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What is tooth whitening?

Tooth whitening is the most popular cosmetic treatment available to improve your smile. It is a cost-effective, safe procedure if carried out professionally. Legal, safe tooth whitening can only be provided by a dental professional registered with the General Dental Council.

How does tooth whitening work?

Professional tooth whitening uses a pH neutral Hydrogen Peroxide or Carbamide Peroxide gel applied to the teeth using a custom made whitening tray. Free radicals such as oxygen are released and this will break down anything in the teeth that is causing discolouration.

Before and after tooth whitening

Slide across to see results

After Enlighten
After Enlighten
After Enlighten
Before Enlighten
Before Enlighten
Enlighten Tooth Whitening

What types of tooth whitening are there?

  • Professional whitening

    Professional tooth whitening is most commonly provided using the home bleaching method. Most dentists agree that the home whitening method provides much more predictable, long-lasting results which are more economical to maintain. Professional whitening is where a set of custom made trays are made to fit the teeth, tooth whitening gel is provided and whitening is carried out at home.

  • Laser or In Surgery whitening

    Laser or in surgery whitening used to be provided using a blue light shining on the teeth whilst in the dental chair. This is the most common visual image of tooth whitening seen on TV and in advertisements. Contrary to popular belief, the light or “laser” doesn’t chemically activate the gel in any way, it merely provides some heat which speeds up the effect of the whitening gel.

    This treatment is no longer possible within the EU due to EU Council Directive 2011/84/EU which limits the use of hydrogen peroxide concentrations. Unfortunately as of October 2022 legislation still has not changed and we are limited to a concentration of 16% carbamide peroxide or 6% hydrogen peroxide gels.

    Any in surgery treatment offered on its own is not sufficient to give a satisfactory, long lasting tooth whitening result due to the limitations in gel concentration available. In surgery or laser whitening leads to your teeth fading to their original colour much quicker.

  • Non-peroxide tooth whitening

    We would advise you to completely avoid any “non peroxide” methods or any solutions offered over the internet. These commonly use acidic active ingredients such as chlorine dioxide, avoiding the law which restricts tooth whitening to dental professional provision only.

    These products not only offer an inferior result, but the acid will thin tooth enamel and lead to increased sensitivity and discolouration over time.

    We researched some of these products and one popular item sold over the internet even lists citric acid in the ingredients. I’m not sure about you, but the idea of bathing our teeth in an acidic gel for up to an hour at a time makes us shudder!

How much does tooth whitening cost?

As of March 2023, Boutique tooth whitening costs £275 and Enlighten tooth whitening is £550.

Additional top up syringes are £30 per syringe for boutique and £90 for enlighten. In order to keep costs down and keep maintenance as cheap as possible we recommend patients to limit their exposure to things that stain teeth for example, Tea, Coffee, Tobacco, Tumeric and Red wine

Please see our dental charges page for current up to date prices.

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Can I have tooth whitening on the NHS?

Unfortunately Tooth whitening is deemed a cosmetic treatment and as such isn’t available as an NHS treatment option.

The tooth whitening process explained

Your dentist will conduct an examination of your teeth if you have not had one recently. Impressions of your teeth will be made and from these impressions, whitening trays will be constructed using a thin flexible thermoplastic.

You will then be instructed on how to apply a tooth whitening gel to the trays and on their use.

Utilising different concentrations of tooth whitening gel, you can either whiten your teeth during the day or at night.

Day time Method

At the Vallance Dental Centre, the day time method utilises a 6% hydrogen peroxide gel applied for up to an hour at a time.

Night time method

The night time method uses a 10% or 16% carbamide peroxide gel which whitens your teeth while you sleep. You will whiten your teeth for approximately 10-14 days on average, or until you are happy with the shade if you prefer teeth that are slightly less bright.

Enlighten method

Enlighten uses a specified protocol and gels as follows:

  • 3 weeks of at home whitening

How white will my teeth go?

We often hope for a minimum of 4 shades of improvement on the following shade guide.

Each shade has a letter and a number – the letter signifying the colour tone and number how white the tooth is. On this chart they ae arranged from whitest to darkest. So, if you start with a shade in the middle for example A3 – you would hope to go at 4 steps to the left to shade D2.  In order to guarantee shade B1 we would recommend the top of the range “enlighten” whitening  system.

Teeth whitening products we use

  • Boutique Whitening

    Boutique Whitening

    At the Vallance Dental Centre for our standard whitening, we use Boutique Tooth whitening Gel. The reason we have chosen to use this product is for the following reasons

    • pH neutral gels to protect teeth
    • Integrated potassium nitrate to reduce sensitivity
    • High water content to keep teeth hydrated
    • Viscous gels to reduce saliva wash-out
    • Overnight wear for convenience

  • Enlighten teeth whitening

    Enlighten teeth whitening

    We also offer tooth whitening with Enlighten which is our most advanced tooth whitening option. We have opted to provide this product for patients who want the maximum result possible for the following reasons

    • guarantees a shade B1 result
    • pH neutral
    • Water based
    • Outstanding predictability
    • Special formula and protocol to reduce sensitivity

What tooth whitening product is best for me?

