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Proven whitening techniques for a brighter, whiter smile

We receive a great deal of enquiries about teeth whitening from people all over St Albans and Hertfordshire – and with good reason. This increasingly popular treatment can offer extremely good results in a relatively short space of time and our patients frequently tell us how much more confident they feel when the treatment is complete.

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It’s a simple fact of life that everyone’s teeth tend to get darker as we grow older. Of course, the natural process of whiteness loss can be accelerated by drinking, tea, coffee or cola, as well as by smoking or eating many types of foods. Brushing or polishing is essential for good oral health, but won’t be enough to prevent the darkening of your teeth over time. But teeth whitening certainly can make a big difference.

Meet the dentist

Rachna Dattani, Dentist

Rashna graduated in dentistry from the University of Bristol in 2006 and completed a four-year MSc in Restorative dentistry at the prestigious Eastman Dental Institute in 2022. Rachna perseveres with her interest in restorative dentistry and would like to build on her background in tooth wear and cosmetic dentistry. Her approach to treating patients is holistic with attention to detail and reassurance towards dentally anxious patients, using mindful techniques to put patients’ anxieties to rest. Read more

How teeth whitening works

Teeth whitening is a process where the tooth discolouration is ‘whitened’ to a lighter shade. It removes staining and discolouration through the use of safe chemical agents. It is a risk-free procedure when carried out under professional supervision – teeth whitening doesn’t involve any drilling and you won’t even need an anaesthetic. You can also rest assured that teeth whitening does not harm or weaken your teeth in any way.

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A thorough approach to teeth whitening at St Peter’s Lodge

When you come to see us here at our St Alban’s practice we’ll carefully examine your teeth before recommending a teeth whitening method which will be right for you. This examination will establish the nature and cause of your tooth discolouration. We’ll then talk through the various types of whitening procedures available, making sure you know just what’s involved and how long your course of treatment will take.

    Ask us a question

    Our patients often tell us how pleased they are by the natural-looking whiteness of their teeth. The degree of whiteness achieved usually depends on how severe the discolouration was in the first place. We can whiten both live teeth and teeth which have had their roots removed, though several visits may be needed to achieve the results you’re looking for. One more thing: you should be aware that teeth whitening won’t work on dental restorations such as amalgam fillings, metal or porcelain crowns… just teeth!

    To find out more and book an appointment please call us on 01727 853160 or complete our online booking form.


    Frequently asked questions:

    How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

    Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure that removes stains and discolouration to “whiten” your teeth to a lighter shade. We can whiten your teeth using safe chemical agents that won’t cause sensitivity and are pain-free. This procedure also doesn’t involve drilling or shaving and won’t require an anaesthetic.

    At our practice, we offer Philips Zoom! in-house whitening to lift your teeth up to 6 shades whiter. We’ll apply a safe hydrogen peroxide gel to your teeth, activated by a special light. This light helps to dissolve the hydrogen peroxide into smaller molecules that penetrate the teeth and remove stains and discolouration. We can adjust the intensity of the light to suit your needs, and the treatment typically takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes to complete. So you can leave our office in no time with teeth that are several shades brighter.

    How Long Does Teeth Whitening Results Last?

    Philips Zoom! whitening treatment is powerfully designed to give long-lasting results. However, how long you’ll maintain these results depends on your lifestyle. Consuming foods and drinks that stain teeth or smoking will discolour them again.

    Can Teeth Whitening Damage My Teeth?

    Some whitening products include harsh ingredients, such as lemon juice, citric acid and bicarbonate soda, that will damage your tooth enamel in the long term. Whereas Philips Zoom! whitening contains safe levels of hydrogen peroxide, which is gentle on your enamel and won’t harm your teeth.

    Is Teeth Whitening Safe If I Have Sensitive Teeth?

    Teeth whitening is generally safe for those with sensitive teeth; however, certain whitening products can cause discomfort. Philips Zoom! whitening comes with additional desensitising agents that reduce sensitivity without compromising results.

    How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost?

    Contact our friendly team directly to enquire about the price of our teeth whitening treatments.

    Can Teeth Whitening Affect The Colour Of My Dental Work, Such As Crowns Or Fillings?

    We offer a take-home whitening kit with custom-made trays after your in-surgery whitening treatment. You can also whiten your teeth at home with our certified product (Philips Zoom Whitening) but you would need to come into the practice for your custom-made trays.

    Can I Whiten My Teeth At Home?

    We offer a take-home whitening kit with custom-made trays after your in-surgery whitening treatment. You can also whiten your teeth at home with our certified product (Philips Zoom Whitening) but you would need to come into the practice for your custom-made trays.

    There are many ‘DIY’ teeth whitening kits currently available on the market. However, whitening your with these puts you at higher risk of using whitening products that contain harsh ingredients or simply don’t work. We recommend getting your teeth whitened by a dentist so you know they’re using professional and certified products that will give beautiful, consistent results.

    Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?

    No, teeth whitening isn’t a permanent solution. However, you can maintain your results by making the correct lifestyle choices and use the home kit to top-up your whitening from time to time – normally a couple of evenings every 6-12 months.

    Can Teeth Whitening Be Used To Whiten Teeth That Are Naturally Dark Or Yellow In Colour?

    Yes, teeth whitening can help people with naturally dark or yellowed teeth. However, dental veneers may be a more promising solution for those expecting dramatically lighter results.

    How Can I Maintain My Whitened Teeth?

    Practising good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily is essential for maintaining your freshly whitened teeth. You should also avoid stain-causing food, drinks, and tobacco products. You can use your home whitening kit as and when you need it to ensure your teeth remain white after your initial treatment.