If you are researching professional teeth whitening in Belfast, you have probably come across three names: Beyond Polus, Enlighten and Zoom. These are the most popular professional whitening systems used by dental clinics across Northern Ireland and the UK, but they work very differently and deliver very different experiences.
As Belfast’s only specialist teeth whitening clinic, we have spent over 15 years evaluating and using the best whitening technology available. Here is an honest comparison to help you make the right choice for your smile.
The Three Systems at a Glance
Beyond Polus Advanced Ultra is an in-clinic laser whitening system that uses a combination of halogen, LED and ultrasound technology to deliver results in a single visit. It is the system we use at The White House Belfast.
Enlighten Evolution is a home-based whitening system that requires 2 to 3 weeks of wearing custom trays overnight, sometimes followed by a final in-clinic session.
Philips Zoom WhiteSpeed is an in-clinic LED whitening system that uses a high-concentration hydrogen peroxide gel activated by LED light.
All three are professional-grade systems used by GDC-registered dental professionals. The differences are in how they work, how long they take, the level of sensitivity they cause and the results they deliver.
Treatment Time
This is where the biggest difference lies.
Beyond Polus: Your treatment takes approximately 1 hour from start to finish, including consultation. The actual whitening involves three 10-minute cycles, so you are in and out in a single visit with immediate results.
Enlighten: You need to wear custom trays filled with whitening gel every night for 2 weeks, then reduce to 1 hour per day in the third week. Some versions also require a final in-clinic session. That is a minimum 3-week commitment before you see your final result.
Zoom: The in-clinic session takes around 45 to 90 minutes depending on the protocol. This involves three to four 15-minute rounds of gel application and LED activation.
If you need results fast, whether for a wedding, job interview or special occasion, Beyond Polus is the clear winner. One visit, one hour, done.
Results
Beyond Polus: 5 to 10 shades whiter in a single session. The combination of halogen, LED and ultrasound technology accelerates the whitening process without dehydrating the enamel, which means the results you see when you leave are the results you keep. You can see real examples on our before and after page.
Enlighten: Guarantees a B1 shade (the whitest on the standard VITA shade guide) for 98% of patients. This is impressive, but it takes 3 weeks to achieve. It is worth noting that “B1” is a specific shade, not a number of shades improvement, so if your teeth are already relatively light the visible difference may be less dramatic.
Zoom: Up to 8 shades whiter in a single session. Philips Zoom is effective, but some of the initial whiteness you see immediately after treatment can be due to dehydration of the teeth, with some shade regression occurring in the days that follow.
Sensitivity
This is often the biggest concern for patients considering teeth whitening.
Beyond Polus: The system’s LightBridge technology contains 200,000 optical fibres that filter out all harmful heat, infrared and UV light. The light reaches your teeth at natural oral body temperature, which significantly reduces sensitivity. The ultrasound function also allows shorter exposure times. Most of our clients at The White House Belfast report minimal to no sensitivity.
Enlighten: Sensitivity is generally low because the gel concentration used at home is lower than in-clinic systems. However, wearing trays overnight for 2 to 3 weeks can cause cumulative gum irritation for some patients.
Zoom: Sensitivity has historically been Zoom’s biggest drawback. The high-intensity LED light and strong hydrogen peroxide gel can cause what patients describe as “zingers”, sharp, electric-like pains in the teeth during and after treatment. Philips has improved this in recent versions, but sensitivity remains more common with Zoom than with Beyond Polus.
Technology
Beyond Polus Advanced Ultra uses a patented combination of three light sources (halogen, LED and filtered UV) producing up to 200,000 lux of output intensity. The LightBridge filtration system removes all heat and UV before the light reaches your teeth. The ultrasound function creates a cavitation process that accelerates the oxidation of the whitening gel, delivering faster results with less exposure time. It operates at a wavelength of 480 to 520nm with three adjustable intensity settings. Click here to learn more about our technology.
Enlighten relies primarily on the chemistry of its patented gel rather than light activation. The gel is kept refrigerated throughout the supply chain to maintain its pH-neutral properties, and the custom trays are digitally designed for a precise fit.
Zoom WhiteSpeed uses LED light with three intensity settings to activate a 25% hydrogen peroxide gel. The light output intensity is approximately 11,000 lux, significantly lower than the Beyond Polus system.
Awards and Clinical Recognition
Beyond Polus has been named the Dental Advisor’s Top Whitening System for 10 consecutive years, with a 97% clinical rating from independent evaluators. No other whitening system has achieved this level of sustained recognition. See our full list of awards and acreditations.
Enlighten is widely respected in UK dentistry and is the system of choice for many cosmetic dental practices. It does not hold the same independent clinical awards as Beyond Polus.
Zoom benefits from the Philips brand name and widespread global distribution. It is a well-known system but has not received the same level of independent clinical recognition as Beyond Polus.
Price Comparison in Belfast
Pricing varies significantly depending on the system and the clinic.
Beyond Polus at The White House Belfast: From just £199 for a full 1-hour treatment. This includes consultation, three whitening cycles and aftercare guidance. We also offer a full money-back guarantee if your results are less than 5 shades whiter.
Enlighten in Belfast: Typically £400 to £550 depending on the clinic. This covers the custom trays, 3 weeks of home gel and sometimes a final in-clinic session. See our full list of treatment prices.
Zoom in Belfast: Typically £280 to £450 depending on the clinic and protocol used.
Which System Is Right for You?
Choose Beyond Polus if you want immediate results in a single visit, minimal sensitivity, award-winning technology and the best value for money. It is ideal for anyone with a busy schedule or an upcoming event.
Choose Enlighten if you do not mind a 3-week process and want the guarantee of reaching B1 shade. It suits patients who prefer gradual whitening at home.
Choose Zoom if your dental practice offers it and you are comfortable with potentially higher sensitivity in exchange for same-day results. read more about how teeth whitening works.
At The White House Belfast, we chose the Beyond Polus Advanced Ultra system because it delivers the best combination of speed, comfort, results and value for our clients. It is why we offer a money-back guarantee, something no other teeth whitening clinic in Belfast does. Check out our FAQ’s.
Book Your Teeth Whitening in Belfast
Ready to see the difference for yourself? Book your Beyond Polus laser teeth whitening treatment at The White House Belfast, 387 Lisburn Road. Our GDC-registered dental professionals will have you 5 to 10 shades whiter in just 1 hour.
At The White House Belfast, we chose the Beyond Polus Advanced Ultra system because it delivers the best combination of speed, comfort, results and value for our clients. It is why we offer a money-back guarantee, something no other teeth whitening clinic in Belfast does. Read more about how teeth whitening works or check our FAQs if you have any other questions.
Ready to see the difference for yourself? Book your Beyond Polus laser teeth whitening treatment at The White House Belfast, 387 Lisburn Road. Our GDC-registered dental professionals will have you 5 to 10 shades whiter in just 1 hour.
For aftercare advice, visit our aftercare page.