Teeth whitening
Whitening acts on the natural colour of enamel and dentine. It has no effect on fillings, crowns or veneers — those keep their existing shade, so where you have visible restorations we agree the order of work first. It is always done after tartar removal, otherwise you are bleaching the deposit rather than the tooth.
- In-practice whitening for a fast result
- Custom trays for whitening at home
- Cleaning required beforehand
- Advice on keeping the shade
Two options
In the practice. A higher-concentration gel with the gums protected, in a single appointment of about an hour. The result is visible immediately, and this is the choice when there is a deadline — a wedding, a photograph, a trip.
At home. We make trays to fit your teeth and give you a lower-concentration gel to wear on an agreed schedule, usually over two weeks. Slower, but gentler on sensitive teeth and easier to top up later.
What whitening cannot do
It does not change the colour of ceramic or composite. It does not remove white or brown marks formed while the tooth was developing — those need other approaches. And it does not give everyone the same result: greyish tones lighten less readily than yellowish ones. We go through all of this before you decide, so the outcome is not a surprise.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the result last?
Typically one to two years. How long depends almost entirely on habits — coffee, black tea, red wine and tobacco bring the staining back fastest. The first forty-eight hours after treatment are the most vulnerable, and those are best avoided then.
Does whitening damage teeth?
Done in the practice, with the gums protected and a controlled concentration, no. Temporary sensitivity to cold for a day or two is common. Problems arise with products bought and used without an examination — on a tooth with undetected decay or a crack, the agent penetrates further than it should.
Why is one of my fillings now darker than the tooth?
Because fillings do not whiten. This is expected, and it is why visible fillings are replaced after whitening, once the final shade has settled — usually about two weeks later.
Not sure what you need? You do not have to be.
Send us a photo and a few words. We will reply with an assessment, a treatment outline and an indicative quote — before you commit to anything.