Brighter, whiter teeth - the gentle way
Few things lift a smile quite like a professional whitening treatment. Our gentle, take-home approach delivers beautiful results without the harshness of in-chair whitening.
What is professional teeth whitening?
Professional teeth whitening uses safe, carefully measured whitening gel to gently lift years of staining from your natural tooth enamel. It works on the deeper, intrinsic colour of your teeth - which over-the-counter products simply can't reach.
Why people in Richmond choose professional whitening
There's a noticeable difference between supermarket whitening kits and what we offer at Richmond Hill Dental. Professional-strength gel, custom-made trays moulded precisely to your teeth, and proper dental supervision throughout - that's the combination that genuinely works, safely.
Why we don't offer in-chair whitening
It's a question we get often. We've made a deliberate choice to focus on gentle take-home whitening systems rather than in-chair (also called "power") whitening. The reason is simple - take-home whitening is kinder to your teeth, produces beautifully predictable results, and tends to last longer with less sensitivity along the way.
The two systems we offer
We've carefully selected two of the most respected whitening systems in the UK. The right one for you depends on your starting shade, sensitivity and goals:
- Boutique whitening - a beautifully gentle daily or overnight system, ideal for most patients looking for a noticeably brighter smile
- Enlighten - the deepest whitening system available in the UK, with a unique guarantee to reach the lightest natural tooth shade
How does take-home whitening work?
We take precise digital impressions of your teeth and craft custom-made whitening trays that fit you perfectly. You'll wear them at home with a small amount of professional-strength whitening gel - usually for one to two weeks - and watch your teeth gradually become several shades whiter.
Your whitening journey at Richmond Hill Dental
We've made every step calm, considered and properly supported. Here's what to expect.
Step 1 - Whitening consultation
You'll have a dedicated consultation where we'll examine your teeth, discuss your goals, and recommend whether Boutique or Enlighten suits you best. Any decay or gum issues need treating first for safe results.
Step 2 - Hygiene visit if needed
Most patients benefit from a hygiene visit beforehand, which lifts surface staining and ensures the whitening gel can work as effectively as possible.
Step 3 - Custom tray creation
We'll take digital scans of your teeth using our iTero scanner (no messy impressions), then craft your custom whitening trays to fit beautifully and comfortably.
Step 4 - Begin whitening at home
Once your trays and gel are ready, we'll show you exactly how to use them at home. Most patients see noticeable results within a few days, with full results after one to two weeks.
Step 5 - Review and aftercare
We'll see you for a review appointment to assess your results, top up any final whitening if needed, and give you guidance on keeping your new shade beautifully bright.
Will whitening cause sensitivity?
Some patients experience mild, temporary sensitivity during whitening, which usually settles within a day or two of finishing. We use gentle, well-formulated gels that minimise this, and we'll always coach you on managing it - including using sensitive toothpaste in the run-up to treatment.
How long do the results last?
Beautifully, with proper care. Most patients enjoy whiter teeth for one to three years before considering a top-up. Avoiding heavy tea, coffee, red wine and tobacco will keep your results brighter for longer.
How much does teeth whitening cost in Richmond?
We're a fully private practice with transparent, upfront pricing:
- Tooth whitening - from £500
- Hygiene visit (recommended beforehand) - from £105
- Cosmetic consultation - included with new patient examination
Frequently asked Questions
Will whitening damage my teeth?
No - professional whitening, carried out under dental supervision, is genuinely safe for your teeth and enamel. The gentle whitening gel works through the enamel without weakening it, and any sensitivity is temporary.
How white will my teeth go?
Most patients lift their teeth by several shades, usually four to eight on the standard shade guide. Enlighten in particular is famous for guaranteeing to reach the lightest natural shade, which is often whiter than patients expect.
Will whitening work on crowns or veneers?
Can I whiten my teeth if I'm having other cosmetic treatment?
Yes, and it's often the right order. Most patients whiten first, then have composite bonding or veneers afterwards - so the new work can be matched to your brighter shade.
Is whitening safe during pregnancy?
We always recommend waiting until after pregnancy and breastfeeding. There's no clear evidence of harm, but the lack of long-term studies means we'd rather err on the side of caution.
How soon can I drink coffee or red wine after whitening?
For the first 48 hours, avoid heavily staining foods and drinks - tea, coffee, red wine, curries, berries and tobacco. After that, you can return to normal, though using a straw for staining drinks helps your results last longer.