Teeth
Whitening

An in-practice Zoom session is quick, usually taking around 45 minutes to an hour. That immediacy is one of its appeals, since you see a visible difference straight away rather than waiting weeks. Results vary from person to person depending on your starting shade and the type of staining, but many patients leave several shades lighter after a single visit. Your final result also settles over the following day or two as the teeth rehydrate, so the shade you see immediately afterwards can even out a little. During your consultation the team will give you a realistic idea of what to expect for your teeth, since no two smiles respond in exactly the same way.

Professional whitening is considered safe when it is carried out by a registered dental professional using products within the legal limit, which in the UK is up to 6% hydrogen peroxide. That is one reason it is worth having whitening done through a dental practice rather than a salon or an online kit, since tooth whitening is legally an act of dentistry here and can only be performed by GDC-registered dentists, hygienists or therapists after a dental examination. The most common side effect is temporary tooth sensitivity, which usually settles within 24 to 48 hours, and occasionally some mild gum irritation, which is why your gums are carefully protected during treatment.

Yes. Alongside in-practice Zoom, we offer take-home whitening using custom-made trays and a dentist-prescribed gel. Impressions or scans are taken so the trays fit your teeth closely, which keeps the gel where it should be and helps protect your gums. You then wear them at home for a set time each day over a week or two, following the instructions we give you. Some people choose home whitening on its own for a more gradual result, while others use it alongside or after an in-practice session to boost and maintain their new shade.

Whitening is not permanent, but the results last a good while with a little care. Most people enjoy their brighter smile for somewhere between around six months and three years, and the NHS suggests results can last up to about three years if you follow your dentist’s advice. How long yours lasts depends largely on lifestyle. Tea, coffee, red wine and smoking are the main culprits for re-staining, so cutting back, using a straw for darker drinks and keeping up a good brushing routine all help.

Whitening suits a lot of people, but not everyone, which is why it always starts with an assessment. You are likely to be a good candidate if you have healthy teeth and gums and your teeth have yellowed or discoloured through food, drink, tea, coffee, or simply ageing. It tends to work less well on certain types of discolouration, such as staining from some medications, and it is worth knowing that whitening only lightens natural teeth. It will not change the colour of crowns, veneers, fillings or bonding, so if any of those show in your smile, they may need reviewing to keep everything matching.