Teeth Whitening in Worthing
Dentist-Recommended Home Whitening Kit (Safe, Effective, Affordable)
If you want a brighter smile with predictable results, dentist-supervised home teeth whitening is usually the most reliable option. At our Worthing clinic, we provide custom-made whitening trays and professional whitening gel, with clear instructions and aftercare.
Clinic for Implant & Orthodontic Dentistry
7 Chapel Road, Worthing, West Sussex BN11 1EG
Call: 01903 821822
Why choose dentist-supervised whitening?
Safe
Teeth whitening is a dental procedure. Before whitening, we check your teeth and gums to make sure whitening is suitable and that there are no issues such as decay, leaking fillings, gum disease, or exposed roots that could cause discomfort.
Effective
With home whitening, the gel has time to work properly (often worn overnight or for set hours). That longer contact time is why home whitening commonly achieves better, more stable whitening than “one-hour” systems alone.
Affordable
We offer 0% interest finance to spread the cost. Long-term maintenance is usually simple: many patients only need a small top-up syringe occasionally (often around once a year, depending on lifestyle).
Teeth whitening cost?
For the most up-to-date fees, please visit our fees page.
What is a teeth whitening kit?
Teeth whitening (bleaching) lightens the natural colour of your teeth by several shades. It doesn’t make every tooth “brilliant white”, but it can significantly improve brightness and reduce yellowing and staining.
Why do teeth stain or look yellow?
Common causes include:
Tea, coffee, red wine, cola
Smoking / tobacco
Natural ageing (enamel thins and dentine shows through more)
Plaque build-up and poor oral hygiene
Some staining can be intrinsic (within the tooth) and may respond differently to whitening.
Professional teeth whitening: yes or no?
Yes — if it is dentist-supervised. Teeth whitening should only be provided by a regulated dental professional (for example, a dentist, hygienist, or therapist) under the prescription/supervision of a dentist.
Some salons and non-dental providers offer whitening illegally and this can put your teeth and gums at risk.
What happens during teeth whitening at our clinic?
Step 1: Assessment
We examine your teeth and gums and confirm suitability. If needed, we may recommend hygiene/gum treatment or repairs before whitening.
Step 2: Custom trays
We take impressions (or scans) and create custom whitening trays that fit your teeth closely.
Step 3: Home whitening
You apply the whitening gel in your trays at home for the instructed time period. We guide you on:
how much gel to use
how long to wear the trays
how to reduce sensitivity
what to avoid during whitening
Optional: In-practice “power” whitening
Some patients ask about laser/power whitening. It can help, but many people still need home whitening to complete or maintain the result, because home whitening gives the gel more time to work.
Are beauty salon whitening treatments safe?
We do not recommend salon whitening. If the provider is not a registered dental professional, it may be illegal and can increase the risk of sensitivity, burns, and gum irritation.
Is teeth whitening permanent?
No. Whitening results fade gradually and often last months to a few years, depending on habits (smoking, tea/coffee/red wine) and oral hygiene. Most patients maintain results with occasional top-ups.
Crowns, veneers, fillings, implants: will whitening work?
Whitening gel does not change the colour of:
crowns / bridges
fillings
veneers
dentures
If you have visible restorations (especially front teeth), we will discuss shade matching and whether you may want to replace restorations after whitening to match the new tooth colour.
Is teeth whitening gel safe?
Whitening is generally safe when supervised by a dentist. Possible temporary side effects include:
short-term tooth sensitivity
mild gum irritation (usually from excess gel)
Pregnancy: whitening is cosmetic, so we recommend postponing treatment during pregnancy.
Teeth whitening products (shop kits / DIY kits)
Over-the-counter kits may be less effective and can be higher risk if misused. For the safest approach and best results, we recommend dentist-supervised whitening with custom trays.
Whitening instructions
You can read our teeth whitening instruction booklet here, (Results vary from person to person).
Quick FAQs
Do I need a check-up before whitening? Yes. We assess your teeth and gums first to make sure whitening is safe and appropriate, and to check for issues such as decay, leaking fillings, gum disease, or exposed roots.
How long does home whitening take? Many patients notice changes within days. Full results often take 1–3 weeks depending on starting shade and staining.
Will whitening damage enamel? When used as instructed under dental supervision, whitening is not expected to damage enamel. We’ll also advise on sensitivity control.
Can I whiten if I have sensitive teeth? Often yes, with modified protocols and desensitising strategies. We’ll tailor the plan.
What should I avoid during whitening? During treatment (and for 48 hours after), try to avoid stain-causing foods/drinks such as tea, coffee, red wine, curry, and berries, and avoid smoking.
Will whitening work if my teeth are stained from antibiotics (e.g., tetracycline)? It can help, but results may be limited and often take longer. We’ll advise honestly after your assessment.
Can teenagers have teeth whitening? Whitening is usually not suitable for children. For teenagers, it depends on age, tooth development and clinical factors—please book an assessment for tailored advice.
What if I get gum irritation? This is usually caused by too much gel or trays overfilled. We’ll show you exactly how much to use and how to clean the trays. If irritation happens, stop for a day or two and contact us for advice.
Do I need hygiene cleaning before whitening? Sometimes. If there is heavy staining or tartar, a hygiene clean can improve the final result and helps the whitening trays fit better.
Suggested internal links:
Areas we welcome patients from Worthing, Lancing, Goring-by-Sea, Broadwater, Findon, Shoreham-by-Sea.