks |
Results | Up to 8 shades in one visit | Gradual, even results | Light surface staining only |
Coverage | Full tooth surface | Full tooth surface | Front surfaces only |
Sensitivity | Possible, manageable | Lower | Lowest |
Best for | Fast result before an event | Gradual maintenance | Mild, even staining |
Whitening strips are not a worse version of professional whitening — they are a different tool for a different problem. If you have light, even surface staining, strips may genuinely be enough. But for deeper or patchy staining, or if you want a dramatic change quickly, professional whitening is the right call.
One thing strips can't replicate: full coverage. A flat strip on a curved arch loses contact at the edges and between teeth — which is exactly where uneven results show up. Professional trays and in-office gel sit against the full tooth surface.
Does Zoom Whitening Hurt?
Some patients experience mild sensitivity during or after the treatment, particularly to cold. This usually resolves within 24 to 48 hours. The Zoom system includes a desensitizing step at the end of treatment to help reduce this.
If you already have sensitive teeth, let your dentist know before the treatment. There are steps that can be taken — including using a sensitivity toothpaste in the weeks before your appointment — to reduce discomfort during the process.
How Long Do Zoom Whitening Results Last?
With good care, Zoom whitening results typically last 1 to 3 years. Results vary by patient and lifestyle:
Coffee, tea, red wine, and smoking are the main factors that cause whitening to fade faster
Regular dental cleanings help maintain results by removing surface staining before it builds up
Maintenance whitening — either with periodic in-office touch-ups or a custom take-home tray — can extend results significantly
Most patients who do in-office Zoom whitening also receive a take-home maintenance kit to use periodically, which keeps the results looking fresh between clinic visits.
Can I Whiten My Teeth If I Have Crowns or Veneers?
This is an important question. Whitening gel — whether professional or over-the-counter — does not change the colour of porcelain, composite, or ceramic restorations. It only acts on natural tooth enamel.
If you have crowns or veneers on visible front teeth, whitening your natural teeth around them can create a mismatch in colour. In this case, you have a few options:
Whiten first, then replace or update your restorations to match the new shade
Accept that your natural teeth will appear whiter than the restorations
Consult with your dentist to plan the sequence of treatment
If you're considering both whitening and cosmetic work (veneers, crowns, bonding), the standard approach is to whiten first and then match the restorations to your whitened shade.
FAQ About Zoom Whitening in Burnaby
How white will my teeth get? Results vary depending on your starting shade and the nature of your staining. Most patients see results in the range of 4 to 8 shades whiter after one session. Your dentist will give you a realistic estimate based on your current tooth shade at the consultation.
Can I eat normally after Zoom whitening? For the first 24 to 48 hours after treatment, it's best to avoid foods and drinks that stain — coffee, tea, red wine, tomato sauce, berries. This is sometimes called the "white diet" period. After that, you can return to normal eating, though reducing staining habits will help maintain results longer.
How often can I do Zoom whitening? Most dentists recommend no more than once or twice per year for in-office whitening. Over-whitening can lead to increased sensitivity and, in some cases, temporary translucency of the enamel.
Is Zoom whitening safe? Yes, when performed by or under the supervision of a dentist. The process has been studied extensively and is considered safe for tooth enamel. The temporary sensitivity some patients experience is not a sign of damage.
What's the difference between Zoom and laser whitening? Both use a light or energy source to activate whitening gel. Zoom uses an LED light; some other systems use a laser or plasma arc. In practice, the results are comparable. The more important factor is the gel concentration and the dentist's experience with the process.
Can I combine Zoom whitening with Invisalign? Yes — and in fact, if you're in Invisalign treatment, the clear aligners can double as whitening trays for a take-home whitening gel. Ask your dentist if this option is available with your Invisalign plan.
Book a Zoom Whitening Consultation at Gentle Dental Burnaby
If you want a noticeably whiter smile — whether for the holidays, a special occasion, or just because — a consultation is the best first step. We'll assess your teeth, tell you honestly what results are realistic for your case, and walk you through the options.
Gentle Dental Burnaby 📍 111-4980 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC V5H 4K7 (near Metrotown) 📞 (604) 434-3020 🔗 Book a consultation: burnabygentledental.com ⭐ 450+ Five-Star Google Reviews
The holiday season is one of the most popular times to whiten — book now before appointments fill up.
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