A brighter smile in a single visit—right here in Needham. At Excellence Dental Practice, our in‑office whitening uses the Philips Zoom WhiteSpeed system to lift difficult stains quickly and comfortably, with dentist supervision from start to finish. Results can be up to 8 shades lighter in about 45 minutes of chair time (excluding prep), depending on your starting shade and stain type.

What makes Philips Zoom different?
Zoom pairs a professional‑grade peroxide gel with a blue LED accelerator to efficiently break down stains from coffee, tea, wine, aging—and even some medication‑related discoloration—under the care of your dentist. Philips USA
- Speed & predictability: Active whitening typically runs ~45 minutes in three to four cycles after a short prep phase.
- Designed for comfort: Zoom is marketed with “little to no sensitivity” for many patients; we also use desensitizing protocols when needed. Individual experiences vary. Philips
Important to know: Only natural tooth structure whitens. Crowns, veneers, and bonding won’t change shade—we’ll discuss options to harmonize color if needed. Temporary tooth sensitivity and gum irritation are the most common short‑term effects of whitening. ADA+1
How your appointment works
- Assessment & shade check. We examine your gums and teeth, review any restorations, and document your starting shade so you can see the change clearly after treatment. (Excellence Dental performs a health check before whitening as part of our standard protocol.)
- Preparation. We clean exposed surfaces, isolate the gums with protective barriers, and apply the professional gel. A Zoom WhiteSpeed LED lamp activates the gel in brief cycles. Philips USA
- Rinse, compare, plan. We measure your after‑shade and provide home‑care guidance to help you keep your new brightness longer. Our team’s post‑whitening instructions emphasize stain avoidance and smart hygiene for the first 48–72 hours. (Excellence Dental’s own care tips note that properly maintained results commonly last months and sometimes six to twelve months before touch‑ups are desired.)
For deeper discoloration: When stains are severe, Philips recommends combining in‑office whitening with custom take‑home trays (the “Ultimate Protocol”). We’re happy to discuss whether that staged approach is right for you.
Is in‑office whitening right for you?
Most adults with healthy gums and teeth are candidates. We may advise waiting if you have active decay, untreated gum disease, very thin enamel, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have extensive restorations on front teeth. We will always present alternatives that fit your smile and timeline
Aftercare & longevity
For the first couple of days, steer clear of deep‑colored foods and drinks, brush gently, and consider a sensitivity‑friendly toothpaste if you feel “zingers.” Good daily hygiene and regular cleanings help results last; touch‑ups (either brief in‑office or with trays) can refresh brightness when needed.
Why Excellence Dental Practice
We pair leading whitening technology with a calm, one‑to‑one experience in a practice that “feels like home,” offering continuity of care across general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry under one roof.
- Easy scheduling: Call 781‑444‑2732 or book a whitening consultation online.
- Convenient contact page: Find directions and request times via our Contact Us page.
How white can I go—and how fast?
Many patients see up to 8 shades of improvement during ~45 minutes of active treatment (prep time not included). Your outcome depends on the stains present, enamel characteristics, and starting color.
Will my crowns/veneers whiten?
No. Tooth‑colored restorations don’t respond to whitening agents; we’ll outline options to match shades afterward if needed
What about sensitivity?
Temporary sensitivity or gum irritation can occur and usually resolves quickly. We can adjust light cycles, use desensitizers, and suggest at‑home steps if you’re prone to it.