Teeth whitening in Bushey at Caspian Dental Clinic uses Boutique Whitening, a professional home whitening system. We take impressions of your teeth to make custom trays that fit you closely, and you whiten at home with gel prescribed by your dentist.
It’s a gentle, gradual way to lighten your natural teeth, for a brighter smile that still looks like yours rather than a flat, unnatural white.
Teeth whitening and the law
In the UK, teeth whitening is dentistry. It can only legally be provided by a dentist, or by a registered dental professional working to a dentist’s prescription. Professional products can contain or release up to 6% hydrogen peroxide, and you must be 18 or over.
Whitening products that can be sold directly to the public are limited to no more than 0.1% hydrogen peroxide, so they are far weaker than professional gels.
The risks of beautician and kiosk whitening
Whitening by anyone who isn’t a registered dental professional is illegal, and it can do real harm. Without an examination, decay, leaking fillings or gum disease can be missed. Products of unknown strength can burn the gums or cause lasting sensitivity, and poorly fitting trays let gel spread where it shouldn’t.
Is whitening right for you?
Whitening lightens the colour of natural teeth from within. It tends to work well on general yellowing and on staining built up over years of tea, coffee or red wine. Results vary, and some teeth respond more slowly than others.
Whitening may not be suitable, or may need to wait, if you:
- are under 18
- are pregnant or breastfeeding
- have untreated decay, gum disease or exposed roots
- already have very sensitive teeth
We check all of this at your assessment.
What whitening can’t do
Whitening doesn’t change the colour of crowns, fillings, veneers or bonding. If you have visible restorations at the front, they may look darker against your whitened teeth and need replacing to match, at extra cost.
Some deeper discolouration, for example from certain medicines taken in childhood, may only partly improve. For these, composite bonding or porcelain veneers may be worth discussing.
Stains or natural shade? Sometimes a clean comes first
Surface stains from coffee, tea, red wine or smoking sit on the outside of teeth, and a professional clean can often lift them; whitening changes the shade of the tooth itself. A hygiene appointment first shows your true starting colour, and may be all you need. One patient wrote after a clean:
“Amazing! The dentist managed to get really tough horrible coffee stains and my teeth came out shiny and back to their white colour! … I look forward to coming to you for my next clean!”
Dilyana, Google review
Teeth whitening in Bushey, step by step
Assessment
We examine your teeth and gums, note any fillings or crowns that won’t change colour, and record your starting shade. If you need a clean or any treatment first, we’ll explain why.
Impressions
We take impressions of your upper and lower teeth. These are used to make thin, flexible trays shaped to your teeth.
Fitting your trays
We check the fit of your trays and show you how much gel to use, how to put the trays in and how long to wear them.
Whitening at home
You wear the trays with your prescribed gel at home, typically for a couple of weeks. How long you wear them each day, and for how many days, depends on the product and how your teeth respond, so we’ll tailor this to you.
Review
We check your new shade, ask about any sensitivity and advise you on keeping your result. Keep your trays safe, as they can be used for future top-ups.
Does whitening hurt? Sensitivity explained
Whitening involves no injections or drilling. The most common side effect is sensitivity: a temporary, sometimes sharp twinge, especially with cold drinks. Some people also notice mild gum irritation where gel has touched the gums.
These effects usually settle within a few days of finishing or pausing treatment. If you’re affected, we may suggest a toothpaste for sensitive teeth, shorter wear times or a short break. If you’re worried while whitening, call us on 01923 254979.
Keeping your result: maintenance and top-ups
Whitening isn’t permanent. How long it lasts depends largely on your diet and whether you smoke. Occasional top-ups, using your existing trays and a little extra gel, can help you keep your shade, and regular hygiene visits remove surface stains before they build up.
Diet tips during and after whitening
- During treatment, limit strongly coloured food and drink such as coffee, tea, red wine, cola, curry and berries, especially straight after wearing your trays.
- When you do have them, rinse with water afterwards, and use a straw for cold drinks.
- Avoid smoking, which stains teeth quickly and harms your gums.
- After acidic food or drink, wait a while before brushing to protect your enamel.
Cost, and why patients choose Caspian
Professional whitening costs from £510. We’ll confirm your fee and exactly what’s included at your assessment, before you commit. Whitening can also be part of a larger plan, such as a smile makeover. You can see all our fees on our prices page.
You’ll see Dr Kimia Mirzakhani, our principal dentist, who has more than 25 years’ experience. We’re open on Saturdays and about 100 yards from Bushey station, which makes us easy to reach from Watford.
“I have no hesitation scoring this practice 5 out of 5 as highly recommend for cosmetic/Dental treatments. Also I am already going back for my teeth whitening”
Rose, Google review
Teeth whitening FAQs
How much does teeth whitening cost in Bushey?
Professional home whitening at Caspian Dental Clinic starts from £510. Your exact fee is confirmed at your assessment, before you commit to treatment.
How long does teeth whitening last?
It varies from person to person. Results fade gradually, and sooner if you often drink tea, coffee or red wine, or smoke. Occasional top-ups with your existing trays can help you maintain your shade.
Will whitening make my teeth sensitive?
It can. Sensitivity is common during whitening but is usually temporary, settling once you finish or pause. We can adjust how you wear your trays and recommend a toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
Will whitening change the colour of my crowns or fillings?
No. Whitening only works on natural teeth, so crowns, fillings, veneers and bonding stay the same colour. We’ll point out any that might need replacing to match your new shade.
Is teeth whitening at a beauty salon safe?
Whitening by anyone other than a registered dental professional is illegal in the UK. Without an examination and properly fitting trays, there’s a risk of gum burns, sensitivity and dental problems being missed.