Your options
- Home whitening: we make custom trays to fit your teeth, and you wear them with a prescribed whitening gel for a set time each day.
- In-practice whitening: whitening gel is applied to your teeth in the surgery and activated with a light.
- Air-Flow stain removal: if the problem is surface staining rather than the colour of the tooth itself, a jet of air, water and fine powder can clean it away.
Good to know
Whitening works on natural teeth only. Fillings, crowns and veneers don't change colour, so you may want to replace front restorations afterwards to match. Some people have temporary sensitivity during whitening; we'll tell you how to manage it.
Whitening products stronger than 0.1% hydrogen peroxide can only be provided by, or on the prescription of, a dentist, and not to anyone under 18 unless to treat disease. Be wary of whitening offered by anyone else.
NHS or private?
Teeth whitening is private treatment. Your dentist will always explain the options and give you a written estimate before treatment starts. How NHS charges and private fees work.
To confirm: Is in-practice light-activated whitening still offered? The 2017 page mentions laser-activated gel.
Questions people ask
How long does whitening last?
It varies from person to person and with what you eat and drink. Many people top up with their trays from time to time.
Is whitening available on the NHS?
No, whitening is private treatment.
