In Chair Tooth Whitening
A brighter, more confident smile is something many people would love to achieve. With professional in-chair teeth whitening, patients can achieve noticeable results in a controlled clinical environment, with treatment tailored to their individual needs.
I use Philips Zoom! WhiteSpeed, a professional whitening system that combines hydrogen peroxide whitening gel with Philips' blue LED light technology to accelerate the whitening process. Philips states that its UK in-office system can whiten teeth by up to 7 shades in around 60 minutes, although individual results will vary.
What is in-chair teeth whitening?
In-chair whitening is a professional treatment carried out by a dental professional. Unlike many over-the-counter whitening products, the treatment is carefully assessed and performed within the dental practice.
Before whitening, I assess the patient's oral health, discuss their expectations and consider factors such as existing restorations, fillings, crowns and veneers. This is important because whitening products lighten natural teeth but do not whiten dental restorations.
The aim is not simply to make teeth as white as possible, but to achieve a natural-looking result that suits the individual patient.
How does Philips Zoom! work?
Philips Zoom! WhiteSpeed uses a hydrogen peroxide whitening gel alongside a blue LED light. The combination is designed to accelerate the whitening process and target different types of staining.
The treatment is carried out in stages, with the whitening gel applied by the dental professional and the Zoom! light used during the treatment. The system also has different intensity settings, which can help us adapt the experience for patients who may be more sensitive.
What can cause tooth staining?
Teeth can become darker or stained for many different reasons. Common causes include:
Coffee and tea
Red wine
Certain foods
Smoking
Ageing
Plaque and surface staining
Some medications
Naturally darker tooth colour
Some staining is on the surface of the tooth, while other discolouration can occur within the tooth itself. This is why a professional assessment is important before deciding which whitening approach is most appropriate.
Is teeth whitening safe?
When carried out appropriately by a dental professional, professional whitening is considered a safe way of lightening natural teeth. However, temporary tooth sensitivity can occur, and some patients may experience temporary gum irritation.
At your consultation, I will discuss your individual circumstances and help minimise the risk of sensitivity. Philips Zoom! also offers sensitivity-management options as part of its professional whitening system.
What results can I expect?
Every smile is different, so there is no single shade that everyone will achieve. The final result depends on factors including your starting shade, the type and depth of staining, and the natural colour of your teeth.
Philips reports that Zoom! WhiteSpeed can achieve up to 7 shades of whitening in one visit in its UK professional system, but this is a maximum reported result rather than a guarantee.
For patients with deeper or more persistent staining, a combination of in-chair and professionally supervised take-home whitening may sometimes be considered.
Why choose professional whitening?
One of the biggest advantages of in-chair whitening is the combination of professional assessment, clinical supervision and rapid results.
Rather than relying on products purchased online or through high-street retailers, professional whitening allows your dental team to assess your teeth and gums first and select an appropriate treatment approach.
As a Dental Hygienist/Therapist providing professional whitening, I am passionate about helping patients achieve a brighter smile while keeping their oral health at the centre of the treatment.
Ready for a brighter smile?
If you're considering teeth whitening, the first step is a consultation. We can assess your teeth, discuss your desired result and determine whether Philips Zoom! in-chair whitening is suitable for you.
A brighter smile starts with healthy teeth — and professional whitening can help you take that next step with confidence.