There are many parts of my body that I have a love-hate relationship with.
Don’t get me wrong, the whole love-love idea is a life-long work in progress but some days, you know, the negative Nancy talk wins out.
There is one part of my body, however, that Nancy never mentions and that’s my teeth.
I’m not backward in coming forward and being all boasty (not a real word but quite appropriate in these circumstances) when it comes to my teeth.
I’ve never ever had a filling. And I’ve never had cause for any kind of orthodontic work.
My teeth are straight and cavity free. I know, I’m boasty (and there I go again using that made up word).
I just can’t help myself.
So when the good people at Philips Zoom asked to check out my teeth to see if said teeth would make good candidates for their professional tooth whitening treatment, I happily put my pearlers front row and centre to audition for the role.
My teeth are fairly white but my love of coffee and the odd glass of vino rosso, meant there was room for improvement.
And if you’re a regular around these parts, you’ll know that I unashamedly admit to being vain.
I’ll try all manner of things for an extra confidence boost and I can tell you that having whiter teeth is now up there with my growing list of confidence boosters.
Maybe you’ve been thinking about teeth whitening too?
This video will give you a little insight into the process and my before and after results.
What’s involved?
All up, I was in the chair for two hours. The whitening process itself takes 45-60 minutes, depending on how many rounds of LED light you have. They stop after three 15-minute light sessions if the sensitivity is too much. I got through to almost the end of the fourth round before my teeth felt sensitive.
Before we got to the whitening LED stage, moulds of my teeth had to be made to create the trays for the whitening gel.
To facilitate the treatment, a plastic retractor is placed in the mouth – this is SO not attractive. A dental dam is painted on the gums to protect them. This is liquid going on and then sets.
Gauze and cotton rolls are also placed under your lips and in the sides of your mouth.
The whitener is then painted on and the first of the LED light activation sessions happens.
Vitamin E is applied to your lips to help prevent drying during the process.
You just need to sit back and relax. I used this time to read a book on my iPhone.
Why opt for professional in-chair treatment?
For me, opting for a whitening treatment at a dental surgery was all about putting the health of my teeth gums into the hands of a professional.
With that comes trust. Even though it’s a cosmetic treatment, I felt safe that my teeth and gums would be looked after.
What you can expect?
You can expect that your teeth will be up to eight shades whiter. My result was between six and seven shades lighter. If you’re looking at the before and after photos and not seeing that six and seven shades, it’s because the difference to the naked eye is subtle.
The dentist used what’s called a Vita Pan Classic shade guide to measure the before and after colour on my teeth. Each coloured tooth on that guide is slightly whiter than the next but it’s not until you match that tooth to your own that you see the difference.
My teeth are whiter near the bite than the gum line – and this is normal.
What about after-treatment care?
With the treatment comes a level of sensitivity in the teeth afterwards – particularly in the first 12 hours. I was given a take home pack that included the trays moulded for me and used in the treatment.
The first evening the trays were filled with relief gel, inserted and left for 15 minutes. I was also given analgesics for pain relief. My pain wasn’t too bad and was sporadic over about 24 hours. When it hit, it was like a sharp, shooting sensation in one tooth. There have not been any ongoing issues. I already used a sensitive toothpaste on my teeth, so have continued that.
Also, in my take-home pack was whitening gel to put in the trays and use for three nights from day five after the surgery treatment. This only needs to stay in for an hour each time.
For the first few days you need to avoid any food or drink that would stain a white shirt. Yes, coffee. I contemplated drinking it through a straw!
I can renew the whitening every three-six months by re-applying the gel in the tray and wearing the tray for two or three applications.
How much will it cost?
Expect to pay $600-900
So tell me, have you had teeth whitening before? Is this something that’s been on your radar? Hit me with your questions.
EDITOR’S NOTE: My treatment was done at Nic Sheptooha Dental Practice, Brisbane. For a dental surgery, which offers Philips Zoom Teeth Whitening near you, visit here.
Comments 11
Stunning result Nikki Xx
I had mine whitened at my dentist yesterday! Just a little add on to the 6 monthly scale and clean. I’ve got my take home products to use now for a few nights. I really find this boosting helps and generally it seems to take a few days to get the full effect. My teeth are probably similar to yours in shade Nikki so whilst they do look a bit whiter mostly they look brighter. As a fellow coffee and red wine fan it’s lovely to see that staining gone.
Hi Nicki. SNAP. I am booked in next month to have the exact same treatment using the Phillips Zoom Teeth Whitening. Reassuring to know you are happy with the result – although I must say you had a good set of choppers to begin with! I have a friend who has a similar smile to yours and every time she smiles, she lights up a room. Lucky her and lucky you. Jo
You are lucky! I have considered whitening cause my teeth are quite yellow, but first I would have to deal with my front teeth which are filled after having broken them several times as a kid. I am scared about the cost!!
Oh no, Emma … yes, I’m VERY lucky! x
I’ve considered it and tried multiple home treatments but my teeth are completely jacked and even the dentist has said veneers are the way to go, just so much $$$$$ !
Eek. That scares me!!
You look v good Nikki, and “boasty” is definitely going into my vocabulary! Everyone’s teeth will show different results, as Marie’s post indicates, which is why it’s important to go to an established dental practice where you will have a proper assessment before proceeding. This can also save you spending money unnecessarily.
I’ve found that a bi-or triennial in-chair whitening treatment can really boost my looks; I usually have in spring as there’s nothing nicer than going into the warmer weather, when my make up changes to a lighter coverage, and I’m using bronzer, knowing I don’t have yellow teeth. I never get a super white effect, just a general brightening. I find the Phillips Zoom take home products are very good for maintenance. So here’s to white teeth and being a bit boasty!
“Boasty” is the word of the week – adopt it and go for it! I totally agree about getting that assessment first before going ahead. Everyone’s teeth are different. That’s great advice about timing of the treatment. I get a whiter/brighter effect and will be using the maintenance on it too.
i have had my teeth professionally whitened several times including the zoom whitening system but never makes much difference to my teeth unfortunately .My teeth only ever show the slightest improvement. Apparently I have very thin enamel covering the roots which show through giving them a yellowish tinge. I now don’t bother with it & find Whiteglo DIY treatment at home is just as effective o n my teeth if I use it regularly. Having said that your teeth look amazing Nikki. Positively glowing! I have decided that the best solution for my teeth would be to have dental veneers but they are sooo expensive – even considered going overseas to have it done where it is far cheaper but worry about the risks & seems like a wasted holiday lol!
It’s great to hear another person’s experience Marie. It’s such an individual thing, isn’t it? My teeth look and feel just a little brighter, so I guess I’m one of the lucky ones.