Teeth whitening
Teeth whitening in Crewe
Whitening lightens the natural colour of your teeth using a gel supplied and supervised by your dentist. It is a cosmetic treatment, and what it can achieve depends on your own teeth.
Take-home whitening from £350, Zoom in-practice whitening from £475. Whitening is a cosmetic treatment and is not available under the NHS. Results vary from person to person, and a clinical assessment is needed to check whether it is suitable for you.
Your options
Two ways to whiten
Both are dentist-supervised and both start with an assessment. The difference is where the whitening happens.
-
At your own pace
Take-home whitening
Your dentist takes impressions or a digital scan and has trays made to fit your teeth. You then use the gel at home, following the timings and instructions your dentist gives you.
from £350starting fee
-
In a single visit
Zoom in-practice whitening
Whitening carried out at the practice in one appointment, with your lips and gums protected while the gel is applied to the teeth.
from £475starting fee
Whitening lightens natural teeth. It does not change the colour of crowns, veneers, bridges or fillings, so if you have any of these towards the front of your mouth your dentist will talk through how the result is likely to look. Some people notice temporary sensitivity during or after whitening.
The process
What happens when you whiten
Whitening starts with an assessment, whichever option you choose. Your dentist checks that it is suitable before anything begins.
What affects your result
- The natural shade of your teeth to begin with
- What is causing the discolouration
- Any crowns, veneers or fillings, which do not change colour
- How closely the instructions are followed, for take-home whitening
-
Assessment firstYour dentist examines your teeth and gums to check whether whitening is suitable. If decay or gum problems are found, your dentist will explain whether these need treatment before whitening begins.
-
What it can realistically achieveYour dentist explains what whitening is likely to do for your teeth in particular, including how any crowns, veneers or fillings will look once the natural teeth around them have lightened.
-
The whitening itselfEither trays are made to fit your teeth for you to use at home, or the whitening is carried out at the practice, depending on the option you choose.
-
AfterwardsAny sensitivity is usually temporary. Your dentist will explain how to look after the result and which food and drink are most likely to stain teeth again.
Common questions
Whitening questions
The things people most often ask before booking whitening.
How much does teeth whitening cost?
Take-home whitening starts from £350 and Zoom in-practice whitening from £475. These are starting fees, so the figure for your treatment is confirmed after your assessment. The full list is on our private fee page.
Is teeth whitening available on the NHS?
No. Whitening is a cosmetic treatment rather than a clinical necessity, so it is provided privately.
Will whitening change the colour of my crowns or fillings?
No. Whitening lightens natural teeth and does not lighten crowns, veneers, bridges or fillings. If you have any towards the front of your mouth, they may look darker once the natural teeth around them have lightened, so your dentist will talk this through before you decide.
Does whitening make your teeth sensitive?
Some people notice sensitivity during or after whitening. It is usually temporary. Tell your dentist if you already have sensitive teeth, as it is one of the things the assessment looks at.
How long do the results last?
This varies from person to person. Teeth pick up staining again over time, and how quickly depends on things like tea, coffee, red wine and smoking. Your dentist will explain how to look after the result.
Can I have teeth whitening done at a beauty salon?
No. Tooth whitening is legally considered the practice of dentistry. It may be provided by a registered dentist, or by a dental hygienist, dental therapist or clinical dental technician working to a dentist’s prescription. A beautician who is not appropriately registered with the General Dental Council cannot legally provide tooth whitening.
Ask about teeth whitening
Request an appointment and your dentist will check whether whitening is suitable for you, explain what it is likely to achieve for your teeth and talk through both options. There is no obligation to go ahead.