If you want noticeably whiter teeth, you are in better hands at a dental practice. In Switzerland, whitening products with more than 0.1% hydrogen peroxide may only be supplied to dentists and dental hygienists, and the first application belongs in their hands. What is sold freely therefore contains very little active ingredient and mainly removes surface stains. At Zahnlounge we whiten with Philips Zoom, one of the leading systems for professional whitening, in one session and with your gums protected.
Updated: 9 November 2026
What products from the chemist and the internet can do
Strips, gels and toothpastes from the chemist contain at most 0.1% hydrogen peroxide or rely on other substances. They remove surface stains from coffee, tea or smoke, much like a thorough clean. They hardly change the natural colour of the tooth.
With products ordered from abroad, it is often unclear how much active ingredient they contain. In higher doses and without protecting the gums, whitening products can irritate gums and mucous membranes, make teeth sensitive and attack fillings. Many people know the outcome: the attempt achieved little, but the teeth were sensitive all the same.
What is different at the practice
- Philips Zoom: the gel is activated with the Philips Zoom light. Three cycles for power whitening, two for fresh-up whitening, in one session.
- Protected: we carefully cover your lips and gums. That way the gel only works where it should.
- Measured: we record your starting shade and compare it with your new shade at the end.
- Prepared: the gel works more evenly on freshly cleaned teeth. That is why we recommend a dental hygiene appointment directly beforehand, in the same visit. If your last one was only a few weeks ago, whitening on its own is enough.
Do you need a check-up beforehand?
You do not need a separate check-up beforehand. At the start of your appointment we look at your teeth and gums and discuss how light you would like to go. We pay attention to three things:
- Decay, leaking fillings, exposed tooth necks: the gel can penetrate deeper there and cause pain. Then we treat first and whiten afterwards.
- Fillings, crowns and veneers keep their colour. If they are in the visible area, we discuss beforehand how the overall look stays harmonious.
- A single dark tooth: often a dead nerve or an old root canal treatment is behind it. We clarify that first.
The Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) also recommends checking before whitening whether the discolouration has a medical cause.
And the beauty salon?
The same applies there: a product with more than 0.1% hydrogen peroxide is first applied by a dentist or dental hygienist. So before an appointment, ask who will treat you, which active ingredient is used and at what strength, and whether someone will look at your teeth and gums first.
Does whitening harm your teeth?
With healthy teeth and professional application, the enamel stays intact. The gel breaks down colourings that have built up in the tooth. Teeth may react more sensitively for a while, which usually passes within one to two days. We whiten adults with healthy teeth and healthy gums. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, we recommend waiting.
