How we work
Teeth Whitening
Professional home whitening with custom trays for a brighter smile, planned after a suitability check.
Honest suitability
Is teeth whitening right for me?
Whitening is safest and most effective when teeth and gums are healthy. We check for decay, gum disease and sensitivity risk before starting, and we discuss any existing crowns or veneers that may need reviewing after whitening to maintain a consistent shade.
Suitable if
- Healthy teeth and gums with no active decay
- Natural enamel with age-related yellowing or surface staining
- Patients planning bonding or veneers who want to set the base shade first
- Anyone wanting professional supervision and sensitivity management throughout
May not be suitable if
- Active decay or untreated gum disease - oral health resolved first
- Visible crowns, veneers or bonding on front teeth that will not lighten
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Significant intrinsic staining where outcomes need careful expectation management
Patient benefits
Why choose professional whitening
Professional whitening is more effective, more consistent and better managed for sensitivity than any over-the-counter system, and the custom trays provide long-term maintenance value.
-
Natural-looking brightness
We aim for a noticeably brighter shade that still suits your face and complexion, not an artificial white.
-
Custom trays for even results
Trays made precisely to your teeth ensure consistent gel contact across every surface, not just the front faces.
-
Sensitivity built into the protocol
Desensitising support is included as standard. Sensitivity is managed throughout, not treated as an inconvenience afterwards.
-
Maintenance that lasts
Your custom trays can be reused for guided top-ups, helping the result stay brighter for longer.
-
Consultation
We assess oral health, discuss expected outcomes and record your starting shade.
-
Digital scan and trays
Custom trays are made from a digital scan and you are shown how to use whitening gel safely at home.
-
Home whitening
You use trays as instructed for about 14 days, reporting any sensitivity concerns.
-
Review
We review shade, maintenance and any restoration colour mismatch.
Clinical assessment
What we check before starting whitening
Whitening only works well when the teeth are in the right condition to start. These are the factors we confirm at your suitability appointment.
- 01
Tooth and gum health
Decay, cracks and gum inflammation must be treated before whitening gel is applied.
- 02
Existing restorations and shade
Crowns, veneers and fillings do not lighten. We explain how your final shade will look alongside them.
- 03
Sensitivity history
If your teeth are already sensitive, we adjust the protocol and discuss desensitising options.
- 04
Expected result and maintenance
We set a realistic shade target and explain how long results typically last with home care.
Ask our principal dentist
Questions about teeth whitening suitability or results?
Hi there 👋, send a short message about your treatment question and we'll reply on WhatsApp as soon as we can.
Guide fees
Treatment fees
| Treatment | Fee |
|---|---|
| Professional home whitening kit | £450 |
| Typical course is around 14 days. We confirm suitability at consultation. Existing crowns and veneers do not lighten and may need replacing to match your new shade. | |
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
How white will my teeth get?
Results vary with your starting shade and how consistently you wear the trays. We record your starting shade at consultation and talk through what is realistic for your teeth before you commit, aiming for a natural-looking brighter result.
Will crowns or fillings whiten?
No, only natural enamel changes colour; restorations may need replacing to match.
How long do results last?
Years with maintenance top-ups; diet and smoking affect longevity.
Is sensitivity normal?
Mild temporary sensitivity is common and usually settles quickly.
Can I whiten if I have fillings?
Yes on natural teeth, we plan around visible restorations at the front.
Shop kits vs professional home whitening?
Professional systems use custom trays and clinically appropriate gel with dentist oversight.
How do I book a teeth whitening consultation at Bridge Dental?
Use our online booking link or call reception. We will confirm appointment length, what to bring, and whether any preparatory steps are needed.
Are guide fees fixed before treatment?
We provide written estimates from our published fee guide. If your clinical needs change after assessment, we discuss any difference before proceeding.
How long does home whitening take?
A typical home whitening course is around 14 days, using custom trays and dentist-prescribed gel. We supervise the protocol, help manage sensitivity, and review your shade rather than leaving you to guess with an off-the-shelf kit.