Your teeth naturally pick up stains over time from food, drinks, and everyday life. Tea, coffee, red wine, and certain foods gradually darken your enamel, and even the most careful brushing routine cannot fully prevent this. Age also plays a role, as the enamel on your teeth thins with time, allowing the darker dentine underneath to show through.
Professional home whitening from Secrets Dental & Medical Centre uses prescription-strength whitening gels that penetrate the enamel to break down deep stains from within. Unlike shop-bought whitening strips and toothpastes, which can only remove surface stains, our home whitening system changes the actual colour of your teeth by several shades. Every treatment begins with a consultation with your dentist to ensure whitening is right for you.
Our home whitening process is straightforward and designed to fit around your daily routine.
Your dentist begins by taking precise impressions of your teeth. These impressions are sent to our in-house dental laboratory, Southport Dental Services, where skilled technicians manufacture bespoke whitening trays that fit snugly and comfortably over your teeth. Because the trays are custom-made, the whitening gel stays in even contact with every tooth surface, giving you consistent, natural-looking results without leaking onto your gums.
You then apply the professional-grade whitening gel to your trays and wear them for around one hour each day, or overnight, depending on the whitening system your dentist recommends. Over the course of two to three weeks, your teeth will gradually lighten. Your dentist will review your progress and you can decide together whether further whitening is needed to reach your desired shade.
The key to effective home whitening is a tray that fits your teeth precisely. Shop-bought whitening kits use generic, one-size-fits-all trays that cannot adapt to the shape of your mouth. This leads to uneven whitening, gel leaking onto the gums, and inconsistent contact between the whitening agent and your teeth.
Our custom trays are made from accurate impressions of your teeth by our in-house lab. They fit securely, hold the gel exactly where it needs to be, and feel comfortable enough to wear for extended periods. This means better results, less waste, and a more comfortable experience overall.
Having our own dental laboratory on site also means faster turnaround times. Your trays are typically ready within a few days of your impressions being taken.
Most adults with healthy teeth and gums are good candidates for professional teeth whitening. Before any whitening treatment, your dentist will carry out a thorough examination to check for any issues that need addressing first, such as cavities, gum disease, or worn enamel.
Teeth whitening works best on natural tooth enamel. It will not change the colour of crowns, veneers, fillings, or bonded teeth. If you have visible restorations in your smile zone, your dentist will discuss this with you during your consultation so you can plan accordingly.
Whitening is not recommended during pregnancy or for children under 18. Patients with very sensitive teeth or exposed root surfaces may need a modified approach, which your dentist will explain during your assessment.
The whitening products available in supermarkets and online are limited by law to very low concentrations of active ingredients. While they may produce a modest improvement, they cannot match the results of professional whitening supervised by a dentist.
Professional home whitening uses higher-strength gels that are only legally available through a registered dental practice. Custom-fitted trays ensure the gel stays in contact with your teeth evenly and consistently, reducing the risk of patchy results or gum irritation. Your dentist also checks your teeth before treatment to make sure whitening is safe and appropriate for you, something no shop-bought product can offer.
If you have tried whitening strips, whitening toothpaste, or charcoal products and been disappointed with the results, professional home whitening at Secrets Dental & Medical Centre will give you a noticeably better outcome.
Professional teeth whitening results typically last between 12 and 24 months, depending on your diet, lifestyle, and oral hygiene habits. Patients who regularly consume tea, coffee, red wine, or dark-coloured foods may find their results fade a little sooner, while those who limit staining foods and maintain good brushing habits can enjoy a brighter smile for longer.
Top-up treatments are simple with your custom whitening trays. Because you keep your trays, you can purchase a fresh supply of whitening gel from the practice and top up at home whenever you feel your smile needs a refresh. There is no need for new impressions or a full course of treatment each time.
When prescribed and supervised by a qualified dentist, teeth whitening is a safe and well-established cosmetic treatment. At Secrets Dental & Medical Centre, we only use products that meet UK and EU safety standards, and every treatment plan is overseen by a registered dental professional.
Some patients experience temporary tooth sensitivity during the whitening course. This is completely normal and usually settles within a few days of completing treatment. Your dentist can recommend desensitising products to minimise any discomfort, and the strength of the whitening gel can be adjusted to suit your individual needs.
It is worth noting that teeth whitening carried out by anyone other than a registered dentist, dental therapist, or dental hygienist is illegal in the UK. Beauty salons, mobile whitening services, and online kits from unregulated sources can carry serious risks, including chemical burns, permanent enamel damage, and uneven results. Always choose a CQC-registered dental practice for your whitening treatment.
We believe in transparent pricing with no hidden costs. During your consultation, your dentist will explain the whitening options available and provide a clear quote before you commit to any treatment.
Teeth whitening is available on our flexible finance plans, allowing you to spread the cost into manageable monthly payments. Interest-free options are available for qualifying patients.
For current pricing, please contact us on 01704 607125 or book a consultation through our online booking form.
Results vary depending on your starting shade and the type of staining. Most patients see an improvement of several shades. Your dentist will give you a realistic expectation during your consultation based on an assessment of your teeth.
Most patients find home whitening comfortable. Some people experience mild, temporary sensitivity during the whitening course. This usually fades within a couple of days and can be managed with desensitising toothpaste.
Whitening gel only works on natural tooth enamel. Existing fillings, crowns, and veneers will not change colour. If you have visible restorations, your dentist will discuss your options during your consultation.
Depending on the whitening system your dentist recommends, you will wear your trays for around one hour each day or overnight. Your dentist will advise you on the best schedule for your needs.
Most patients achieve their desired results within two to three weeks of daily use. Some cases may take a little longer depending on the level of staining.
No whitening treatment is permanent. Results typically last 12 to 24 months. You can top up at home with your existing custom trays and a fresh supply of gel whenever needed.
No whitening treatment is permanent. Results typically last 12 to 24 months. You can top up at home with your existing custom trays and a fresh supply of gel whenever needed.
Professional whitening uses stronger, dentist-grade gels with custom-fitted trays for even coverage. Shop-bought strips use much weaker formulations and often produce uneven results. Your dentist also checks your teeth are healthy before treatment begins.
In the UK, it is illegal for anyone other than a registered dental professional to carry out teeth whitening. Choosing an unregistered provider puts your health at risk.
Secrets Dental & Medical Centre is located at 147 Liverpool Road, Birkdale, Southport, PR8 4NT. We are easily accessible from Southport town centre, Ainsdale, Formby, and across Merseyside.
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
