Tooth Whitening
Cosmetics / Tooth Whitening
aka tooth bleaching
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Teeth whitening is a simple, effective cosmetic dental treatment that can noticeably enhance your smile.
Professional tooth whitening involves applying a powerful, yet safe, bleaching gel to the surface of your teeth via a custom made tray which is worn either during the day or at night
Benefits
Benefits
Whiter teeth
Remove stains and discolouration
Reverse the effects of ageing (yellowing of the tooth enamel)
Boost your self-esteem and help you smile with pride
Good option compared to other treatments as it is minimally invasive and does not require the removal of any tooth tissue
Conservative safe treatment that does not require any tooth tissue removal
How it works
How it works
Professional tooth whitening involves applying a powerful, yet safe, bleaching gel to the surface of your teeth via a custom made tray which is worn either during the day or at night
Treatment Journey
Treatment Journey
Record the starting shade of your teeth.
Take an impression or 3D scan of your teeth.
Custom-made trays are manufactured in a dental lab to fit over your teeth.
Your dentist delivers your trays to you along with instructions on how to use the bleaching gel.
Depending on the gel, the trays are worn either overnight or during the day.
Treatment duration
Treatment duration
Treatment typically takes around 3 weeks of continuous daily use.
This technique means your teeth gradually lighten, and you can stop at any time should you feel you have achieved your desired result.
A complex case may take longer, potentially up to 10-12 weeks. Your dentist will be able to advise you further.
Longevity
Longevity
Whitening can last forever.
All you have to do is keep up with a simple at-home top-up regime.
Will it hurt
Will it hurt
Tooth sensitivity is common occurrence when undergoing tooth whitening. Fortunately, this is only transitory and stops shortly after completing treatment.
Risks and Considerations
Risks and Considerations
Whitening will not lighten existing restorations in your mouth, like crowns or fillings.
Teeth have a natural 'whitening limit', the point at which your teeth can’t go any whiter.
Temporary sensitivity is the most common side effect.
Alternative Options
Alternative Options
Veneers
Composite Bonding
These treatments can also be carried out if you want 'whiter' teeth than bleaching alone will achieve
Cost
Cost
~ £350 upwards
Costs vary depending on the whitening product used and fabrication of the custom made trays.
As a cosmetic treatment, this treatment is NOT available on the NHS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What can cause teeth to discolour?
What can cause teeth to discolour?
Teeth can stain and discolour due to various factors, such as:
Poor dental hygiene habits
Consumption of certain drinks and foods, including tea, wine, coffee and soda
Smoking and other forms of tobacco use
Illness
Certain medications
Fluorosis
Ageing (teeth naturally darken with age)
Who can perform tooth whitening?
Who can perform tooth whitening?
Teeth whitening is the practice of dentistry and should only be done by regulated dental professionals. Anyone who practices dentistry illegally is not insured and risks being prosecuted by the General Dental Council in the criminal courts. Dentists can perform tooth whitening. Dental hygienists and therapists can also carry out teeth whitening on the prescription of a dentist if they have the necessary additional skills.
How white will my teeth go?
How white will my teeth go?
Most patients are able to reach shade B1 and some even go beyond.
It is impossible to accurately predict the final shade of your teeth following treatment.
It is important to remember that teeth have a natural 'whitening limit', the point at which your teeth can’t go any whiter. This point varies from person to person and can’t be pinned down to a single shade.
I have a crown/filling in my front tooth, will this whiten?
I have a crown/filling in my front tooth, will this whiten?
No.
Professional tooth whitening will only change the shade of your natural tooth tissue, so if you have visible crowns, bridges, veneers or tooth coloured fillings in your front teeth, please be aware that these will not change colour with tooth whitening, and you should be prepared to replace them. Make sure you discuss this with your dentist.
Is it safe?
Is it safe?
Yes.
However, if you’re pregnant or a nursing mum, we advise you delay treatment
Does professional whitening affect enamel?
Does professional whitening affect enamel?
No.
It’s 100% safe.
Can it damage my teeth if performed for longer than 3 weeks?
Can it damage my teeth if performed for longer than 3 weeks?
No.
Apart from some sensitivity, no damage can happen (as long as you follow your dentist’s instructions).
Is there an over-the-counter alternative?
