Teeth Whitening

Dental professionals don’t advise ‘off-the-shelf’ or ‘buy online’ whitening treatments as they’re often ineffective and sometimes can be damaging to teeth and gums. At the Care Dental Practice, we use Philips Zoom Teeth whitening, an effective whitening solution that removes stains and discolouration, to reveal a fresh-looking smile. Most people see a noticeable change; how many shades depends on your starting colour.

In-chair whitening is our fastest option and gives you a visible result in a single visit of around ninety minutes. After protecting your gums and lips, we apply a professional-strength whitening gel to your teeth and activate it with a special light. The gel stays on for around fifteen to thirty minutes at a time, and we repeat that a few times in the same appointment until we reach the shade you’re after.

You’ll see the difference straight away, which is why many people choose in-chair whitening before an event or holiday. It’s a comfortable process, and while some people notice a little tooth sensitivity for a day or so afterwards, this is normal and settles quickly.

Yes. Our take-home whitening is a more affordable and flexible option that you use in your own time. We take impressions or a scan of your teeth to make custom-fitted trays, which matters, because a tray moulded to your teeth holds the gel evenly and keeps it off your gums. You wear them with a professional whitening gel for a set period each day, usually a few hours or overnight, over one to two weeks, and the results build gradually.

Some people choose take-home whitening on its own, while others use it after in-chair treatment to enhance and maintain their results, or to top up now and then in future.

Yes, teeth whitening is safe when it’s carried out properly by a dental professional, which is exactly how it’s done here. We assess your teeth and gums first, use professional products at safe, legal strengths, and protect your gums during treatment.

The most common effect is some temporary sensitivity to hot and cold, or a little gum tenderness, in the day or two afterwards. This is normal; it settles on its own, and there are simple ways to ease it that we’ll talk you through. Whitening done this way doesn’t harm the healthy structure of your teeth.

With good care, the results of in-chair whitening can last up to around two years, and often longer if you keep them topped up. How long they hold depends a lot on your habits. Teeth naturally pick up colour again over time, and things like coffee, tea, red wine, dark sauces and smoking speed that up.

There’s plenty you can do to make them last. Cutting back on staining foods and drinks, or sipping them through a straw, keeping up good brushing, and coming in for regular hygiene visits all help. Many people also keep a set of home trays to give their smile an occasional top-up, which is a simple way to stay bright for the long term.

Yes. We offer 0% finance on our whitening treatments, so you can spread the cost over manageable monthly payments rather than paying it all at once, subject to status.

At your consultation, we’ll confirm the price for the option that suits you, whether that’s in-chair, take-home or a combination, and our team can talk you through the monthly payments, so you know exactly where you stand. You can find out more on our finance options page.

Philips Zoom in-chair whitening costs £795, and take-home whitening costs £551. Your dentist will confirm the right option after your check-up.

No. Whitening only lightens natural teeth, so crowns, veneers, fillings and dentures stay the same colour. If you have any near the front of your mouth, talk to your dentist first, as you may need them replaced afterwards to match.