Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is a great way to brighten your smile naturally, but it may not be suitable for patients that have many front teeth with fillings or crowns. In these cases then we can brighten your teeth with ceramic veneers or crowns.

If surface staining is the main cause of your darker teeth then air polishing is another way to brighten your teeth by leaving your teeth immaculately clean.

We expect your smile to be brighter for up to a few years, depending on your diet, oral hygiene habits and lifestyle habits such as smoking or drinking coffee and red wine. If you have home whitening trays, topping up your result is straightforward and affordable. Many patients do a brief top-up course every six to twelve months to maintain their smile. Many of our patients who have whitened their teeth with Dentistry100 are able to pick up some more of these whitening top-up gels whenever they come in to our London clinic for their routine check ups or hygiene appointments.

The long term health of your teeth and gums are really important to us too – we’ve sourced teeth whitening gels that leave the structure of your teeth relatively unchanged so the health of your teeth is not compromised. This is unlike some whitening gels which can be acidic, or irritate the pulp or nerve within the tooth.

Some patients experience mild sensitivity during or after treatment, which is temporary. We use whitening gels specifically chosen to minimise sensitivity while still producing effective results. We always assess your teeth and gums before treatment to ensure it is appropriate for you.

There is currently no peer-reviewed clinical evidence of any safety issues for using whitening gels during pregnancy. However we advise patients to avoid elective cosmetic dental treatments, including teeth whitening, during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. This is a precautionary measure, and we are happy to discuss your options and plan treatment for when the time is right.

In-clinic whitening (such as Philips Zoom, which is use at Dentistry100) uses a whitening agent applied in a single appointment and activated with a blue light. This produces a faster and more immediate result — typically in around one hour. Home whitening uses a whitening gel worn in custom trays over a period of two to six weeks, with results building gradually. Both methods are effective; the right choice depends on your timeframe, sensitivity levels, and personal preference. Many patients choose to do both — in-clinic for the initial treatment, then home trays for long-term maintenance.

Sensitivity is the most common side effect of whitening, but it does not mean you cannot proceed. We will review your history and the current condition of your teeth before recommending a treatment.

The evidence base suggests around a third of patients will experience sensitivity during home teeth whitening – however we expect this to resolve once the whitening treatment concludes.

Where sensitivity is a concern, we may suggest a lower-concentration gel, a shorter wear time, or the use of desensitising products alongside your whitening treatment. GC Tooth Mousse, which is available at our dispensary in our clinic, can help protect enamel and reduce post-whitening sensitivity.

The whitening gels themselves also contain ingredients to help manage sensitivity, and unlike some clinics, during your fitting appointment we provide a tailor made plan for how to use the whitening products to minimise any possible sensitivity.

Over-the-counter whitening products sold in supermarkets and pharmacies contain very low concentrations of whitening agent — capped by law at 0.1% hydrogen peroxide — which produces minimal results. Whitening treatments at beauty salons or nail bars are illegal in the UK; only registered dental professionals can supply or apply whitening products at effective concentrations.

Using unregulated kits carries real risks, including uneven whitening, gum damage, and tooth sensitivity. Professional whitening at a dental practice gives you a clinically safe, legally compliant, and significantly more effective and predictable outcome.

Yes. Whitening gel works on natural tooth enamel but will not change the shade of crowns, veneers, or composite fillings. If you have significant restorations on your front teeth, achieving a uniform, brighter smile may involve replacing those restorations to match a lighter shade once you have whitened your natural teeth. Sometimes we can also consider ceramic veneers. We will assess your individual situation and discuss all the options available to you during your consultation at Dentistry100 with our cosmetic dentists.

The cost of professional teeth whitening in London varies depending on the treatment type and the practice.

In-clinic treatments such as Philips Zoom typically sit at the higher end, reflecting the time, equipment, and professional oversight involved. Home whitening with custom trays is generally more affordable as a starting point, with low-cost top-ups thereafter.

Unlike other clinics, we also include all appointments within our fees, and a free review appointment after home whitening if needed.

We provide clear, itemised pricing at your consultation with no pressure to commit. Contact us or view our fees page for current pricing at Dentistry100.