Teeth Whitening

With so many different whitening products on the market, its easy to get confused. So here are the facts you need to know before you commit.
At Skin & Smiles we tried several different teeth whitening systems before we decided to purchase Philips Zoom!. They are certainly NOT all the same and that is why the price can vary so much between different clinics.

Please note that ONLY a dentist can LEGALLY whiten your teeth in Europe according to the law. Anybody else offering this treatment is acting illegally and that may be why the price is cheaper!

What is Zoom! tooth whitening?
Philips Zoom! is a light-activated teeth whitening process that lightens and effectively whitens discolouration of enamel and dentine. You may have seen the Zoom! process used on USA hit TV show Extreme Makeover. The process can be completed for you in our office by us, or, at home by yourself. Is teeth whitening safe?
Yes! Clinical studies have shown that whitening your teeth with carbamide or hydrogen peroxide under the supervision of a dental professional is safe for teeth and gums.

What are the side effects?
The most common side effect is tooth and gum sensitivity. Dentists are your best resource to ensure that you are a good candidate for whitening and that you are using the right concentration of whitening formula. All Philips Zoom whitening products have two mild desensitizing agents, potassium nitrate and Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (ACP), to minimize tooth sensitivity.

Whats the difference between OTC whitening solutions and Philips Zoom?
Over-the-counter whitening products are not customised to your needs. With Philips Zoom, the whitening process is tailored to your needs by us, with custom-fitted trays for at-home treatments or just the right light intensity and duration in our office.

How long will my Zoom whitening results last?
Whitening treatments help to reduce existing stains, but through consumption of coffee, soft drinks or just through natural ageing, your teeth may eventually become discoloured again.
Maintenance whitening can help combat recurring of discolouration. Only Philips Zoom at-home whitening products include ACP, which has been shown to help reduce whitening fade-back.

What causes teeth to discolour?
There are many causes to tooth discolouration. Some of the most common include the consumption highly coloured foods and drinks (berries, coffee, tea, red wine). Some medications, ageing, smoking and trauma can also cause teeth discolouration.

How long does it take?
With Philips Zoom, your teeth will be visibly whiter in one day. With Zoom in-office, you will achieve up to eight shades whiter in 60 minutes. With Zoom at-home, when used as instructed, you will achieve the same great results in one-two weeks, depending on the concentration of formulation and wear time you select.

How does the Philips Zoom! In-office system work?
At a short appointment we will assess the teeth visible in your smile and ensure that they are suitable for whitening.
The Philips Zoom! light activated whitening gel’s active ingredient is Hydrogen Peroxide. As the Hydrogen Peroxide is broken down, active oxygen enters the enamel and dentine, washing coloured substances out while the structure of the tooth is unchanged.

The Philips Zoom! light aids in activating the hydrogen peroxide and helps it penetrate the surface of the tooth.

A study has shown that use of the Zoom! lamp increases the effectiveness of the Zoom! gel by 26% or more, giving an average improvement of up to eight shades.

How does the Philips Zoom! At-home system work?
At a short appointment we will assess the teeth visible in your smile and ensure that they are suitable for whitening. If so, we take a mould of your upper and lower teeth. These moulds are used to create casts which are in turn used to create trays that are custom-fitted to your teeth. At another short consultation you will be shown how to apply whitening gel to your teeth using the trays.

In the past you would have had to sleep with the trays in overnight but modern products are only required to be in contact with your teeth for just 1 hour a day.