Thinking about whitening your teeth? You’re not alone. A brighter smile can make a big difference to how you look and feel – and there are more options than ever. From over-the-counter whitening strips to safe, professional treatment at a dental clinic, it can be hard to know what actually works.
At Toothcare Dental, we offer professional teeth whitening to private patients across Medway – including Gillingham, Chatham, Sittingbourne, Rochester, Stroud and Maidstone. This guide will walk you through the pros and cons of at-home and in-practice whitening, what causes stains in the first place, and how to get the best results safely.
Teeth whitening has become increasingly popular, especially among younger adults. According to the Oral Health Foundation, around 4 in 10 people under the age of 35 have already had their teeth whitened. Another 48% are planning to do so in the next year. In fact, two-thirds of Brits have actively considered whitening, and a third say they want visibly whiter teeth.
A 2023 cosmetic dentistry survey also found that 45% of UK adults want whiter teeth to improve their smile – making it the most in-demand cosmetic dental treatment, ahead of Invisalign aligners and veneers.
Teeth naturally darken over time – it’s part of the ageing process. But plenty of other things can leave your smile looking dull or stained:
Even if you brush well, everyday habits can build up surface stains and discolouration deep in the enamel. That’s where whitening treatment comes in.
There’s no shortage of whitening products you can buy online or in shops – strips, pens, gels, LED lights – and they often promise quick results. But how do they stack up against professional whitening from your dentist?
| Feature | At-Home Kits | Professional Whitening |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | Low-concentration bleaching agents | Stronger, dentist-approved formulas |
| Safety | Risk of irritation or uneven results | Carefully controlled and supervised |
| Effectiveness | Can improve surface stains slightly | More noticeable and longer-lasting |
| Custom fit | One-size trays (or none) | Custom-moulded trays for better fit |
| Cost | Cheaper upfront | Better long-term value |
| Speed | Slower, with mixed results | Faster and more predictable outcomes |
Professional whitening may cost more initially, but the results are more reliable, safer, and personalised to your smile.
We offer Boutique Whitening at Toothcare Dental – it’s a trusted system used by dentists across the UK. The beauty of it? You get to whiten your teeth at home, but with professional support from start to finish.
There are two ways to go about it:
We’ll help you choose which option fits your lifestyle and explain exactly how it works.
With either option, many patients achieve a noticeably brighter smile – often reaching what’s known as the B1 shade, the lightest natural tooth colour on the dental shade guide.
Here’s how the process usually goes:
1. Consultation – We start by checking your teeth and gums are healthy enough for whitening. We’ll also talk about what kind of results you’re hoping for.
2. Impressions – If you’re suitable for whitening, we take impressions of your teeth to make custom-fit trays that hold the whitening gel in place comfortably and evenly.
3. Treatment – You’ll use your Boutique Whitening trays as directed, depending on the day or night option you choose. We’ll explain everything clearly so you know what to expect.
4. Review – We’ll check in with you to see how things are going and make sure you’re happy with the results.
There’s a lot of misinformation floating around when it comes to teeth whitening. Let’s clear up a few of the most common myths:
Getting accurate information from a qualified and regulated dentist is the best way to make a decision that’s safe and effective.
When done properly under the care of a dental professional – yes, absolutely. Whitening systems we provide are regulated, evidence-based and used all over the UK. Some people may feel mild sensitivity during treatment, but this usually fades after a few days.
The same can’t always be said for online or high-street kits, which can contain unregulated or abrasive ingredients that may damage your enamel.
Once you’ve whitened your teeth, a few simple habits can help keep them looking brighter for longer:
You can also top up your whitening results from time to time using your custom trays – we’ll show you how.
You can be sure that you are in the hands of an experienced team of dental professionals here at Toothcare Dental. Just a few reasons why you may want to consider us for your dental treatment.
Prices at Toothcare Dental start from £589.00, and we offer 0% finance plans to help you spread the cost. Everything will be explained during your consultation – no hidden fees, no pressure. Learn more about private dental fees.
We’re always happy to chat about whitening or any other treatment. Whether you just want to freshen up your smile or go a few shades brighter, we’ll help you do it safely, under expert supervision, and with results that last. Call us on 01634 232 204 or visit our teeth whitening page to find out more.
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