Is there an over-the-counter alternative?
No.
Professional teeth whitening is the only thing that will actually change the shade of your teeth.
Over-the-counter whitening products only clean the extrinsic stains off of your teeth or temporarily dehydrate them, giving the illusion of whiter teeth.
What should I do if I get sensitivity?
What should I do if I get sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity is common occurrence when undergoing tooth whitening. Fortunately, for most people, this is only transitory and stops shortly after completing treatment. If you experience sensitivity, follow the steps below. If the sensitivity continues, consult your dentist.
a. Temporarily cease whitening.
b. Substitute your whitening gel for desensitising toothpaste, placing into your whitening tray for 2 hours per day or overnight.
c. Repeat until the sensitivity subsides then continue whitening as normal.
If you have ongoing sensitivity, consult your dentist.
Do I have to have a special diet whilst whitening my teeth?
Do I have to have a special diet whilst whitening my teeth?
No.
You may eat and drink whatever you want, just don't eat or drink whilst you are actually wearing your trays.
Do I have to keep the whitening gels in the fridge?
Do I have to keep the whitening gels in the fridge?
Depends on the gel manufacturer.
Some manufacturers advised you keep their gels in the fridge to maintain their shelf-life.
Do I have to do the whiten every day or can I take a break?
Do I have to do the whiten every day or can I take a break?
Best results are achieved if whitening is done daily is done continuously.
Can I finish treatment early?
Can I finish treatment early?
When your teeth have reached a shade you are happy with, you can stop treatment. You may notice a little 'bounce back' where the teeth revert to a slightly darker shade, but you can undertake top up bleaching to correct this.
What is 'Top Up' whitening?
What is 'Top Up' whitening?
Your teeth may darken slightly over time.
Top up whitening is often required, on an infrequent basis, to maintain your white smile.
Whitening your teeth for 2 days every 4 months is normally enough for most people to maintain their white smile.
I've finished whitening treatment but I want whiter teeth, what can I do?
I've finished whitening treatment but I want whiter teeth, what can I do?
Speak to your dentist as they may recommend a further course of whitening treatment or offer treatment options to cover the front surface of your teeth like veneers and composite bonding. See the 'Alternative Options' section above
What do bleaching trays look like?
What do bleaching trays look like?
Bleaching trays are made of a semi-flexible transparent material, normally ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). The material is typically 1 - 1.5mm thick.
Do whitening toothpastes work?
Do whitening toothpastes work?
The short answer is NO. The advertising around these products can be quite misleading though.
Most whitening toothpastes contain ingredients to help remove any surface staining from your teeth, but they do not change the actual internal colour of your teeth.
There are a few products that also claim to contain 'whitening agents' but these are in such low concentrations it is very unlikely they have any effect on the colouration of your teeth
Are whitening toothpastes the same as professional whitening?
Are whitening toothpastes the same as professional whitening?
No.
So called 'whitening' toothpastes can only help to remove surface stains on your teeth, they no not change the underlying colour
The advertising around these products can be quite misleading though.
Most whitening toothpastes contain ingredients to help remove any surface staining from your teeth, but they do not change the actual internal colour of your teeth.
There are a few products that also claim to contain 'whitening agents' but these are in such low concentrations it is very unlikely they have any effect on the internal colouration of your teeth
I've seen tooth whitening offered on Tik Tok for £99, is this the same as what a dentist can offer ?
I've seen tooth whitening offered on Tik Tok for £99, is this the same as what a dentist can offer ?
No.
Be very wary of using these services as one or all of the below may apply:
Providers are NOT registered dental professionals
Use of inferior products
Inadequate knowledge or training
No insurance
Breaking the law
May cause irreversible damage to your teeth and gums
The temptation for 'bargain' treatment can be strong, but as with many things in life, you often get what you pay for. Pay a reduced price for inferior treatment, expect an inferior result.
What does the General Dental Council say about tooth whitening?
What does the General Dental Council say about tooth whitening?
Tooth whitening is a dental treatment which can permanently alter the structure of your teeth. It should only be undertaken following a proper assessment by a registered dentist and on their prescription.
If you are considering having your teeth whitening, please read our leaflet about what to expect - Considering tooth whitening? - and speak to your dentist about whether you are suitable for it.
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