Both Boutique whitening and Enlighten are fantastic products at different price points. For most patients, Boutique whitening will offer an excellent result at a competitive price point. If you are looking to get the maximum result possible from whitening your teeth then we recommend the Enlighten tooth whitening system.

Caring for your teeth after tooth whitening

Following tooth whitening in order to maintain the maximum result possible we would advise you to be conscious of things that can stain your teeth. This includes smoking, red wine and drinking excessive amounts of tea and coffee.

Enlighten recommends the continued use of their duo care toothpaste and serum. We would advise you to maintain a high level of oral hygiene and seeing your dentist for your regular check-ups to maintain your oral health and white teeth as best as possible.

How long will my teeth stay white for?

We recommend for optimal results to “top up” your tooth whitening once you have completed your initial treatment. You do this by wearing your trays with gel once every 3-6 months.

Some people prefer to do this more often if you want really white teeth. You can buy syringes of tooth whitening gel from our practice reception at any time if you have had your whitening trays constructed by us if you maintain regular checkups.

Each syringe of boutique gel should last you approximately 3-4 nights and enlighten approximately 7 nights.

Teeth Whitening risks

Tooth whitening is very low risk if carried out by a professional registered with the General Dental Council. Some home kits purchased from the internet or supermarket may not have enough whitening product to be effective. Or they may carry acidic ingredients which will damage the teeth and are unsuitable for whitening teeth.

Teeth whitening carried out in beauty salons by untrained staff or staff without a dental qualification puts your oral health at risk as well as being illegal.

At The Vallance Dental Centre, tooth whitening is carried out by registered members of the General Dental Council only. We ensure the use of only the best products in order to whiten your teeth in the safest and most effective manner available. The Vallance Dental Centre is CQC registered and passed its most recent inspection in July 2021. We are also members of the Agilio Quality Practice Scheme which assess and promotes high quality standards

QPS Logo

Who is tooth whitening suitable for?

Tooth whitening is suitable for everyone, however, there are a few points to consider. If you have any crowns or fillings on your front teeth these will not change colour and in order to match the shade of your whitened teeth, you may need these changing, which wouldn’t be available as an NHS treatment option.

Meet the tooth whitening team…

  • Profile of Dr. Arfeen Aslam, award winning Dentist.

    Arfeen Aslam

    Dr. Arfeen Aslam graduated from Guy’s, King’s and St Thomas’ School of Dentistry, King’s College London and obtained his membership of the faculty of the Royal College of Surgeons in 2012. He has completed various postgraduate dental courses including a certificate in advanced aesthetic and restorative dentistry, becoming a certified provider of a wide range of orthodontic treatments and completing a year long programme in implant placement and restoration. Along with a caring, ethical approach he strives to make a difference to each and every person that he treats. Arfeen won the prestigious Private Dentistry award as the Best Young Dentist North in 2018.

    • B.D.S(2008)
    • Registration number: 156196
    • Private Dentistry Award winner 2018 - Best Young Dentist North area
    Read More

  • Darren Wilkinson

    I have worked at the Vallance Dental Centre for the last 10 years and imagine I will remain here for the rest of my working life. I left the University of Manchester in 2009 graduating as a dentist & winning the prestigious Charles Preston Prize. I am very proud to be a part of a practice which embraces and celebrates such a broad spectrum of ethnic, cultural and economic diversity and treats everybody with the dignity and respect they deserve.  It is great to be part of a practice with such a great ethos and the will to give something back.

    • BDS (2009), PgCert Dental Education
    • Registration number: 177464
    Read More

  • Karim Shokraee

    I was inspired to become a dentist since I was a young teenager due to the dramatic effect orthodontics had on my life. I graduated from the University of Manchester in 2009, worked in Leeds for 2 years and have been practicing from the Vallance Dental Centre since 2011.

    I always strive to do my best for patients and am passionate about predictable and ethical general dentistry. In my spare time I am a keen sports skydiver and skydiving coach!

    • BDS (2009), PgCert Dental Education
    • Registration number: 177586
    Read More

  • George Cheesman

    Having graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2021 I joined the team at Vallance. It has been a long-time dream of mine to combine my passion for healthcare and practical tasks, and a degree in dentistry has allowed me to do that. I always endeavour to provide the highest quality care for all my patients using techniques backed up by evidence. Other than dentistry, my interests include keeping fit, travelling, and eating good food!

    • BDS Bachelor in Dental Surgery
    • Registration number: 296606
    • University of Liverpool
    Read More

  • Amy Parr Young

    I graduated from Manchester Dental School in 2009, and worked in London for a number of years before moving back to Manchester. I completed the post graduate qualification MJDF with the Royal College of Surgeons, and obtained a Post Graduate Certificate in Restorative Dentistry at the Eastman Dental Institute. I find it very rewarding seeing nervous patients and building up their confidence in having dental treatment. I like building trust and connections with people to make dental treatment a more enjoyable experience.

