The process
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Cosmetic dentistry · Dentist prescribed
Teeth whitening, properly supervised
Professional teeth whitening lightens the natural colour of your teeth with a gel prescribed by a dentist. In the UK it can only legally be prescribed by a dental professional after an examination. We offer home whitening with custom trays at £795 and Enlighten premium whitening at £995. Results vary, and most people top up occasionally.
Guide fee
From £795
Options
Home trays or Enlighten
Prescribed
By a dentist, after an examination
Suitable for
Adults aged 18 and over
Who it is for
Who whitening suits
Teeth that have darkened with time
Teeth yellow gradually with age, and with coffee, tea, red wine and smoking. Whitening lightens the tooth itself, which a scale and polish or a whitening toothpaste cannot do.
Before bonding, veneers or a crown
Composite and porcelain are matched to the teeth around them and cannot be lightened later. If you want a brighter shade, whiten first and have the new work matched to it.
A single dark tooth
A tooth that has darkened after root canal treatment can often be lightened from the inside. Internal whitening treats that one tooth so it blends with its neighbours. From £850.
When whitening should wait
Whitening is not suitable during pregnancy or for anyone under 18. Decay, gum disease and leaking fillings need treating first, which is one reason an examination always comes before the prescription.
The difference
What changes the result
An examination first
By law, whitening in the UK must be prescribed by a dental professional after an examination. We check for decay, gum problems and existing restorations, and record your starting shade so the change can be measured.
Trays made from a digital scan
Home whitening trays are made from a digital scan of your teeth, with no impression putty. A close fit holds the gel against the teeth and away from the gums, which makes whitening more even and more comfortable.
A choice of systems
Home whitening works gradually, with trays worn as directed over a few weeks. Enlighten is our premium system. We recommend the one that fits your teeth and your diary.
Clear about restorations
Crowns, veneers and fillings do not change colour. Before you begin, we point out any that show when you smile and plan whether they should be replaced once your new shade has settled.
01
Examine and record
A dentist examines your teeth and gums and confirms whitening is suitable. We photograph your teeth and note the starting shade. Anything that needs treating first is explained before you commit.
02
Scan
For home whitening, a digital scan takes a few minutes and your custom trays are made from it. For Enlighten, we book the appointments the system needs.
03
Whiten
At home, you place a small amount of gel in the trays and wear them as directed. We tell you how long to wear them each day and for how many days.
04
Review and top up
We check the result against your starting shade and photographs. Keep your trays safe. A short top-up with fresh gel every so often maintains the colour for the long term.
Afterwards
Aftercare
Sensitivity during whitening and shortly afterwards is common and temporary. A sensitive toothpaste helps, and you can pause for a day or two if needed. Limit coffee, tea, red wine and smoking while you whiten and for a couple of days afterwards. Teeth darken again slowly, so expect to top up occasionally.
Guide fees
Home whitening with custom trays£795
Enlighten premium whitening£995
Internal whitening, single toothfrom £850
Guide fees. You receive a written plan with exact costs before treatment starts. See all fees
Common questions
Questions, answered
How much does teeth whitening cost?+
Home whitening with custom trays is £795 and Enlighten premium whitening is £995. Internal whitening for a single dark root-filled tooth is from £850.
Does teeth whitening hurt?+
Sensitivity to cold is common while you whiten and for a short time afterwards. It is temporary. A sensitive toothpaste or a day's break from the trays usually settles it.
How long does teeth whitening take?+
Home whitening is gradual and usually takes a few weeks of wearing the trays as directed. Deeper discolouration can take longer, and we tell you what to expect before you start.
How long do whitening results last?+
It varies from person to person. Teeth gradually pick up colour again, faster with coffee, tea, red wine and smoking. Most people keep their trays and top up occasionally.
Is teeth whitening safe?+
Prescribed by a dentist after an examination and used as directed, whitening is a well-established treatment that lightens teeth without removing enamel. Whitening offered by anyone who is not a registered dental professional is illegal in the UK and carries real risks.
Will whitening work on crowns, veneers or fillings?+
No. Only natural tooth changes colour. Visible restorations may look darker by comparison afterwards, and can be replaced to match once your new shade has settled.
Can I have my teeth whitened if I am pregnant or under 18?+
No. Whitening is not suitable during pregnancy, and it is not provided to anyone under 18. If you are pregnant, we are happy to plan it for a later date.