Teeth Whitening in Grays & Chafford Hundred

Your fee depends on what your course needs, such as custom trays, the number of gel syringes and a review visit. Your dentist confirms it in writing after your free consultation (a £20 holding deposit secures your slot, and it's taken off your treatment or refunded), before any treatment starts, so you know exactly what is included. Top-up gel for later use can be bought separately when you need it.

Whitening is regarded as safe when it is prescribed and supervised by a registered dental professional and used as directed. We check your teeth and gums first, because decay, gum problems or exposed roots can make whitening uncomfortable. We also review how you are getting on, so any sensitivity can be managed early.

Some people notice temporary sensitivity, usually short twinges with cold drinks, which tends to settle when they pause or finish treatment. Your dentist will explain how to use your trays, may suggest a desensitising toothpaste, and will tell you what to do if it happens. With home trays you can take a break for a day if needed.

No. Whitening only lightens natural teeth. Crowns, veneers, bonding and white fillings keep their original shade, so after whitening they can look darker than the teeth around them. If you have visible dental work on your front teeth, your dentist will talk you through options such as polishing, repairing or replacing it to match.

Results vary from person to person and depend on your lifestyle, for example how much tea, coffee or red wine you drink and whether you smoke. Teeth gradually pick up colour again over months and years. Your custom trays can be reused with top-up gel as advised, which is a simple way to keep your shade.

Products sold to the public are limited by law to 0.1% hydrogen peroxide, so the change they make is small, and some products sold online use acids or other agents that can harm enamel. A dentist-led treatment starts with a check-up, uses custom trays and prescribed gel, and includes a review.

Many people notice a change within the first week of wearing their trays, with a fuller result after around two weeks, but it varies with your starting shade and the type of staining. We record your starting shade with photos so you can see the change clearly at your review.

Usually yes. Composite and porcelain are matched to your tooth shade and do not change colour afterwards, so whitening first lets the new work be matched to your brighter teeth. We normally wait a short while after whitening for the colour to settle before matching. Your dentist will explain the timing for your plan.

Often yes, with care. Tell your dentist about any sensitivity at your examination. They may suggest a lower-strength gel, shorter wear times or a desensitising toothpaste before and during treatment. Home whitening lets you pause for a day or two if your teeth feel sensitive, which many people with sensitive teeth find helpful.

A single dark tooth is often discoloured from the inside, for example after a knock or a root filling, so tray whitening alone may not even it out. Depending on the cause, options can include internal whitening, bonding or a veneer or crown. Your dentist will examine the tooth, may take an X-ray and will explain the options.

Whitening is usually postponed during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, as a precaution. It is a cosmetic treatment, so there is no harm in waiting. You can still come in for your check-up and hygiene visits, and we can plan whitening for later. Your dentist will advise you.

UK rules mean whitening products above 0.1% hydrogen peroxide must not be used on anyone under 18, except where it is wholly to treat or prevent disease. So cosmetic whitening is for adults. If a teenager is unhappy with the colour of a tooth, we can examine it and explain the options.

Yes, when it is provided by a dentist or by a dental professional working under a dentist's prescription. UK rules limit whitening products containing more than 0.1% hydrogen peroxide to dental professionals, which is why salons, kiosks and online sellers cannot legally offer the stronger gels a dentist can prescribe.

UK rules allow dentists to prescribe products releasing up to 6% hydrogen peroxide (carbamide peroxide gels release less peroxide than their stated percentage). Your dentist chooses the product and concentration that suits your teeth and any sensitivity, and explains how to use it.

Under UK rules, whitening with peroxide above 0.1% may only be carried out by registered dental professionals. A dentist also checks for decay, gum problems and old fillings first, which can affect whether whitening is suitable and what result to expect.

Over-the-counter products are limited in strength by law, so changes tend to be small, and some products sold online may not comply with UK rules. Whitening toothpastes mainly remove surface stain. Your dentist can explain what to expect from each option for your teeth.

Home whitening uses custom trays and a prescribed gel worn over a couple of weeks. In-practice whitening applies gel in the surgery over a single longer visit. Our approach is custom-tray home whitening, planned and checked by a dentist. Your dentist will explain which suits your teeth and timescales.