    • BDS (2009) PG Cert (Rest)
    • Registration number: 177587
    • The University of Manchester, Eastman Dental Institute
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  • Eesha Chauhan

    One of the most rewarding aspects of being a Dental Therapist is being able to provide a pleasant and comfortable atmosphere for my patients. It is fulfilling to be able to have a positive effect on a patient’s attitude to their oral condition and work with them to improve it. In 2020, I graduated from University of Birmingham with a degree in Dental Hygiene and Therapy. After this, I joined Vallance and became part of an incredible team. In my spare time, I enjoy swimming and practicing piano.

    • BSc Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy
    • Registration number: 289369
    • University of Birmingham
    Read More

  • Hareem Hadi

    After graduating with BSc (Hon) in Biomedical Science in 2008, I completed Dentistry from Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Exeter and Plymouth in 2013. I have since worked in a range of dental practices across Greater Manchester, serving both NHS and private patients.I am truly passionate about helping my patients to improve all aspects of their oral health. I will always endeavour to deliver the best care to my patients providing ethical general dentistry with a focus on patient education and prevention.In my spare time I enjoy baking, a foodie and enjoy spending time with my young family.

    • BSc (Hons) BDS
    • Registration number: 244786
    Read More

  • Heba Ikram

    I graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2018 and have since developed a deep passion for dentistry, with a special focus on paediatric care and short-term orthodontics. I am a certified provider of Invisalign, Cfast, and 32Co clear aligners, and have also earned a Diploma from the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh. My approach to dentistry is compassionate and patient-centered, ensuring every visit is as pain-free as possible. This commitment has helped me build a strong trust with my patients. Outside of my professional life, I enjoy playing the guitar, singing, and traveling, which allows me to recharge and bring my best self to my practice.

    • BDS Bachelor in Dental Surgery
    • Registration number: 277179
    • University of Liverpool
    Read More

What customers say about us.

View all reviews

The Vallance Dental Centre IconThe Vallance Dental Centre

Brunswick Street, Manchester

4.8 ★★★★★ 793 reviews

  • Avatar Yasar (Mr Gerrard) ★★★★★ a week ago
    Complicated root canal treatment.
    After undergoing root canal treatment from two other dentists with poor outcomes, I decided to visit Dr Skidmore. Armed with a CT Scan of the tooth in question (I highly recommend doing this, it literally saved my tooth, so far anyway, well worth every penny), I went to see Dr Skidmore.
    He was very clear in his explanation and he had a plan, so I knew what to expect. He He talked me through the procedure as he did it. And a few weeks on, I’m doing better than I     … More expected. He has great communication skills and a great manner about him. Hopefully the treatment will succeed as the prognosis seems bright. I can’t recommend Dr Skidmore enough. He’s some Endodontist, that’s for sure.
    Special mention to Abul - treatment coordinator whose patience and customer service skills rivalled Dr Skidmore’s Endodontist skills. A great team all round. Highly recommend the practice in general and Dr Skidmore in particular.
  • Avatar Lorraine Hindson ★★★★★ a week ago
    On my first visit to the valance centre, I was not sure, what to expect, I meet this amazing lady called Steph, I was very nervous, Steph an Natalia made me feel safe , talk to me about what was going to happen, Natalia was helpful , reassurance every step of the way😊 ask me about what I wanted to happen, involved in the hole process , if anyone is looking for a dentist Steph Azmy is the one to go too, and Natalia is a amazing, thank you so much for all you support, this team are amazing at … More what they have achieved for myself, I am having a second procedure done, I have that much trust in them both, thank you Steph and Natalia , see you both soon 👍👌😊 thank you Lorraine H
  • Avatar Sharafat Khan ★★★★★ 2 weeks ago
    I had appointment with Dr Skidmore for my root canal treatment...first of all i got the quick appointment which is rare now a days...on the appointment day everything was very smooth and completed the process in an hours time, i would like to thank Dr Skidmore and his team for excellent work. the pain is reduced now and started using the left side for eating...i would strongly recommend Dr Skidmore for root treatment..
  • Avatar Yasmin Addam ★★★★★ a month ago
    Had a wisdom tooth removal with Dr Aslam and Dr Hadi and had the most amazing experience from start to finish. They were able to accommodate me super quickly with a next day appointment, but they were also so talented during the procedure. Although removals can on average vary from around half an hour, to more or less, Dr Aslam finished everything within 3 minutes! Very efficient, attentive and skilled in his technique. Minimal pain right after and two days later I feel back to normal. Can’t thank … More them enough!
  • Avatar jane slater ★★★★★ a month ago
    Today I had to have 3 teeth extracted and an immediate partial denture fitted. I have always been a nervous patient and have been dreading today. Hareem was great and the extractions went very well with no complications. Thank you Hareem and Natalia I am very pleased with my new teeth. You have given my smile back.
  • Avatar Vahid Shahadi ★★★★★ a month ago
    Excellent dental hygienist service from Dr Isha and Nurse Jade. A painless efficient hygienist procedure, with a friendly and welcoming manner from them both. I would highly recommend their service.

Contact us today.

Please fill out the form below or contact our practice to enquire about any of our denture services and we will be pleased to offer you a consultation to meet your needs as best as possible.