At-home teeth whitening

Very few people naturally have bright white teeth. Over time, it's normal for teeth to darken due to a range of everyday factors, including:

• Ageing
• Foods and drinks such as coffee, red wine, curry, balsamic vinegar and dark berries
• Smoking
• Certain medications or antibiotics
• Build-up of plaque or calculus (tartar)

Every smile is different. Before starting whitening, one of our Capel Dental Care dentists will carry out a full assessment to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy and that whitening is suitable for you.

This consultation allows us to:

• Check your dental health
• Discuss your expectations
• Record your current tooth shade
• Explain what results you can realistically expect

In some cases, whitening may need to be delayed until other dental treatment has been completed.

Your dentist will provide a customised whitening kit designed specifically for your smile.

The process includes:

• Taking impressions or scans of your teeth to create custom-made whitening trays
• Showing you how to use the trays and whitening gel safely at home
• Wearing the trays for several sessions, as advised by your dentist

Because the trays are made to fit your teeth precisely, the whitening gel is applied evenly and comfortably. Results appear gradually over a few weeks, allowing you to whiten at a pace that suits your lifestyle.

Teeth whitening results are not permanent, and how long they last varies from person to person. With good dental hygiene and by limiting foods and drinks that stain teeth, results can last several months to a few years.

Your dentist can also advise on safe top-up options if your teeth begin to darken over time.

• Limiting foods and drinks known to stain teeth, such as coffee, red wine and curry
• Rinsing your mouth with water after eating or drinking
• Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between your teeth
• Visiting your hygienist regularly for professional cleaning
• Attending routine dental check-ups so your dentist can monitor your dental health

Teeth whitening can only be carried out if you are dentally fit. A dental examination (charged separately) is required before treatment begins to assess suitability. For existing patients, this assessment may be included within your routine dental health check-up if discussed with your dentist in advance. Any additional dental treatment required before whitening will be charged separately.

Whitening treatment can only be conducted on patients who are dentally fit. A dental examination, charged additionally, is required prior to treatment commencing to assess suitability for treatment. For existing patients, this examination can be included within your usual dental exam at no additional fee, if you make this known to your Dentist. If additional dental work is required prior to treatment commencing, this will be charged in addition to the whitening treatment.