Teeth Whitening Professional In-Office Whitening Procedures

Question 1

What is the typical concentration of hydrogen peroxide used in professional in-office whitening treatments?

Accepted Answer

25–40%

Answer

In-office systems use 25–40% hydrogen peroxide because the dentist can monitor and protect soft tissues from the high-concentration gel.

Question 2

Before applying in-office whitening gel, why does the clinician place a resin or liquid dam on the gingiva?

Accepted Answer

To protect soft tissue from chemical burns caused by high-concentration peroxide

Answer

High-concentration peroxide can cause chemical burns and blanching of the gum tissue, so a gingival barrier is mandatory before application.

Question 3

Which light-activated in-office whitening system uses a plasma arc lamp?

Accepted Answer

Zoom WhiteSpeed uses LED; BriteSmile historically used plasma arc

Answer

BriteSmile was one of the first systems to use plasma arc lamps; Zoom WhiteSpeed now primarily uses LED technology for light activation.

Question 4

How many applications (cycles) of gel are typically performed during a single Zoom in-office whitening appointment?

Accepted Answer

Three 15-minute applications

Answer

The standard Zoom protocol involves applying fresh gel and activating the lamp three times for 15 minutes each within a single appointment.

Question 5

What is the purpose of a pre-treatment dental cleaning (prophylaxis) before in-office whitening?

Accepted Answer

Remove plaque and calculus so the gel contacts clean enamel evenly

Answer

Plaque and calculus create an uneven barrier that can prevent the whitening gel from contacting and bleaching the underlying enamel uniformly.

Teeth Whitening Practice Test