The effect lasts for approximately 18 months for 75% of people and 3 years for 62% of people, but this depends on the patient’s lifestyle. If a top-up is required, it only takes 3 to 4 days. Some people find their teeth are sensitive for a couple of days after the procedure and sometimes during the whitening. Fluoride rinses and Sensodyne toothpaste can help this.

Whitening can only lighten your existing tooth colour – for a change to a specific chosen shade, veneering would be an option (see Veneers). If teeth are stained, the patient may get the desired result with a scale and polish alone. It also only works on natural teeth and has no effect on crowns or white fillings.

Prior to the bleaching, an assessment possibly including x-ray and/or a scale and polish may be necessary. Bleaching can be done in the surgery with a very concentrated bleach or at home using a gum shield style tray which is worn at night for a couple of weeks (the bleach, which is much weakened, is placed in the trays).

Sometimes a combination of the two techniques will be used.

The appropriate method can be discussed with your dentist and a quote given to you.

Surgery time is charged on an hourly rate - £75 for 30 minutes.

A home kit containing bleach for 2 weeks costs

£275 for one arch only

£350 for both arches

This is inclusive of surgery time and trays.