A bright smile is one of the first things people notice, and it can significantly influence your confidence in both social and professional settings. With more people searching for teeth whitening in Leicester, the demand for fast, safe, and effective whitening solutions has never been higher. But with shelves full of whitening strips, online LED kits, charcoal powders, and influencer-promoted products, it can be difficult to know what actually works — and what should be avoided.
In this blog, we break down the truth about teeth whitening, compare professional treatment with over-the-counter options, and explain why dentist-supervised whitening remains the gold standard for achieving a truly radiant smile.
What Causes Teeth to Become Stained?
Over time, teeth naturally become darker due to lifestyle, diet, and age. The most common causes include:
Understanding the cause of your discolouration helps determine the most effective whitening approach.
The Appeal of Over-the-Counter Whitening Products
Supermarkets and online retailers are full of whitening options — strips, LED lights, whitening pens, charcoal pastes, and more. They’re affordable and convenient, making them popular for people looking for a quick fix.
Cons of Over-the-Counter Whitening Kits
Despite their popularity, these products have key limitations:
While over the counter products can provide a small improvement, they cannot penetrate the tooth structure deeply enough to remove internal stains — which is where professional whitening makes a noticeable difference.
Why Professional Teeth Whitening in Leicester Delivers Superior Results
Professional whitening is carried out by trained dental clinicians using safe, clinically proven whitening gels. This ensures not only effective results but also complete peace of mind.
Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening
Patients often report feeling more confident immediately after their whitening treatment — not only because of the visible improvement but also because they know their teeth have been treated safely.
Which Whitening Option Is Best for You?
If your goal is a brighter, more confident, and naturally white smile, professional teeth whitening is the most effective and safest choice. While shop-bought kits may seem convenient, they simply can’t match the strength, longevity, or evenness of dentist-supervised whitening. We offer two brands or teeth whitening, Boutique whitening and Enlighten.
Transform Your Smile with Professional Whitening
If you’re ready to explore whitening options or want to learn more about enhancing your smile, book a FREE consultation today.
A brighter smile isn’t just about appearance — it’s about confidence. And with the right approach, whitening can be safe, effective, and truly transformative.
Yes, professional teeth whitening is considered extremely safe when carried out by a qualified dentist. Dental clinics use clinically approved whitening gels that are carefully regulated to protect your enamel and gums. Your dentist will also assess your oral health beforehand to check for cavities, gum disease, or sensitivity, ensuring that whitening is suitable for you. This level of safety and supervision is something over-the-counter kits cannot provide, which is why professional whitening remains the most reliable option.
Results typically last between 12 and 24 months, depending on your diet, lifestyle, and oral hygiene habits. If you regularly consume tea, coffee, red wine, or coloured foods like curry, your results may fade more quickly. Smokers may also find that nicotine stains return sooner. However, with good brushing, reduced staining habits, and occasional whitening top-ups using your custom trays, you can maintain your bright smile for years. Your dentist will give personalised advice on how to preserve your results for as long as possible.
Mild sensitivity is common, but it is usually temporary and disappears within a day or two. Dentists can reduce sensitivity by adjusting the strength of the whitening gel or recommending desensitising toothpaste before and after treatment. Unlike unregulated online kits, professional whitening products are formulated to minimise discomfort while still delivering effective results. If you already have sensitive teeth, speak to your dentist, who can tailor your treatment plan.
The level of whitening varies between patients, but most people see their teeth brighten by several noticeable shades. Professional whitening lifts deep-set stains that toothbrushes and shop-bought products cannot reach. Your dentist will help you choose a shade that looks bright while still appearing natural. The goal is not an artificial Hollywood white, but a fresher, healthier-looking smile that suits your features.
While over-the-counter kits can lighten teeth slightly, they cannot deliver the same strength or depth of whitening as professional treatments. Shop-bought products use lower concentrations of active ingredients and cannot penetrate enamel as effectively. Many provide uneven results due to ill-fitting trays or strips. Professional teeth whitening in Leicester uses bespoke trays and stronger whitening gels for consistent, long-lasting results. Additionally, some online kits are unregulated and may even damage enamel, making professional whitening the safest choice.
At-home professional whitening usually takes 1–2 weeks, depending on the level of brightness you want to achieve.
Most extrinsic (surface) and intrinsic (deep) stains respond very well to whitening. However, stains caused by trauma, certain medications, or fluorosis may require alternative cosmetic treatments such as veneers or composite bonding. Your dentist will examine your teeth and recommend the most suitable solution. Existing crowns, fillings, and veneers will not change colour, so your dentist may discuss replacing them after whitening for a consistent shade.
Costs vary depending on the type of whitening you choose and the brand of whitening system used. While professional treatment costs more than shop-bought kits, it provides far better, safer, and longer-lasting results.
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