Menu
Contact Us
   01291 624 515
  reception@beaufortdentalcare.co.uk
MiSmile
Book Online

Tooth Whitening

whitening-before-afterTooth whitening is the number one cosmetic dental treatment worldwide. It is a simple, safe and effective method of creating a whiter and brighter smile.

Teeth are stained by the foods and drinks we consume. Smoking further stains teeth and the natural bright, white shade becomes darkened. Tooth whitening entails the use of bleaching agents on the teeth to lighten the shade of the teeth. The process is applied in a controlled manner and can be used to accurately achieve a desired shade. Some people want a quick lift for a special occasion. Others prefer a gentle lightening of their shade to a natural lighter colour while some want to achieve the perfect white smile. All through the process, your dentist and you will be in control of the treatment and can work towards the desired effects.

Tooth Whitening options at Beaufort Park Dental Surgery

After an initial consultation to check that your teeth and gums are healthy and suitable for teeth whitening. At BPDS we exclusively use home whitening systems. While this cannot give the “instant” results of in-chair systems these results can fade in a matter of days with repeat treatments exceedingly expensive.
Home whitening give predictable results which will reliably out perform in-chair instant whitening and require minimal/cheap ongoing maintenance.

Take-Home Tooth Whitening Kits with Custom-Fit Mouth Trays

The whitening process commences with the making of custom made mouth trays (upper and lower) by your dentist.

First of all, impressions are taken from which a study model is made.

This is painted with a special material which increases the thickness of the tooth area.

When the tray is prepared, a small pocket is produced. The whitening solution occupies this pocket, ensuring that it only comes into contact with the required surfaces and that no damage is done to the soft gums.

A whitening gel is placed in the tray which you then wear whilst asleep or for short periods during the day.

The take-home kit contains a month’s supply of whitening gel and results are normally seen over 2-4 weeks.

The whitening trays can then be re-used at a later stage, with supplies of whitening gel available to purchase in either kit form or top-up syringes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does teeth whitening work?

Teeth whitening gel typically contains some form of bleach, specifically peroxide. This is the same type of bleach used to dye hair, but in a much lower, and safer, concentration. Tooth whitening solutions based on abrasive substances such as baking soda should only ever be used with caution, since over-use can permanently damage the protective enamel and increase tooth sensitivity.

Why go to a dentist for teeth whitening?

Not everyone’s teeth are suitable for whitening. If your teeth and gums are not in a healthy condition before you whiten, the procedure may cause more damage. Even if there is nothing wrong with your teeth there may be other reasons why whitening won‘t work.

The General Dental Council (GDC) classifies tooth whitening as dentistry, and so says it is illegal for anyone not registered with the GDC to perform the procedure. It has received multiple complaints about whitening procedures performed in salons and clinics by beauty therapists. Whilst staining may be limited to the surface of the teeth, it can also be caused by more significant problems such as decay or infection within a tooth, so it is therefore important that a dentist checks that you are ‘dentally fit’ for whitening treatment.

It is also vitally important that the product used is of an approved compound and strength, since some use acid that get the whitening effect by etching the teeth, damaging the protective enamel and accelerating the staining effect thereafter. Non-custom mouth trays can also leave your gums exposed to the whitening agent, with potential to burn the soft tissue, leading to irreversible gum recession, exposing the root of the tooth and causing sensitivity.

What about my crown(s) / veneer(s) / denture(s)?

It is important to note that the shade of any existing crowns, veneers or dentures willnot change as a result of tooth whitening, so if they match your teeth now, they won’t afterwards! If on the other hand your teeth have become stained since, tooth whitening will restore your smile. Your dentist will discuss your options when carrying out an initial assessment for whitening.

Will it hurt?

A temporary increase in tooth sensitivity is not uncommon, but typically disappears within 1 to 3 days of stopping or completing treatment. Some patients who have experienced sensitivity from at-home whitening have found in-surgery laser whitening to be more comfortable.

How long will the results last?

On average you can expect to have whiter teeth for 6 to 9 months after teeth whitening, but this will vary from person to person. If your stains have appeared from over-consumption of tea, coffee, wine or tobacco and you continue at the same levels, you may find the stains will return sooner. Good oral hygiene will help prevent teeth staining, keep your teeth healthy and prolong the effect of the teeth whitening.

Tooth Whitening Ts & Cs

Tooth whitening can only be performed with healthy teeth and gums. Tooth whitening is not suitable for everyone and will only be offered where clinically appropriate or may require additional treatment to allow whitening. Whitening is offered subject to assessment and where additional treatment is needed this is not covered by the cost of tooth whitening.
The cost of tooth whitening, including promotional offers, includes the cost of you assessment. A deposit of £50 will be taken on booking and covers the cost of the assessment where treatment does not proceed to tooth whitening. For missed appointments or late cancellations the deposit will be retained to cover loss of surgery time.

Tooth whitening offers and promotions are non-transferable unless otherwise stated

Prices for Tooth Whitening »

Testimonials

“Invisalign – Light. Crooked front teeth that had started to become more noticeable. This, in turn, started to affect my confidence.

The experience at Beaufort Park was excellent throughout. The staff, from the initial consultation, were friendly and professional. The welcoming reception staff through to the excellent dentist (Russell Gidney) have made this an (almost!) pleasurable experience!

I feel so much more confident and happy to smile again in public.

Quintin Bell


“I hated my smile in photos, I looked as though I only had about 4 teeth! 🙁

Treatments have all been explained, the team have been great & I have started to notice my teeth changing & looking good – despite not even being half way through my treatment (Invisalign Aligner 11/23). I am so happy with the progress.

Thank you! 🙂

Super, I would recommend to anyone considering treatment.

Rachel C


“After years of being unhappy with my crooked teeth and avoiding photographers if at all possible.

I decided to seek corrective treatment at the grand old age of 55 in order to be able to smile at my daughters up coming wedding. After a chat with the Beaufort Dental practice I decided on a course of CFast treatment. In a few short months I was thrilled with the result. Straight teeth which were so much easier to care for and which looked 100 per cent more attractive

The cost was manageable too and I paid at intervals during the treatment. I wish I’d done it years ago.

MD


“I did not like my teeth so didn’t smile.

Invisalign – absolutely brilliant! Very professional team, extremely happy with the results!”

Lisa G


“Even though my oral hygiene has always been excellent I have for many years hated my teeth which were discoloured + the crowns rather mismatched.

Dr Russell Gidney was the first dentist I had confidence in to correct my problems. He showed great empathy, kindness + professional skill. He made me feel completely at ease.

His dental nurses + admin staff are all lovely. The outcome is better than I expected, I now have a lovely smile!”

Pamela C


“I recently had cosmetic work on my teeth carried out by Russell at the surgery. he explained everything in detail and I am overjoyed with the results. The difference it has made is amazing and I thoroughly recommend them. The staff are very helpful too!”

Gaynor M

© Beaufort Park Dental Surgery | Site last updated March 2024

Website and SEO by Dental Design | Read our patient reviews on Dentist Finder | Complaints procedure