How to whiten your teeth | Philips (2024)

Megan Fairhall

Dental Hygienist and founder of LiveToSmile

Introduction

Teeth whitening is safe and not harmful to the teeth if carried out by a dental professional. You can boost the shade of your teeth by up to 7 shades whiter by carrying out professional tooth whitening. Teeth whitening is an affordable alternative to more dramatic treatment such as veneers and can give you a healthy, brighter smile.

Article summary

• What are the ways I can whiten my teeth?
• Is tooth whitening safe?
• How does it work?
• Will it hurt?

What are the ways I can whiten my teeth?

Many products claim to have a whitening effect. Toothpastes branded as whitening toothpastes can be helpful in buffing away surface stains in combination with your toothbrush, but are unlikely to change the underlying colour of your teeth. Using a product such as a whitening gel is the most effective way to dramatically change the colour of your teeth.

Is tooth whitening safe?

Teeth whitening has been shown to be a straightforward treatment with very few side-effects, provided the individual carrying out your whitening has been trained to carry this out. Teeth whitening can only be carried out by either a dentist, dental hygienist or dental therapist under the prescription of a dentist. You will need to be assessed by your dentist prior to any whitening procedures to ensure you are dental fit and healthy.

How does it work?

There are two ways that your dental professional can provide tooth whitening. Using at-home gels or providing light activated whitening that is carried out in a dental surgery.

1. Home Whitening Trays using Zoom! take home gels

• Impressions are taken of your teeth to produce a set of comfortable whitening trays that are an exact fit to your teeth.
• At your next appointment your dental professional will give you instructions on how to wear your trays and how to use your Zoom! whitening gels.
• Use your Zoom! home whitening gels for approximately two weeks to get desired results.
• You manage the whitening treatment yourself - you can wear them for as little as 90mins a day or overnight if you prefer. You are in control and you can simply stop once you are happy with the results.

2. In office Zoom! LED whitening

• This is a treatment carried out in the dental practice by either your dentist, dental hygienist or dental therapist.
• Gel is painted onto the teeth and the process sped up by blue light shone on the teeth.
• The process takes around 1.5 hours and can get you instant results.
• The use of home trays is also advised for 2-5 days to gain maximum, longer lasting results.
• You can also then use your home trays for future top ups to help maintain your new brighter, whiter smile.

Will it hurt?

Some sensitivity is normal however this can be reduced dramatically with the addition of desensitizing agents. Zoom! take home gels have a unique desensitizer known as ACP that is shown to reduce sensitivity without compromising on result.

Key take out

Philips Zoom! whitening gel contains safe levels of hydrogen peroxide, removing yellow stains in the deeper layers of the teeth for a long lasting result. Teeth whitening with a dental professional is the only safe and effective way to gain results. In addition, to help maintain a healthy white smile, ensure you see your dental hygienist for regular cleaning and polishing of the teeth. If you are interested in professional whitening, you can find out morehere.