How it works
A gentle whitening gel breaks down the stains that have built up inside the enamel over years of tea, coffee, red wine and ordinary use. It is not a coating or a polish; it works on the tooth itself, which is why the result looks like your own teeth rather than a veneer.
You will receive:
- Custom fitted whitening trays, made from impressions of your own teeth
- Professional strength whitening gel
- Clear instructions for home use
Most patients wear the trays for one to two hours a day, or overnight, depending on which gel your dentist prescribes.
How long it takes, and how long it lasts
You will usually see results within 7 to 10 days, with full whitening typically achieved in two to three weeks. Results can last 12 to 24 months depending on diet and lifestyle, and can be topped up with additional gel from the practice at £25 per syringe rather than starting again.
Is it safe?
Boutique Whitening is clinically proven and dentist supervised. Because your trays are made to fit your own teeth, the gel stays where it should and your gums and soft tissues are protected. Sensitivity, if it happens at all, is usually mild and temporary, and your dentist can recommend desensitising products if you need them.
In the UK, tooth whitening is a dental procedure and may only be carried out or prescribed by a registered dental professional. Kits sold in shops or online either contain too little active ingredient to work, or too much to be legal.
Who it is suitable for
Most adults are suitable, but you will need a routine examination first so your dentist can confirm:
- Your teeth and gums are healthy
- There are no untreated problems that should be dealt with first
- Whitening will actually give you the result you are hoping for
Whitening does not change the colour of crowns, veneers or white fillings, so if you have any at the front, that is worth discussing before you start. Hygiene treatment may be recommended first.