At a glance
- Recovery
- No downtime
- Pain
- Mild
- Time
- 30–120 min
- Sessions
- 1 session
- Type
- Non-surgical
What it is
Lightening the color of natural teeth with peroxide gels (hydrogen or carbamide peroxide). Options are an in-office session, sometimes with a light or laser, or a dentist-made tray kit used at home for a few weeks.
Who it’s for
Adults with stained or darkened natural teeth and healthy teeth and gums. NHS guidance says it is not done for people 17 or younger and is not advised during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It does not change the color of crowns, dentures or implants.
How it’s done
The dentist checks the teeth and gums, and the gums are protected with a shield or paste. A whitening gel is applied, sometimes activated with a light or laser, then rinsed off. With home whitening, custom trays are worn for several weeks instead.
Why we don’t list a price
- We only show prices we can check in official public statistics, and we couldn’t find one for this treatment.
- Prices vary widely by clinic, area treated, product and amount.
- At the consultation, get the total price, the product and amount (mL or units) and the number of sessions in writing.
Recovery
No downtime. Temporary tooth sensitivity and gum irritation are common and usually short-lived.
Risks and side effects
- Tooth sensitivity to cold or sweet foods and drinks
- Sore gums or throat, or white patches on the gums
- Uneven color next to crowns or fillings, which do not whiten
- Enamel erosion with aggressive bleaching (seen in laboratory studies)
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Questions to ask the clinic
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Aftercare
- Limit coffee, tea and red wine to slow restaining
- Use a desensitizing toothpaste, or pause home whitening, if teeth feel sensitive
- Never use household hydrogen peroxide on your teeth
Questions people ask
How long does whitening last?
It is not permanent. The NHS says results may last around 3 years with good care, and Cleveland Clinic gives six months to three years.
Is whitening at a beauty salon the same?
No. The NHS says kits from salons or online sellers do not work as well and may harm teeth and gums. Whitening should be done or prescribed by a dental professional.
Will it whiten my veneers or crowns?
No. Whitening only lightens natural teeth, so existing restorations may look darker afterwards.
Sources
Facts on this page come from medical societies, public agencies and medical journals.
This is general information, not medical advice, and we don’t refer you to any clinic. We don’t list clinic names, reviews or rankings. Unnie Note is an independent publication with no ties to any clinic or booking service.
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