Professional Teeth Whitening – What You Should Know
Teeth whitening is primarily an aesthetic treatment – a simple, effective way to enhance your smile.
It may also be recommended before restorative procedures, as it’s best to match new restorations (such as veneers or crowns) to your whitened natural tooth colour.
Following orthodontic treatment, whitening combined with professional cleaning can complete your new, even smile with a brilliant finish.
Both in-office and at-home professional whitening options are available, each delivering visible, natural-looking results. The treatment is performed by qualified dental hygienists and is completely painless, though mild temporary sensitivity may occur.
Whitening works only on natural tooth enamel – fillings, crowns and inlays do not change colour – so it’s advisable to whiten before any planned restorative work.
The professional-grade materials used are entirely safe for the enamel and underlying tooth structure, meaning the treatment can be repeated periodically if required.
If tooth discolouration is too severe to be treated effectively with whitening, don’t worry – there are many advanced aesthetic options available, such as porcelain veneers or zirconia crowns, to help you achieve the radiant white smile you’ve always wanted.
Factors Affecting Tooth Colour
Genetic traits – natural tooth shade varies from person to person.
Thickness of the enamel – thinner enamel allows more of the darker dentine beneath to show through.
Age – as we age, enamel gradually wears and the teeth appear darker or more yellow.
Dietary habits – frequent consumption of highly pigmented foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, red wine or berries can cause staining.
Lifestyle factors – smoking and excessive alcohol intake contribute significantly to discolouration.
Medications – certain drugs, such as some antibiotics or antihistamines, may alter tooth colour over time.
Imbalances in minerals or vitamins – deficiencies or excessive intake can affect enamel quality and colour.
Structural changes in the tooth – for example, teeth that have undergone root canal treatment often darken due to internal changes within the dentine.
The Steps of Professional Teeth Whitening
Preparation
Whether you opt for in-office whitening or a home whitening programme, the procedure always begins with a healthy mouth – inflammation-free gums and clean, smooth teeth free from plaque and tartar.
Before whitening, our dental hygienist performs a comprehensive professional cleaning, typically using ultrasonic scaling or EMS Guided Biofilm Therapy, to remove deposits and ensure an ideal surface.
Any existing gum inflammation or tooth decay will be treated by our dentists before the whitening procedure begins.
How In-Office Philips ZOOM! Whitening Works
- Gum protection – The gums are covered with a protective barrier to prevent any irritation or injury to the soft tissues.
- Application of whitening gel – A professional whitening gel is carefully applied to the surface of the teeth.
- Light activation – The gel is activated using a special blue LED light. This gentle light, harmless to both teeth and gums, accelerates the whitening process by triggering the active ingredients in the gel. Protective eyewear is worn throughout the procedure.
- Gel renewal – After several minutes, the whitening gel is removed and replaced with a fresh layer.
- Repetition and results – This process is repeated as needed until the desired shade is achieved. The entire treatment typically takes about two hours.
- Safe and effective – As the process works only on the tooth surface, the internal structure remains unchanged. The procedure is completely safe and produces immediate, long-lasting whitening results.
How At-Home Whitening Works
- Initial consultation and impressions – The process begins in our clinic, where precise impressions of your upper and lower teeth are taken. These are sent to our dental laboratory to create custom-fitted whitening trays tailored perfectly to your bite.
- Personalised instructions – At your fitting appointment, we provide detailed guidance on how to apply the whitening gel and wear the trays safely and effectively.
- Application at home – After brushing your teeth, apply a small amount of whitening gel to each tray and place them over your teeth.
- Wearing time – Keep the trays in place for around two hours per day. The whitening gel achieves its full effect during this time.
- Treatment duration – The complete course typically lasts between four and six days, depending on your desired result.
- After each use – Remove the trays, rinse your mouth thoroughly, and clean the trays before your next session.
- Comfort and safety – The procedure is entirely pain-free. Mild, temporary sensitivity may occasionally occur; if so, take a one- or two-day break and resume once it subsides. Our dental hygienists are always available to provide support or reassurance.
Which Option Should You Choose?
Both whitening methods use professional-grade materials and are safe, effective, and capable of delivering a radiant, natural-looking result.
In-office Philips ZOOM! whitening:
- Delivers instant, visible results in a single two-hour session (including preparation)
- Each tooth can be lightened individually – ideal for discolouration following root canal treatment
- Safe even for sensitive teeth; exposed dentine areas are protected with a special varnish
- Gums are carefully shielded throughout for maximum comfort and safety
At-home whitening:
- Minimal chair time – whitening at your own pace, in the comfort of your home
- A more cost-effective solution
- Easy to pause for a day if sensitivity occurs
- You control the process and the final shade
Who Is (and Isn’t) a Candidate for Whitening
Teeth whitening is suitable if you:
- Have good oral health and no active gum disease or extensive decay
- Wish to achieve whiter or brighter teeth than your current shade
- Are planning restorative or prosthetic work (e.g. metal-free crowns or veneers)
- Have recently completed orthodontic treatment
Teeth whitening is not recommended if you:
- Have severe enamel wear or gum recession
- Experience pronounced tooth sensitivity
- Have microcracks on the tooth surface
- Suffer from active periodontitis or untreated decay
- Have a history of melanoma or are taking photosensitising medication
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Are under 18 years of age
- Have allergies or sensitivities to any of the materials used in the procedure
Szakterületi specialisták
Erzsébet Kakucsi
Dental Hygienists
Rita Bardócz
Dental Hygienists
After Whitening – How to Maintain Your Radiant Smile
To keep your new brightness for as long as possible, follow these simple yet important aftercare tips.
In the first few days
- Avoid smoking during and immediately after treatment – ideally for at least 12 hours.
- To prevent or reduce sensitivity, steer clear of very hot or cold foods and drinks, and use toothpaste specially formulated for sensitive teeth.
- For the first three days, follow a “white diet” – avoid foods and drinks that can stain the enamel such as tea, coffee, red wine, dark sauces, curries, cola, beetroot, or richly coloured fruits.
You can safely enjoy foods like dairy products, rice, potatoes, chicken, white fish, tofu, bread, and white wine. - Avoid coloured toothpastes or mouthwashes that may cause discolouration (e.g. those containing chlorhexidine).
- Avoid wearing lipstick – especially dark shades – for a few days after treatment.
In the Long Term
- Maintain a consistent and thorough oral hygiene routine.
- Be mindful of your diet and limit foods and drinks that cause staining.
- Give up unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking or excessive coffee consumption.
- Schedule regular professional hygiene visits for scaling and polishing with your dental hygienist.
Your Smile, Your Confidence
Would you like to look more youthful and radiant, and feel comfortable in your own skin – reflecting care, vitality and confidence in every aspect of life?
Then say yes to Philips ZOOM! professional teeth whitening – the safe, gentle and pain-free way to achieve a brilliantly white, confident smile.
