Cannon Street Dental & Implant Centre
Lower Ground, 6 Dowgate Hill, London, EC4R 2SU
Lower Ground, 6 Dowgate Hill, London, EC4R 2SU
Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. But, over time, daily habits like drinking coffee, tea, or red wine can leave teeth looking dull and stained. Whilst countless over-the-counter products promise whiter teeth, many deliver disappointing results or even damage enamel when used incorrectly.
Professional teeth whitening offers a safer, more effective alternative. Under the supervision of qualified dental professionals, you can achieve noticeable results that actually last.
Key takeaways:
Professional teeth whitening is worth the investment if you want safe, predictable results. Unlike high-street kits with limited strength peroxide, dental professionals can use prescription-strength bleaching agents that penetrate enamel more effectively. This means you’ll see better colour improvement in less time.
The supervised approach also matters. Your dentist will first examine your teeth, identifying any underlying issues such as cavities or gum disease that need to be addressed before whitening begins. This prevents sensitivity and ensures the treatment works properly.
Cost varies depending on the method chosen, but professional whitening typically ranges from £300 to £600. Whilst this may seem steep compared to £20 kits from the chemist, the results last significantly longer, often 18 months to three years with proper care.
Read more: Sensitive Teeth: What’s Causing Your Discomfort and What Can Be Done About It?
Dental professionals primarily use hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to whiten teeth. These bleaching agents break down stains on and within tooth enamel through an oxidation process. The key difference between professional and over-the-counter products lies in concentration; dentists can legally use stronger formulations.
Two main professional methods exist: in-surgery whitening and take-home kits. In-surgery treatments use higher concentration gels (up to 40% hydrogen peroxide) applied directly to teeth, sometimes activated by specialised light. You’ll see results in a single appointment lasting about an hour.
Take-home professional kits involve custom-fitted trays and lower-strength gel (typically 10-20% carbamide peroxide). You wear these trays for a specified time each day over two to three weeks.
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Yellow teeth can absolutely become white again, depending on what’s causing the discolouration. Surface stains from food, drinks, and tobacco respond well to professional whitening treatments. These extrinsic stains sit on the enamel and can be removed relatively easily with bleaching agents.
Intrinsic staining—discolouration within the tooth structure itself—proves more challenging. Certain medications (like tetracycline antibiotics), excessive fluoride exposure during childhood, or trauma can cause deep staining that whitening alone won’t fully resolve. However, even these cases often improve somewhat with professional treatment.
Age-related yellowing happens as enamel naturally thins, revealing more of the yellowish dentine underneath. Whitening can still brighten these teeth, though you may not achieve the brilliant white of younger teeth.
Dental restorations like crowns, veneers, fillings, and bridges won’t change colour with whitening treatments. If you have visible restorations in your smile, they may need to be replaced afterwards to match your newly whitened natural teeth.
Dead or root-treated teeth often appear grey or brown. These require internal whitening, where bleaching gel is placed inside the tooth itself. Standard external whitening won’t affect them.
Maintaining white teeth after professional treatment requires consistent oral hygiene and some lifestyle adjustments. Brush twice daily and floss regularly to prevent new stains from setting in.
Limit staining beverages where possible. If you do drink coffee, tea, or red wine, use a straw to minimise contact with front teeth. Rinse your mouth with water afterwards to wash away pigments before they attach to enamel.
Touch-up treatments keep your smile bright long-term. Most people need a maintenance session every 12 to 18 months, depending on habits and original tooth colour.
| Feature | Professional Whitening | Over-the-Counter Kits |
| Peroxide Strength | 10-40% | 0.1-6% |
| Treatment Duration | 1-3 weeks | 4-6 weeks |
| Results Longevity | 18-36 months | 3-6 months |
| Custom Fit | Yes (trays) | Generic or semi-custom |
| Professional Supervision | Included | None |
| Cost | £300-£600 | £20-£100 |
The table shows why professional teeth whitening delivers superior outcomes. Stronger active ingredients and custom application create better contact with tooth surfaces, allowing more thorough whitening. Generic trays from shop-bought kits often fit poorly, causing gel to leak onto gums or distribute unevenly across teeth.
Safe teeth whitening always begins with a dental examination. This assessment identifies any oral health issues that could complicate treatment or cause discomfort. Cavities need filling first, as whitening gel penetrating decay causes significant pain.
Never attempt DIY whitening methods like charcoal scrubbing or lemon juice rinses. Can I scrape yellow off my teeth? No—aggressive scraping or abrasive substances damage enamel permanently. Once enamel wears away, it doesn’t regenerate.
Professional treatments include protective measures for soft tissues. Your dentist applies barriers to shield gums from bleaching gel, preventing chemical burns. They also monitor sensitivity levels and adjust treatment if problems arise.
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It’s rarely too late to pursue whitening, though results vary based on tooth condition and discolouration cause. Older teeth often have thinner enamel and more intrinsic staining, which means expectations need adjusting accordingly. Many patients in their 60s and 70s achieve satisfying results with proper treatment.
This oral hygiene guideline suggests brushing twice daily, for two minutes each time, and visiting your dentist every two months for professional cleaning. Whilst the biannual dental visit frequency is more commonly six months, the core principle emphasises consistency in dental care.
Properly administered professional whitening does not damage enamel when performed according to guidelines. The peroxide penetrates enamel to break down stains but doesn’t erode the structure itself. Overuse of products or incorrect application can cause problems, which is why professional supervision matters.
You can whiten sensitive teeth using professional methods designed for this issue. Dentists offer lower-concentration gels, shorter application times, and desensitising treatments to manage discomfort. Discuss your sensitivity concerns during consultation, so your treatment plan addresses them properly.
Most people achieve teeth two to seven shades lighter than their starting point. Your natural tooth colour, the type of discolouration, and the chosen treatment method all affect the final results. During consultation, your dentist can show shade guides indicating realistic outcomes for your situation.
A confident smile changes how you present yourself to the world. Professional teeth whitening offers a safe, effective way to remove years of staining and achieve the bright smile you deserve. Unlike unreliable shop-bought products, treatments supervised by qualified professionals deliver consistent, lasting results without compromising your dental health.
At Cannon Street Dental, our experienced team provides comprehensive whitening consultations to determine the best approach for your unique needs. We’ll examine your teeth, discuss your goals, and create a personalised treatment plan that delivers natural-looking results safely.
Your brighter smile awaits. Book your teeth whitening consultation today to take the first step towards the confident, radiant smile you’ve always wanted.
020 8075 7106