Teeth Whitening

A bright, white smile can make you look good and feel great.

Teeth whitening can be a highly effective way of lightening the natural colour of your teeth without removing any of the tooth surface.

Professional bleaching is the most common form of teeth whitening.

You should consider teeth whitening before you have any dental restoration work so that the colour of crowns and veneers that are visible when you smile can be matched to your natural tooth colour after bleaching.

In-surgery teeth whitening

This is 'power whitening'.

Prior to the actual procedure, your teeth and gums will be checked to ensure that they are healthy. You will be advised of any condition that may prevent us from carrying out the whitening treatment. You may be advised to have a treatment with the hygienist which may allow better results from the whitening treatment.

During the procedure your gums and lips will be protected, and the bleaching agent is then applied to teeth. A light is used to speed up the chemical reaction of the whitening product. After 10 minutes the bleaching agent is removed from the teeth and they are washed. Another application of the bleaching agent is then applied to the teeth. This process is repeated 3-6 times. The whitening can lighten the teeth up to 11 shades.

This treatment is suitable for most people and is particularly successful in removing unsightly stains left by smoking, coffee and certain foods. The results will vary for each individual depending on the natural shading of your teeth and the level of discolouration and staining present prior to the procedure.

'Take home' teeth whitening

Our dentists also offer a take-home bleaching kit that can achieve similar results. Because teeth whitening is a complicated procedure, you should always have it done by a dentist after a thorough examination and assessment.

Take home whitening can be done in two ways:

1. Using custom made trays.
The procedure involves an impression being taken of your teeth and two custom-made trays are made to contain the bleaching gel. The trays are worn for 20 minutes, twice a day, for between 10 and 20 days, until the bleaching process is complete. Results using this method are comparable to in-surgery but some patients find it a less convenient method of whitening their teeth and results are not instant. It is essential that the advice given by your dentist is followed so as to ensure no damage to soft tissues.

2. Using a Wy10 'thermal' bleaching kit.
Unlike method 1, no impressions or trays are required. Patients are instructed to apply the whitening gel to their teeth and wear a specially designed thermal activator supplied in the kit. This quickens the whitening process. Most patients only require 5 days of treatment to achieve the desired result.

Your dentist will discuss which system is best for you during your consultation.

Frequently asked questions

Is teeth whitening safe?

Yes. Teeth whitening systems have been shown by independent clinical studies not to cause damage or structural changes to the teeth. Only properly trained dental professionals may perform the in-surgery procedure, which further ensures your safety.

How long will it last?

The results usually last up to three years. However, this will vary from person to person. The effect is less likely to last as long if you smoke or eat and drink products that can stain your teeth.

Will I experience side-effects?

Teeth whitening is normally completely painless. A very small number of people may experience a minor dull ache or sensitivity to cold during or after treatment. Others report discomfort in the gums, a sore throat or white patches on the gum line. These symptoms are usually temporary and should disappear within a few days of the treatment finishing. If any of these side-effects continue, then you should stop using the bleach and consult your dentist. Taking a 'pain-killer' such as ibuprofen or paracetamol easily resolves the feeling.

When might teeth whitening not work?

Teeth whitening can only lighten your existing tooth colour. It will not work on any types of 'false' teeth such as dentures, crowns and veneers.

Can a single tooth be whitened?

Yes, in some cases it can. Many dead teeth go discoloured after a root filling. In this case the canal of the tooth can be re-opened, the whitening product is placed inside the canal and the effects will work from inside out.

How much does it cost?

The cost of whitening will be discussed with you before the treatment starts. You will also be provided with a written treatment plan which details the cost of your treatment. Please refer to our Price Guide for an up to date price list for Teeth Whitening. These prices are subject to change.

How can I pay?

Payment can be made in cash or cheque or by debit or credit card. A supplement of 2% is added to the cost if you choose to pay by credit card.

A monthly 0% interest payment plan may be available for treatments costing £400 or more.