We’re well into summertime 2017, and with 2 months of it to go, perhaps you’ve got some summer events such as a wedding, party or anniversary to attend. Tooth whitening has become an extremely popular treatment for people who want to look their best at short notice for an event and your smile is the first thing people see – so why not invest in it?
Why have your teeth whitened?
Patients choose to have their teeth whitening if they have discoloured teeth due to the following;
- Discoloured teeth as a result of smoking.
- Alcohol.
- Wear and tear if patients are into their older years.
- Desire to look your best for a wedding.
- You wish to reset your smile and employ a healthier brushing routine in future.
What happens during my appointment?
You dentist will perform a deep clean of your teeth, otherwise known as a scale and polish, in order to remove any tenacious plaque and tartar (staining that cannot be removed with brushing alone). This will provide a good foundation for the whitening process. Following this your dentist will create custom whitening trays, to which the first lot of whitening agent is applied in-practice. Your dentist will show you how to apply the whitening agent yourself and you can then take the treatment home and do this yourself. We must emphasise that the take-home process must always be done under the supervision of a medical professional such as a dentist or doctor.
Professional tooth whitening vs at-home kits/beauty therapists
Many people attempt to cut corners and costs by going to a medically-unqualified individual such as a beauty therapists. This is a mistake, as the type of treatment they offer renders the procedure unsafe. Why? We’ll explain …
Professional tooth whitening makes use of custom whitening trays whilst beauty therapists cannot offer this bespoke solution – the whitening trays used by individuals without medical training are a one-size fits all model, exposing patients up to the dangers of the whitening agent leaking over onto their gums and potentially causing irrevocable damage. Here at Cliftonville, we will always used whitening trays tailored to the exact fit of your tooth structure, eliminating the possibility of any dangers.
Cliftonville have teamed up with Zoom! tooth whitening, a world-renowned treatment that has treated many patients to a very high level of success. You can read more about Zoom! here.
Whitening is not just for summer. Patients across Northampton book professional teeth whitening in Northampton ahead of weddings, graduations, new jobs and special birthdays at any time of year. If you have an event coming up, we recommend booking your consultation at Cliftonville Dental at least three to four weeks beforehand, so there is time for your check-up, custom trays and a full course of whitening. In the UK, tooth whitening can only legally be provided by a registered dental professional, so you can feel confident your treatment is safe, supervised and tailored to your teeth.
FAQ:
- Where can I get my teeth whitened in Northampton? Cliftonville Dental offers professional teeth whitening at our practice on The Avenue, Cliftonville. Every treatment starts with a check-up to make sure whitening is suitable.
- How far ahead of an event should I start whitening? Ideally three to four weeks before, so your trays can be made and your whitening can reach its full effect.
- Is professional teeth whitening safe? Yes, when it is provided by a registered dental professional. Some people notice temporary sensitivity, which usually settles quickly.
- Is it legal to have teeth whitening at a beauty salon? No. In the UK, tooth whitening must be carried out by a registered dental professional, such as a dentist or dental hygienist.
- Will whitening work on crowns or fillings? No. Whitening only lightens natural teeth, so visible crowns or fillings may need replacing to match your new shade.
- How long do whitening results last? Results usually last one to three years, depending on your diet and habits.
If you would like more information about tooth whitening and cosmetic dentistry at Cliftonville, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Last updated: October 2026
Written by Dr Anesh Patel
Dentist, B.D.S. M.F.G.D.P. (UK)
Co-owner of Cliftonville Dental, Dr Anesh Patel qualified from Kings College London in 1999 and has practised in Northampton ever since, with a special interest in cosmetic and implant dentistry.
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