Zoom! Teeth Whitening is an in-office bleaching process that utilizes a special mercury metal halide light to accelerate the bleaching process. First, a protective plastic coating is painted onto the patient's gums surrounding the treatment area. This protective coating is allowed to harden and shields the gums during the bleaching process. A hydrogen peroxide-based whitening gel is then applied to the tooth enamel, and mercury metal halide light is exposed to the teeth to accelerate the whitening process. This light aids in activating the hydrogen peroxide and it helps it penetrate the surface of the tooth. Use of the Zoom! Light increases the effectiveness of the whitening gel by 26% and whitening results can last anywhere from one to five years.