Teeth Whitening in Leeds
Professional teeth whitening lightens the natural shade of your teeth using custom-made trays and a controlled dose of whitening gel. In the UK, tooth whitening is a dental procedure and can only legally be carried out by, or under the prescription of, a registered dental professional. Twilight Dental provides whitening at our clinic in Woodhouse, Leeds.
What professional whitening involves
- An examination first. Decay, gum disease and leaking fillings are treated before whitening starts.
- Custom trays made from impressions or a scan, so the gel sits on the teeth and not the gums.
- A prescribed gel, used at home over a set number of nights or days.
- Gradual, controllable change — you stop when you reach a shade you are happy with.
- Existing fillings, crowns and veneers do not lighten, so these may need replacing to match afterwards.
- Starts with a £24 consultation, including examination and any X-rays needed.
Why beauty-salon whitening is not the same thing
Only registered dental professionals may legally whiten teeth in the UK, and only they can assess whether your teeth are healthy enough to whiten. Salon and kiosk treatments carried out by non-dentists are illegal, and the products sold online often either contain far too little active ingredient to do anything or far too much, with a real risk of chemical burns to the gums and permanent sensitivity. A dentist checks the cause of the discolouration first, which matters, because some stains do not respond to whitening at all.
What causes discoloured teeth
Surface staining
Tea, coffee, red wine, curry and smoking. Often improved substantially by a hygiene visit alone.
Age-related darkening
Enamel thins over time and the yellower dentine beneath shows through. Responds well to whitening.
A single dark tooth
Usually a tooth whose nerve has died. Needs assessment and often internal whitening or a crown instead.
Tetracycline and fluorosis
Banding and mottling from medication or fluoride in childhood. Responds slowly and partially; veneers may suit better.
How the treatment runs
- Assessment. We check the health of the teeth and gums, identify the cause of the discolouration and record your starting shade.
- Hygiene first where needed. Removing surface staining and plaque gives a more even result.
- Custom trays are made to fit your teeth precisely.
- Whitening at home with the prescribed gel, following the instructions we give you.
- Review. We check the result, deal with any sensitivity, and discuss whether any existing restorations now need matching.
Sensitivity and how to manage it
- Some sensitivity during whitening is common and almost always temporary.
- A high-fluoride or desensitising toothpaste used before and during treatment helps considerably.
- Taking a night off between applications is better than pushing through.
- Avoid very hot and very cold food and drink while whitening.
- Tell us if sensitivity is severe — the regime can be adjusted rather than abandoned.
Whitening and cosmetic work
Whitening changes only natural tooth structure. Crowns, veneers, composite bonding and white fillings stay exactly the shade they were made. If you are planning bonding, veneers or a new crown on a front tooth, whiten first, let the shade stabilise for around two weeks, then match the new work to it. Doing it the other way round is the most common reason people end up unhappy with the colour.
Teeth whitening — your questions answered
How white will my teeth get?
Most people lighten by several shades. The realistic outcome depends on your starting shade and the cause of the discolouration, and we will show you the likely range at the consultation.
How long does it last?
Typically one to three years, longer if you avoid heavy staining and use occasional top-ups with your existing trays.
Does whitening damage enamel?
Whitening prescribed and supervised by a dentist at legal concentrations does not damage enamel. Unregulated products used without assessment can cause real harm.
Can I whiten if I have crowns or fillings?
You can, but they will not change colour. We will plan for whether they need replacing afterwards to match.
Can I whiten while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Whitening is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It is straightforward to postpone.
I have one dark tooth. Will whitening fix it?
Often not with normal whitening. A single dark tooth is usually non-vital and may need internal whitening, a veneer or a crown. We would assess it with an X-ray first.
Is whitening available on the NHS?
Only in rare clinical circumstances. Cosmetic whitening is a private treatment; our fees are on the price list.
Whiten your teeth safely and legally
Book a £24 consultation for an examination and a realistic assessment of what whitening will achieve for you. Call 0113 819 7865.
