How to Safely Whiten Your Teeth at Home: Options and Costs Explained
A bright, white smile is something many people aspire to have, and while professional in-practice treatments are well-known, teeth whitening at home has become a popular and effective solution for many. At Winchester Avenue Dental Surgery, we offer professional-grade home teeth whitening kits from two of the leading brands: Phillips Zoom and Enlighten. These systems provide high-quality results from the comfort of your own home, offering convenience and effectiveness without needing multiple visits to the dentist.
In this blog, we’ll explore the options available for home teeth whitening, explain how these systems work, and discuss why they might be the perfect solution for you. We'll also cover the costs and answer some of the most frequently asked questions about home teeth whitening.
What Are the Benefits of Whitening Your Teeth at Home?
Choosing teeth whitening at home with professional kits allows you to brighten your smile on your own time, without scheduling appointments. The kits available at Winchester Avenue Dental Surgery are designed to offer long-lasting results with the safety and supervision of a professional dentist. Here are some of the key benefits:
1. Convenience
Home teeth whitening kits give you the freedom to whiten your teeth when it suits your schedule. Whether it’s in the evening after work or over a weekend, you can adjust the treatment to fit around your life.
2. Professional-Grade Results
Unlike over-the-counter products, the whitening kits provided at Winchester Avenue Dental Surgery are professional-grade and tailored to your needs. You’ll receive custom-fitted trays that ensure even application of the whitening gel for optimal results.
3. Safety
Home whitening kits offered by dentists use high-quality whitening agents that are safe when used as directed. With our expert guidance, you’ll have peace of mind knowing the treatment is both safe and effective.
4. Affordability
Whitening your teeth at home is typically more cost-effective than in-practice treatments, while still delivering professional results. At Winchester Avenue Dental Surgery, we offer competitive pricing for both Phillips Zoom and Enlighten whitening kits.
Our Teeth Whitening Kits
At Winchester Avenue Dental Surgery, we offer two leading home teeth whitening systems: Phillips Zoom and Enlighten. Both of these systems are highly regarded for their effectiveness and long-lasting results.
1. Phillips Zoom Teeth Whitening Kit
Phillips Zoom is a well-known name in teeth whitening. With the Zoom home kit, you'll receive a custom-fitted tray and professional-grade whitening gel that you apply at home. Results typically start showing in just a few days, with full results visible after two weeks of consistent use.
Cost: The Phillips Zoom home whitening kit is priced at £350, including the consultation, custom trays, and whitening gel.
2. Enlighten Teeth Whitening Kit
Enlighten is another leading option, known for being the only system that guarantees a Vita shade B1 – the brightest natural tooth shade. Enlighten's process takes a little longer (around two weeks of at-home treatment), but it produces exceptional, long-lasting results. This system is highly recommended for those seeking significant whitening while maintaining the health of their enamel.
Cost: The Enlighten home whitening system is priced at £550. This includes custom-made trays, whitening gel, and professional follow-up to ensure the best results.
How Does Home Teeth Whitening Work?
When you choose a home whitening kit at Winchester Avenue Dental Surgery, you’ll start with a consultation to assess your teeth and determine the best whitening option for you. Here’s what the process typically looks like:
- Custom Trays: We’ll take impressions of your teeth to create custom-fitted whitening trays. These trays are designed to fit snugly around your teeth, ensuring the whitening gel is distributed evenly and reduces the risk of gum irritation.
- Whitening Gel: You’ll be provided with a professional-grade whitening gel containing either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These active ingredients penetrate the enamel to break down stains and lighten your teeth.
- Application: You’ll wear the custom trays with the gel for a set period each day, typically between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on the product. This will continue for around two weeks.
- Results: Gradually, you’ll notice your teeth becoming brighter. Full results are typically visible after two to three weeks of use, depending on the system you choose.
- Follow-Up: For the Enlighten system, a follow-up visit is included to ensure you achieve the best results possible.
Conclusion
Whitening your teeth at home is a convenient and effective way to achieve a brighter smile. At Winchester Avenue Dental Surgery, we offer top-tier home whitening solutions with both Phillips Zoom and Enlighten kits, giving you the flexibility to whiten your teeth at your own pace with the confidence that you’re using a professional product.
If you’re interested in learning more or booking a consultation, please visit our Teeth Whitening page or contact our team. We’ll be happy to guide you towards the best option for your smile.
Frequently asked questions - teeth whitening at home
How long do results last after using a home whitening kit?
With good oral hygiene and care, results from professional home whitening kits can last up to a year or more. Avoiding foods and drinks that stain, such as coffee, red wine, and tobacco, will help maintain your brighter smile for longer.
Is home teeth whitening safe?
Yes, when done with a professional kit from your dentist, whitening your teeth at home is both safe and effective. The custom trays provided reduce the risk of gum irritation, and the whitening gel is specifically formulated to be safe for use under professional guidance.
What if I experience sensitivity during whitening?
It’s not uncommon to experience some tooth sensitivity during the whitening process. If this happens, you can reduce the frequency of application or switch to a sensitive toothpaste during treatment. The team at Winchester Avenue Dental Surgery is available to offer advice if sensitivity persists.
How do the Phillips Zoom and Enlighten kits differ?
Both Phillips Zoom and Enlighten are professional-grade whitening systems, but they differ in their formulation and results. Phillips Zoom is known for faster results, while Enlighten offers guaranteed whitening to the brightest natural shade and requires slightly more time but provides exceptional results.
How much does home teeth whitening cost?
At Winchester Avenue Dental Surgery, the Phillips Zoom home whitening kit costs £350, and the Enlighten kit is priced at £550. Both options include consultations, custom trays, and whitening gel.