Teeth can become discoloured for a variety of reasons, including:
Not all types of discolouration respond equally to whitening. Your dentist will assess your suitability during a consultation.
Home whitening with custom-made trays (our standard approach) This is the most widely used method in clinical practice. Your dentist takes impressions of your teeth and has custom-fitted trays made to precisely fit your mouth. A professional-strength whitening gel is supplied, which you wear in the trays for a specified period each day or overnight. Results typically develop over two to four weeks. This method offers good control over the degree of whitening and is carried out at your convenience at home.
Internal (non-vital) bleaching For teeth that have undergone root canal treatment and have discoloured from within, internal bleaching may be possible. This is a separate clinical procedure carried out in surgery. Your dentist will advise whether this applies to your situation.
Important: Teeth whitening products available in the UK for professional use contain higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide than those available over the counter. Only a registered dental professional may legally supply these products.
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is the active ingredient that is most commonly used in all whitening products and is delivered either as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.
A typical whitening gel contains between 10% and 44% carbamide peroxide, which is approximately equivalent to a 3% to 16% hydrogen peroxide concentration.
The active ingredient in professional whitening gels is typically hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These agents work by penetrating the enamel and breaking down pigment molecules, which lightens the overall shade of the tooth.
Professional teeth whitening, when carried out by a qualified dental professional using appropriately regulated products, is considered safe for most patients. However, as with any treatment, there are considerations to be aware of:
Teeth whitening works on natural tooth enamel. You may be a suitable candidate if you:
Your dentist will assess your teeth at a consultation and advise whether whitening is appropriate, and what results you might reasonably expect.
Consultation We will examine your teeth, discuss the type and extent of discolouration, and confirm whether whitening is suitable for you. We will explain the process, likely results, and any risks before you make a decision.
Custom tray fabrication Impressions are taken of your upper and lower teeth and custom trays are made to fit precisely. Ill-fitting trays can cause gum irritation and are less effective — this is why over-the-counter alternatives are generally less predictable than professionally supervised treatment.
Whitening at home We supply you with your personalised trays and professional-grade whitening gel, together with full written instructions. Most patients complete their whitening course over two to four weeks, wearing the trays as directed.
Review We are always happy to check on your progress and answer any questions. A review appointment can be arranged once you have completed your course.
Professional whitening should always be carried out by a qualified dental professional using appropriately regulated products. Here is what you can expect from us:
Clinician-led treatment — your whitening is assessed and supervised by a GDC-registered dentist, ensuring the correct product and approach is selected for your teeth.
Thorough consultations — we examine your teeth, discuss your goals, and give you an honest indication of the results you can realistically expect before you commit to treatment.
Personalised treatment planning — custom-fitted trays are made to precisely match your teeth, with a gel and wearing schedule tailored to your sensitivity level and goals.
Honest advice — if whitening alone will not achieve the result you are looking for, we will discuss alternatives such as composite bonding or veneers, with no pressure to proceed.
Ongoing aftercare and support — your custom trays can be used for top-up treatment in future, and we are always happy to answer questions about maintaining your results.
At Ashtree House Dental, we always provide a full written estimate before any treatment begins and encourage you to take time to consider your options. There is no obligation to proceed.
If you would like to find out more about teeth whitening in Wooburn Green, Beaconsfield, High Wycombe or Flackwell Heath, our team would be happy to help.
Results vary between individuals and depend on the initial shade of your teeth and the nature of the staining. Your dentist can give you a realistic indication of likely results during your consultation. Whitening is most effective on surface and extrinsic staining; deeper intrinsic staining may be more difficult to address.
With good oral hygiene and by limiting staining foods and drinks, results can last for a year or more. Top-up whitening can be carried out using your existing custom trays when needed.
Yes — and this is often recommended. Because composite and porcelain restorations cannot be whitened once in place, whitening beforehand allows your new restorations to be shade-matched to your desired tooth colour.
Many patients experience no discomfort at all. Temporary sensitivity is possible, particularly in patients who already have sensitive teeth. Using a sensitivity toothpaste before and during treatment can help.
Teeth whitening for cosmetic purposes is not available on the NHS. It is a private treatment.
