Teeth Whitening

Professional whitening to lighten teeth that have darkened or yellowed with age, diet or staining, using either custom take-home trays or a faster in-office lamp-accelerated treatment. The dentist checks the teeth and gums are healthy first, so whitening is done safely and evenly. Take-home trays suit a gradual, budget-friendly approach, while the in-clinic option delivers a visible result in a single appointment.

Professional teeth whitening uses a peroxide-based gel to break down the stains that build up within the enamel and dentine over years of coffee, tea, red wine, certain foods and smoking, lifting the overall shade of the teeth several levels. At Family Dent whitening is carried out under dental supervision after a check to confirm the teeth and gums are healthy and that the discolouration will respond — existing fillings, crowns and veneers do not change colour, which the dentist will discuss when planning a natural, even result. Two options are offered. With take-home whitening, precise impressions are used to make custom-fitted trays; you wear them with a measured amount of gel for a set period each day over roughly two weeks, whitening gradually and gently in your own time. The in-office method uses a stronger professional gel activated by a whitening lamp to achieve a noticeable change in a single visit of around an hour, which suits patients who want a fast result or are visiting from abroad on a short trip. A professional clean beforehand is recommended so the gel works on clean enamel. Some temporary sensitivity is common for a day or two and settles on its own. Results last longest when paired with good home care and regular hygiene visits, and a top-up with take-home trays can refresh the shade later. Whitening is not carried out during pregnancy or on children.