Is teeth whitening suitable for everyone?

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that is suitable for most people aged over 18, but not if you have gum disease, are pregnant or are breastfeeding. It is not effective on false teeth, crowns, veneers or fillings (including white fillings), so you may have to consider replacing these with paler ones to match the colour of your brighter teeth.

What is the teeth whitening agent used?

The teeth whitening agent used by the dentists at Farnham-based Elmsleigh House is carbamide peroxide. This is applied as a gel to mouth trays that are custom made to fit around your teeth precisely. The carbamide peroxide penetrates the enamel of your teeth and oxidises the pigment bonds in the dentine, which brightens your teeth without damaging them.

Are there any side effects of teeth whitening?

The gels used in teeth whitening may occasionally cause teeth sensitivity during treatment. If this occurs it is transient and will not cause you to have sensitive teeth afterwards. Your dentist will advise you on how to manage sensitivity if it occurs, and may suggest adjusting the duration of time or frequency of wearing your mouth trays, using toothpaste for sensitive teeth that contains potassium nitrate, or avoiding acidic drinks and fruit that can cause sensitivity.

How can I look after my teeth to ensure they stay white?

To help your teeth stay as white as possible you should limit any food and drinks that can stain them, such as deeply coloured fruit and sauces, tea, coffee and red wine. In addition, you should avoid smoking, especially within the first hour after whitening, and you should brush your teeth well at least twice a day, and visit your dentist and hygienist for regular check-ups.

How long will the effects of whitening last?

The whitening effects depend on many factors, such as your age, the shade of white you require and your dietary habits. The gels we prescribe for your initial teeth whitening treatment should keep your teeth brighter for about a year (depending on the shade you require). However, you can easily maintain your desired colour by purchasing additional gel to ‘top-up’ the treatment as required.

How much does teeth whitening cost at Elmsleigh House?

Teeth whitening costs £495 to brighten your teeth, which includes all appointments with your dentist, your bespoke mouth trays and a supply of whitening gel to achieve your brighter shade.

To ‘top-up’ your treatment and restore your brighter shade later on, you simply buy extra tubes of whitening gel at a cost of £20 each.

Click to read our information leaflet about teeth whitening, which also includes some other frequently asked questions.

What is the teeth whitening process at Elmsleigh House?

Teeth whitening usually takes three short visits to Elmsleigh House in Farnham to tailor the teeth whitening process to suit you:

Fast-setting dental material is used to take impressions of your teeth, which are used to make custom-made, high-quality mouth trays that fit you precisely.
You will return to collect your mouth trays and be shown how to apply the whitening gel to the trays and fit them in place. You will need to apply the whitening gel to your mouth trays and wear them for around two hours each day, or overnight if you prefer, until you have achieved your desired shade; this normally takes two to three weeks.
After this time, your dentist will ensure you are happy with the results and will take a photograph of your brighter smile.

Stains can reappear on your teeth after a year or two, especially if you smoke or drink tea, coffee or red wine; you simply purchase extra tubes of whitening gel to ‘top up’ the treatment for a few days until your brighter teeth are restored.

What are the benefits of teeth whitening at Elmsleigh House?

Elmsleigh House is a dental surgery that has been operating for more than 30 years in Farnham, Surrey.

Our experienced dentists will take time to listen to what you want to achieve and will ensure you are satisfied with your natural-looking, brighter smile.

Our teeth whitening agent improves the appearance of your teeth without damaging your enamel, and is a safe and effective way to brighten your teeth.

Our dentists offer an extensive range of cosmetic dental treatments, as well as braces to straighten teeth and dental implants to replace missing teeth.

Find out more about our full range of treatments by clicking here.

To book your initial teeth whitening consultation, call the Welcome team on 01252 713797 or click here to request a callback online.

Good to know: In 2011 it became illegal for anybody other than a dental professional to carry out teeth whitening in the UK.

Read our blog for more information by clicking here.