A bright, white smile can boost your confidence and leave a lasting impression. While brushing and flossing are essential for good oral hygiene, teeth can still become discoloured over time due to a range of lifestyle and health factors. Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic treatment designed to safely and effectively lighten the natural shade of your teeth, helping you achieve a cleaner, more radiant smile.
Whether you're dealing with stains from coffee, tea, red wine, or tobacco, or your teeth have darkened with age, professional whitening offers a solution that delivers visible results without damaging your enamel.
Teeth whitening may be a great option if:
Before proceeding, a dentist will conduct a full consultation to determine whether whitening is suitable for you. This includes an oral health check and a discussion about your expectations and goals. If you're not a candidate for whitening—for example, if the discolouration is due to damage or restorations—your dentist might suggest alternatives such as composite bonding, veneers, or crowns.
There are typically two types of professional teeth whitening available: in-practice treatments and at-home kits provided by your dentist. Each has its own benefits, and the right choice depends on your lifestyle, budget, and how quickly you want to see results.
This is an ideal option for those who want fast, noticeable results. A specially formulated whitening gel is applied to the teeth, and a blue light is used to activate the gel and accelerate the bleaching process. In many cases, patients notice their teeth becoming up to six shades lighter in just one session—typically within an hour.
At-home kits offer flexibility and a more gradual whitening process. Your dentist will provide you with custom-fitted trays and a professional-grade whitening gel. You'll wear the trays as directed—most often overnight or for a set number of hours each day. This approach usually takes around two to three weeks to achieve the desired shade, but it is effective, comfortable, and easy to manage around your schedule.
At-home kits are also commonly used as top-up treatments following in-practice whitening.
The time it takes to whiten your teeth depends on the method you choose:
Your dentist will advise you on the expected timeline and help you choose the best option for your schedule and goals.
In some cases, a tooth that has had root canal treatment may become darker than the surrounding teeth. For this, a procedure known as internal teeth whitening may be recommended.
This involves re-opening the tooth, placing whitening gel inside the pulp chamber, and sealing it temporarily. The process may be repeated a few times over a couple of weeks until the desired shade is achieved. Once complete, the tooth is sealed permanently with a tooth-coloured filling to blend in with your natural smile.
Professional teeth whitening can offer long-lasting results, especially with the right aftercare. To maintain your brighter smile, consider the following tips:
Top-up whitening kits are available to help you maintain the results. Your dentist will guide you on how often you can use them safely, based on your individual treatment plan.
How much does teeth whitening cost in the UK?
Professional teeth whitening with a dentist typically costs between £235 and £350. More advanced options like in-clinic laser whitening range from £450 to £500. Take-home whitening kits provided by dentists usually cost between £250 and £350. Premium whitening treatments can be priced between £595 and £650.
How long does it take to see results from teeth whitening?
With professional teeth whitening treatments, you can typically notice whiter teeth within 10 to 14 days when following the recommended guidelines. Whitening toothpastes may also help brighten your smile, but they usually require two to six weeks of consistent use to show visible results.
How long does a professional teeth whitening session take?
A typical in-office whitening session lasts between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the treatment and the desired level of whitening. Some procedures can produce significant results in just one appointment.
Can teeth be whitened in just one day?
Yes, professional in-clinic whitening can often deliver noticeable results after a single session. To maintain these results, your dentist may recommend follow-up treatments or provide a take-home whitening kit.
How long does it take to whiten teeth at home?
At-home whitening kits usually require daily use for two to three weeks to achieve optimal results. For more persistent stains, it might take up to six to eight weeks of regular use.
Can yellow or stained teeth be whitened effectively?
Yes, most stains caused by coffee, tea, tobacco, or aging can be improved with professional whitening treatments or enhanced oral care. However, deeper discolorations might require additional cosmetic options like veneers or bonding.
Does teeth whitening cause pain or sensitivity?
Some people experience mild, temporary sensitivity after whitening treatments. This generally resolves within a few days. If you experience prolonged or severe sensitivity, it’s important to consult your dentist.
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