What Teeth Whitening Options Are Available in Hertfordshire?
You have three main teeth whitening options in Hertfordshire: professional in-surgery whitening, take-home kits from your dentist, and over-the-counter products.
Professional teeth whitening treatments give the best results, with in-surgery whitening delivering 6-8 shades lighter in one session, whilst take-home whitening kits offer a gentler approach over 2-4 weeks.
If you’d like to learn more about our teeth whitening treatments in Hertfordshire, call 01920 821579 or email info@elegancedental.co.uk
How Does Professional In-Surgery Whitening Work in Hertfordshire?
Professional in-surgery whitening in Hertfordshire takes 60-90 minutes and gives you instant results. Your dentist puts a strong bleaching gel on your teeth and activates it with a special light.
The professional whitening gel contains much higher concentrations of whitening agents than anything you can buy yourself. Your Hertfordshire dentist applies it in several cycles, protecting your gums throughout the process.
You'll see teeth whitening results immediately, though your teeth continue lightening for a few days afterwards. Most people get 6-8 shades lighter in just one appointment.
This works best if you want fast teeth whitening results for a wedding or event, or if you're simply too busy to do home treatment.
What About Take-Home Teeth Whitening Kits in Hertfordshire?
Take-home teeth whitening kits from your Hertfordshire dentist use custom trays fitted exactly to your teeth. You fill these trays with professional-grade whitening gel and wear them for 30 minutes to overnight, depending on the gel strength.
The treatment takes 2-4 weeks, and you get 4-6 shades lighter. It's gentler than in-surgery whitening, which makes it better if you have sensitive teeth.
The big advantage is control. You can whiten at your own pace, pause if sensitivity develops, and use the trays later for touch-ups. Just buy more gel from your dentist when you need a refresh.
Are Over-the-Counter Whitening Products Any Good?
Not really, over-the-counter whitening strips and gels give limited results because they contain very weak bleaching agents. UK law restricts shop-bought products to 0.1% hydrogen peroxide, whilst dentists can use up to 6%.
This massive difference in strength means you might see 1-2 shades improvement at best. The results are often patchy and uneven.
Whitening toothpastes don't actually whiten your teeth at all. They just scrub away surface stains, which is something normal brushing does anyway.
The bigger problem is safety. Ill-fitting strips can burn your gums, and whitening teeth that have hidden decay or cracks can cause serious damage. You won't get these problems with professional teeth whitening in Hertfordshire because your dentist checks your teeth first.
How Long Do Teeth Whitening Results Last?
Professional teeth whitening typically lasts 1-3 years, depending on your habits. Coffee, tea, red wine and smoking will stain your teeth faster.
Good oral hygiene helps whitening results last longer. Regular brushing and flossing prevent new stains from setting in.
Most people do occasional teeth whitening touch-ups every 6-12 months to keep their smile bright. If you had take-home trays, you just need to buy more gel. If you had in-surgery whitening, your dentist might give you trays for maintenance.
Will Teeth Whitening Damage Your Teeth?
No, professional teeth whitening doesn't damage healthy teeth. The bleaching agents work by breaking down stain molecules - they don't harm tooth structure.
About 60% of people get temporary sensitivity that goes away within 24-48 hours. At Elegance Dental, we can give you desensitising toothpaste or adjust the treatment if this bothers you.
We won't whiten your teeth if you have untreated decay, worn enamel, or gum disease. We check everything first to make sure whitening is safe for you.
Teeth whitening isn't recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, though there's no actual evidence it causes harm. It's just a precaution.
What Happens During Teeth Whitening Treatment in Hertfordshire?
Your dentist examines your teeth first, checking for cavities and gum problems. Any issues need fixing before you can whiten.
They'll photograph your teeth and record your current shade so you can see the improvement afterwards.
For in-surgery teeth whitening in Hertfordshire, your dentist cleans your teeth thoroughly, then protects your gums with a rubber dam or gel. They apply the bleaching gel, activate it with light for 15-20 minutes, then repeat this 2-3 times.
For take-home whitening kits, they take impressions to make your custom trays. When the trays are ready, they show you exactly how to use them and how much gel to apply.
Where Can I Get Professional Teeth Whitening in Hertfordshire?
At Elegance Dental in Hertfordshire, we offer both in-surgery and take-home teeth whitening. We'll examine your teeth, discuss which option suits you best, and show you what results to expect.
Your teeth whitening consultation includes shade analysis and a treatment plan tailored to your needs and timeline.
Book your teeth whitening consultation at Elegance Dental in Hertfordshire today. Call 01920 821579 or email info@elegancedental.co.uk
