Rodericks Dental Partners Treatments Teeth Whitening

Cosmetic Treatment

Teeth whitening

Take the safer way to a brighter smile with professional teeth whitening treatment.

Reviewed by: Puja Klaire, Bchd Pg Cert Medical Education, Lead Clinical Advisor at Rodericks Dental Partners. Review date: 27th July 2026

What is teeth whitening?

Professional teeth whitening is a safe, cosmetic treatment that brightens your smile by lightening the natural shade of your teeth. After an initial consultation, you can often manage the process at home using a custom-made whitening tray and gel. Many patients start to see results in a matter of days.

Benefits of teeth whitening

Remove staining

Whitening works to reverse the effects of natural staining on your teeth.

Smile with confidence

Get ready for those special occasions when you want to put your smile on show.

Stay in control

Choose from achievable shades and top up the brightness when you need to.

How do I get teeth whitening treatment?

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment, so it’s not typically funded by the NHS. Over-the-counter kits are available, but you may prefer the peace of mind of professional teeth whitening, in consultation with a dentist.

The at-home teeth whitening process

This is by far the most popular form of teeth whitening because you can manage much of it at home, in a way that suits you and your lifestyle.

Consultation and shade assessment

At-home teeth whitening begins with a consultation with your dentist so you can agree between you that it’s suitable and which shade you want to achieve. The dentist will also take detailed, 3D images of your mouth using a small, handheld scanner.

Whitening tray made in the lab

The scans are sent to a dental lab, where your custom-made teeth whitening tray will be produced. It looks rather like a clear gumshield and should fit your mouth perfectly.

Fitting and instructions

Your dentist will check the fit of your tray and show you how much and what strength of whitening gel to apply. As the tray fits over your teeth, the gel is pushed around the surface and begins to break down stains.

Continuing treatment at home

Most people sleep with their trays in, but some prefer daytime wear. Stick to your routine and you should start to see brighter teeth within a week. You’ll have a progress appointment and if you and your dentist agree on a brighter shade, you’ll be given a top-up supply of gel to take away.

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Is professional teeth whitening right for me?

Professional teeth whitening can be an effective option if you would like to reduce brown or yellow staining or simply achieve a brighter-looking smile
While over-the-counter products are widely available, they can be ineffective and, in some cases, pose risks to your oral health. Professional treatment offers a safer, clinically supported approach
Custom-made teeth whitening trays are designed to fit your mouth precisely, helping to deliver consistent and controlled results
It’s important to remember that whitening treatments only affect natural teeth and will not alter the shade of crowns or bridges
You must be over 18 to undergo cosmetic teeth whitening in the UK

Am I suitable for teeth whitening?

Treatment can be suitable if you:

are in generally good health
have a fully developed jawbone
don’t have gum disease
don’t smoke

It is not recommended if you:

have undergone radiotherapy in or around your jaw
have uncontrolled diabetes
take recreational drugs
drink heavily

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Other teeth whitening treatment options

In-chair whitening

After an initial consultation, your dentist can whiten your teeth for you in a single appointment.

You’ll need to be comfortable being in the chair for around three hours, long enough for the lightening agent to be applied directly to the surface of your teeth with a brush and then cured under a special light.

Combination whitening

Combining in-chair and at-home whitening gives you the benefit of instant change, with a follow-on routine at home.

You’ll have the same initial consultation and scans, as well as the in-chair whitening session. Your dentist will give you a custom-made tray and more gel to use at home, as and when the effects of in-chair treatment start to fade.

Teeth whitening aftercare

Looking after your teeth will help them stay whiter for longer.

Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily helps to preserve whitening results, reduce plaque build-up and surface staining. Regular check-ups allow your dentist to advise if a whitening top-up may be beneficial.

Tea and red wine, along with foods like berries, can contribute to staining over time. Smoking may also affect how long your teeth whitening results last. Limiting these can help maintain brightness and prevent the need for earlier retreatment.

Professional teeth whitening is considered temporary, and over time, your teeth can start to darken and collect stains. Once you have your custom-made teeth whitening trays, you can use them for top-up treatments under the advice of your dentist.

How much does teeth whitening cost?

The cost of teeth whitening varies depending on the practice, location, and specific teeth whitening treatment you choose. In-chair options are often more expensive than over-the-counter products, but it’s important to choose the safest teeth whitening option and consult with your dentist before you begin.

FAQs

Professional whitening causes no harm to your natural teeth. The gel works by breaking down surface stains, and doesn’t affect the protective enamel underneath. Overuse can cause some sensitivity, so it’s best to follow your dentist’s advice about which gel to use and how frequently to apply it.

Teeth whitening isn’t typically a painful procedure. But as with all treatments, there are potential side-effects. The chemicals used can contribute to tooth sensitivity and could irritate your gums. These symptoms are typically temporary3 – but speak to your dentist if they persist.

Teeth whitening isn’t permanent, but if you follow your dentist’s advice, the effects could last up to three years.[1] This will vary from person to person and for the longest-lasting results, it’s best to avoid activities, foods and drinks that can stain your teeth.

One of the advantages of seeing your dentist for whitening treatment is the custom-made tray that comes with it. Designed to fit your mouth perfectly, it reduces discomfort and makes the treatment more effective. And if you don’t get on with overnight whitening, you’ll always have the option to switch to a day-based routine.

Some whitening toothpastes may contain gentle chemical or polishing agents too.[4]

When used as directed, whitening toothpaste can be safe to use, if you follow instructions on the packaging, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a gentle brushing technique.

Not if you don’t want them to look that way. As much as possible, your dentist will put you in control of your whitening. You’ll discuss achievable shades at an initial consultation and agree on the target colour. When you’ve reached it, you can decide if you want to go whiter.

Did you have any other questions?

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Footnotes

1. NHS. Teeth whitening. Last reviewed 19th August 2025. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/teeth-whitening/
2. Verywellhealth. Pros and cons of teeth whitening. Updated 20th August 2025. Available at: https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-side-effects-from-tooth-whitening-1059029

3. Oral Health Foundation. Tooth whitening Last reviewed 17th April 2026. Available at: https://www.dentalhealth.org/tooth-whitening

4. MedicalNewsToday. What to know about teeth whitening strips. Last reviewed 27th February 2026. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/whitening-strips#how-to-use

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