It depends on the gel prescribed. Some are worn overnight, others for shorter periods during the day. Your dentist will tell you how long to wear them and for how many days, and when to come back for a check.

Many people limit strongly coloured food and drink, such as tea, coffee, red wine, curry and dark sauces, while they are whitening, and avoid smoking. Your dentist will give you aftercare guidance with your trays. Drinking through a straw and rinsing with water can also help. Once treatment ends, occasional top-ups can help keep the shade you are happy with.

Prescribed whitening, used as directed under a dentist's supervision, is regarded as safe for enamel. Problems are more likely with unregulated products or overuse. We check your teeth before starting and review how you are getting on. It is sensible to follow the wear times you are given.

Common causes include ageing, tea, coffee, red wine, smoking and some foods. Some discolouration comes from inside the tooth, for example after an injury, certain medicines in childhood or a root filling. The cause affects how well whitening works, which is why we examine first.

Deep internal staining can be harder to lighten and may take longer or respond only partly. In some cases, bonding or veneers may be discussed instead. Your dentist will look at the type of staining and explain realistic options. Some stains only partly respond to whitening.

Gum problems and decay are usually treated first, because whitening gel on unhealthy gums or open cavities can cause discomfort. We check your teeth and gums before planning whitening. This also means any treatment needed can be done before you start whitening, and your dentist can explain how long to wait before beginning. In many cases a hygiene visit beforehand also helps, by removing surface stain and tartar.

Yes. Custom trays can usually be reused with top-up gel as advised by your dentist, as long as they still fit. If you have dental work done that changes your teeth, the trays may need remaking. Bring your trays to check-ups if you would like the fit checked. Keep them clean and in their case, away from heat, so they do not warp.

Results depend on your starting shade, and the aim is a brighter version of your own teeth. Your dentist records your starting shade and talks through realistic expectations before you begin. Very bright shades can look out of place against crowns, fillings or bonding that do not whiten, which is one reason we plan the shade carefully and talk about existing dental work first.

You can, but smoking re-stains teeth quickly, so results may fade sooner and top-ups may be needed more often. Smoking also affects gum health, which we check before whitening. Your dentist will talk about realistic expectations and how to keep your result for longer.

No. Whitening gel does not change the colour of denture teeth. If your denture teeth look darker than your natural teeth, or you would like a brighter denture, a new or adjusted denture may be an option. We provide dentures at the practice and can talk this through.

A tooth that has darkened after a root filling is discoloured from the inside, so tray whitening alone may not match it to its neighbours. Internal whitening, bonding, a veneer or a crown may be discussed instead. Your dentist will examine the tooth and explain what could work.

Message us on WhatsApp on 07300 421405 or call 01375 481000. We are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, and Saturday by appointment. We are on Drake Road in Chafford Hundred with parking outside. You can send us your questions on WhatsApp before booking, and we will explain what happens at the consultation.

Yes. Chafford Aligners, Smile Tweak, Invisalign®, Angel Aligner™ and Spark™ treatment at our practice all include a professional home whitening kit.

Custom trays are made from a scan or impression of your teeth, so they fit closely, hold the gel where it's needed and help keep it off your gums.

Yes. Whitening is prescribed by a dentist, so we need to check your teeth and gums ourselves first. For whitening this is a free consultation (a £20 holding deposit secures your slot, and it's taken off your treatment or refunded).

Allow several weeks so there's time for your trays to be made, your whitening course and a review. If you're also planning bonding, whiten first, as composite doesn't change colour.

Follow the storage instructions that come with your gel and keep it out of reach of children.

Often yes. Your trays are made to fit around it. Your dentist checks your teeth and the retainer first.

Yes. Most whitening is done at home with your custom trays, so you only need short visits to the practice, about a mile from Grays with on-site parking.

Sometimes it makes them less noticeable, and sometimes they stand out more at first. Your dentist explains other options, such as bonding, if needed.

Small amounts are not usually a concern, but use only the amount your dentist shows you and wipe away any excess. Ask us if you're unsure.

We record your starting shade at your first visit so you can compare at your review. Results vary with your starting shade and the type of staining.