Why do teeth stain?
Teeth can discolour for different reasons:
- Everyday staining from foods, drinks and smoking
- Natural ageing and thinning enamel
- Build-up of plaque and tartar
- Past trauma or certain medications
Philips Zoom whitening is designed to treat most surface stains on the outer enamel layer. It cannot change the colour of fillings, crowns, veneers or implants. It also has limited effect on some deep internal stains.
At your consultation, we will examine your teeth and gums, discuss what is possible and recommend the safest way to improve your smile.
Philips Zoom Teeth Whitening Options
We provide two Philips Zoom whitening options at our Fremantle clinic:
- In-chair Philips Zoom whitening for faster results in one visit
- Custom Philips Zoom take-home trays for gradual whitening at home
Both options use professional-grade whitening gel, customised to your mouth. We will talk you through the pros and cons of each so you can choose what suits you best.
In-Chair Philips Zoom Whitening
In-chair Philips Zoom whitening is completed in a single appointment. It is ideal if you want faster results for a special event or simply prefer treatment in the clinic.
Here is what typically happens:
- We protect your gums and soft tissues.
- Philips Zoom whitening gel is applied to your teeth.
- A special light is used to activate the gel.
- The gel is refreshed over several short cycles in the same visit.
Most people notice a visible change in about an hour of chair time. You may experience temporary sensitivity during or after treatment. This usually settles within a day or so.
In-chair Philips Zoom whitening is not suitable for everyone, especially if you have very sensitive teeth. If that is the case, we may recommend a gentler take-home program instead.
Philips Zoom take-home whitening trays
Philips Zoom take-home whitening gives you more control over how and when you whiten your teeth.
The process usually involves:
- An initial exam to confirm whitening is suitable
- Impressions or scans to make custom-fitted trays
- Instructions on how to place the Philips Zoom gel in the trays
- Wearing the trays for a set time each day or night at home
Results develop gradually over one to two weeks, depending on the strength of the gel and how often you use it. Because the gel can be adjusted and the trays fit closely to your teeth, this option can be a good choice if you are prone to sensitivity.
Whitening For Life Program
Our Whitening for Life Program is designed to keep your Philips Zoom results looking fresh over time.
For a single affordable fee you receive:
An in-chair Philips Zoom whitening treatment
Custom-made whitening trays to use at home
When you return for your regular oral health and cleaning appointments, we will supply top-up Philips Zoom whitening gel (up to two syringes per year) while you remain an active patient. This allows you to safely maintain your results at home under ongoing professional care.
Who teeth whitening is suitable for?
Philips Zoom teeth whitening may be suitable if:
- Your teeth and gums are generally healthy
- You have surface staining from food, drinks or smoking
- You want to brighten your natural tooth shade
Whitening may not be appropriate if you:
- Have active decay, gum disease or untreated dental problems
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have very worn or cracked teeth
- Have many visible fillings, crowns or veneers on your front teeth
Whitening gel does not change the colour of existing restorations. In some cases, we may suggest replacing old front fillings or crowns after whitening to better match your new shade.
We will always examine your mouth first and recommend any necessary treatment before whitening.
What to expect at a teeth whitening visit
Before Whitening
Your whitening journey starts with a consultation. We will:
- Discuss what you want to change about your smile
- Check your teeth, gums and existing dental work
- Take photographs and record your starting shade
We may recommend a professional clean to remove plaque, tartar and surface stains so the Philips Zoom gel can work more evenly. This may include advanced techniques such as Airflow and Biofilm Therapy, depending on your needs.
During Treatment
For in-chair Philips Zoom whitening:
- Your lips and gums are isolated and protected
- Whitening gel is applied and activated with light
- The process is repeated in short cycles in the one visit
For Philips Zoom take-home whitening:
- You try in your custom trays to confirm the fit
- We show you how much gel to use and how long to wear the trays
- You continue the treatment at home, following our instructions
Throughout the process we monitor your comfort and adjust the approach if you experience sensitivity.
After Whitening
It is normal to have mild, temporary sensitivity after whitening. We may recommend sensitive toothpaste or specific products to help.
You will receive tailored advice on:
- Foods and drinks to avoid in the first 24–48 hours
- How to care for your teeth to protect your new shade
- When to consider touch-up whitening with your Philips Zoom trays
With good oral hygiene, regular dental visits and sensible lifestyle choices, many people enjoy their whitening results for a long time.
Why choose us for Teeth Whitening in Fremantle and Greater Perth?
Our clinic is based in Fremantle and we welcome patients from across Perth and the surrounding suburbs. Whether you are preparing for a big event or simply want to feel more confident about your smile, we can guide you through your Philips Zoom teeth whitening options and help you choose a plan that fits your budget and lifestyle.
Absolutely! At Superior Smiles, we only employ clinically proven technologies that have undergone thorough testing and research. Zoom Whitening and other whitening solutions that employ carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide are entirely safe for teeth and gums when used under the direction of a skilled and accredited dental expert.
Following treatment, some patients may experience temporary tooth and gum sensitivity to cold, although these symptoms will subside within 1-3 days. Desensitising agents and Relief ACP are included in Zoom whitening solutions to reduce these sensations as much as possible, and we can advise you on how to manage any further side effects as well as provide fluoride gel to help combat temporary sensitivity if needed.
Existing restorations, including dental fillings or crowns, will not be affected by Zoom teeth whitening treatments, and your enamel will not be weakened, softened, damaged, or rubbed away.
In just one short session, our expert whitening procedure will eliminate stains and discoloration from your teeth, leaving them up to 8 shades whiter. Your teeth may become discoloured again over time as a result of the use of certain foods and beverages, as well as natural ageing. Correct maintenance whitening can help to combat this.
Zoom at-home whitening products can be used in conjunction with your in-office treatment. These ACP-based treatments can help to considerably decrease the effects of stains and fading over time. Discuss the best ways to keep your whitening results with your Superior Smiles dentist.
After a teeth whitening treatment, a crown, bridge, veneer (composite and porcelain), or filling will usually not alter in colour. Because the colour of your teeth is so intricate though, they may appear whiter. If you’re worried about your crown, bridge, veneer (composite and porcelain), or filling not changing colour, it’s best to talk to a dentist about your choices.
The tooth whitening process involves the use of medically approved bleaches that gently remove the stains from the outer layer of each tooth. In some instances where the teeth cannot achieve the desired whiteness, we recommend the application of veneers.
Of course you can. There are many do-it-yourself kits available in stores, however, these are not to the standards and quality that we use at Superior Smiles. More importantly, we can use our experience to determine how much is required and for how long.
Bleaching your teeth too often can cause gum and enamel issues, so it’s best to leave it to the experts to get your teeth looking their best.
It’s always best to make sure you’ve had a scale and clean before you whiten your teeth to achieve the optimum results.
Most people who undertake the process with us are very satisfied customers and are always happy to refer us to others.
There are a few instances where it may not be effective, and these are:
- tetracycline stains
- crowns
- bridges
- veneers
- dentures
- dental implant