Cosmetic, Implant and General DentistryTeeth Whitening
We offer professional ZOOM teeth whitening at our Luton practice, a dentist-supervised treatment that's a different proposition from over-the-counter whitening strips or kits, both in strength and in the fact that it's carried out and monitored by a dental professional throughout.
Your Whitening Appointment, Minute by Minute
The appointment takes around 60-90 minutes. We protect your gums, apply a whitening gel to your teeth, and activate it using the ZOOM light in several short sessions during the visit. Most patients see a noticeable difference by the end of the appointment, though the exact result varies from person to person depending on your starting shade and the cause of any discolouration — we’ll talk through realistic expectations for your teeth specifically at your consultation, rather than promising a fixed result.
Who Whitening Suits Best
Whitening works on natural tooth enamel it won’t change the colour of existing crowns, veneers or fillings, so if you have visible restorative work on your front teeth, it’s worth discussing this with your dentist first, as whitening alone may leave a mismatch. Some mild, temporary sensitivity in the day or two after treatment is common and usually settles on its own.
How to Keep Your Whitening Results Longer
Whitening isn’t permanent; how long it lasts depends on your diet and habits (coffee, tea, red wine and smoking all cause staining to return faster). Many patients top up with a shorter maintenance treatment roughly once a year.
Whitening fees
| Treatment | Fee |
|---|---|
| Home Whitening (ZOOM) | £350 |
1. How does tooth whitening work?
Tooth whitening lightens the natural colour of your teeth without removing any tooth surface. It’s a popular way to address the gradual staining and discolouration that most people experience over time.
2. Why do teeth become discoloured?
Teeth naturally vary in shade from person to person, and can darken with age. Surface staining is commonly caused by food and drink such as tea, coffee, red wine and blackcurrant, as well as smoking. Staining beneath the tooth surface can also occur, sometimes linked to certain antibiotics or tiny cracks in the tooth that take up stains over time.
3. Do you offer in-practice teeth whitening?
Following European legislation, the higher-concentration whitening products previously used for in-practice treatments such as Zoom or laser whitening are no longer permitted. Please ask our dentist about the whitening options currently available at our practice.
4. How long does teeth whitening last?
Results can last up to around three years, though this varies from person to person. Whitening is likely to last for a shorter time if you smoke or regularly eat or drink foods that stain teeth. Our dentist can give you a more personalised idea of what to expect during your consultation.
5. Are there any side effects of teeth whitening?
Some people experience temporary sensitivity to cold, gum discomfort, a sore throat, or white patches along the gum line. These effects are usually short-lived and tend to settle within a few days of finishing treatment. If any symptoms persist, please contact our dentist.
6. Can I use a home whitening kit instead of visiting the practice?
Home kits can be a more affordable option, but because whitening is a clinical procedure, we recommend consulting our dentist before starting any treatment. Some kits sold online may not contain enough active ingredient to be effective, and others may contain mild acids or abrasives. Dentist-supervised home whitening kits are available at our Luton practice.
7. Do whitening toothpastes work?
Whitening toothpastes don’t change the natural colour of your teeth, but they may help remove surface staining, which can improve the overall appearance of your teeth. They can also help maintain results after a professional whitening treatment.
8. Will whitening work on crowns, veneers or dentures?
No. Tooth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel and cannot change the colour of crowns, veneers, or dentures. If these are stained, our dentist can advise whether they can be cleaned or whether replacement may be needed.
9. How can I keep my teeth white after treatment?
Reducing how often you consume staining foods and drinks, and stopping smoking, can help maintain your results for longer. We also recommend brushing twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, cutting down on sugary food and drink, and attending regular dental check-ups.
10. How much does teeth whitening cost?
Home Whitening (ZOOM) at U Smile Dental costs £350. We recommend a consultation with our dentist to confirm suitability and discuss what results you may realistically expect before starting treatment.