Teeth
Whitening

• Improves appearance of your teeth and confidence
• Supports overall gum health
• Ideal preparatory step before teeth whitening
• Safer, professional alternative to at home alternatives

The most common causes of surface staining are tea, coffee, red wine, and smoking. These deposit pigments on the outer enamel layer over time. Certain foods, such as berries, curries, and tomato-based sauces, can also contribute. Some medications (such as tetracycline antibiotics taken in childhood) can cause deeper, intrinsic staining within the tooth structure itself, which is more difficult to treat.

Surface staining can often be significantly reduced or removed through a professional hygienist appointment, using specialist instruments and a polishing paste. For more stubborn staining – particularly from heavy tea, coffee, or tobacco use – we may use an air polishing device (a fine jet of water, air, and powder) which is highly effective at removing deep surface discolouration without damaging the enamel.

No – they are different treatments. Stain removal restores your teeth closer to their natural shade by removing surface deposits. Professional teeth whitening uses a peroxide-based gel to actively lighten the natural colour of the tooth enamel, achieving a brighter result than stain removal alone. Many patients find that a hygienist clean before whitening gives them the best possible outcome.

Professional stain removal carried out by a trained hygienist or dentist is safe and does not damage enamel. We use appropriate polishing pastes and instruments matched to your teeth. Over-the-counter abrasive whitening toothpastes used excessively can cause enamel wear over time – professional treatment is the safer alternative for maintaining a clean, bright appearance.

• Produces immediate and noticeable improvements to your teeth and confidence
• Whitening is a gateway to broader aesthetic oral treatment
• Professional whitening is far safer and more effective than OTC treatments.

We offer professional home whitening using custom-made trays and prescription-strength whitening gel. Professional whitening is safe, effective, and provides a more reliable and longer-lasting outcome than OTC products. Teeth whitening must be prescribed and supplied by a GDC-registered dental professional.

Professional teeth whitening carried out under the supervision of a dentist is safe. The whitening gel lightens the enamel through an oxidation process and does not damage the tooth structure when used correctly. Some patients experience temporary sensitivity during or after treatment, which settles within a few days. We assess your teeth and gums before whitening to ensure it is appropriate for you.

Results vary depending on your natural tooth shade, the type of staining present, and how you respond to the whitening agent. Most patients achieve a noticeable improvement of several shades. Whitening works on natural tooth enamel and will not change the colour of crowns, veneers, or composite fillings – these may need to be replaced to match your new shade. Dentures are usually not affected by normal tooth whitening.

With good oral hygiene and avoiding heavy consumption of staining foods and drinks (coffee, tea, red wine), whitening results typically last one to three years. Top-up treatments with your custom trays can extend and maintain your results over time. Using your trays periodically with a small amount of whitening gel is the most cost-effective way to keep your smile bright.

Whitening toothpastes primarily work by removing surface staining through mild abrasion – they do not change the intrinsic shade of the tooth enamel. The results are therefore more limited than professional treatment. Some abrasive whitening toothpastes used excessively can also cause enamel wear. Professional whitening is the only way to genuinely lighten the natural colour of your teeth. However, some modern whitening toothpastes can help to maintain your new shade for longer.