Teeth Whitening at Dulwich Dental Centre
A Brighter Smile
A brighter, more confident smile
At Dulwich Dental Centre we provide professional home teeth whitening using custom-made whitening trays designed precisely for your smile. Every treatment is carefully planned and supervised by your dentist, so you can whiten safely and comfortably in the reassurance of your own home.
We believe professionally supervised home whitening gives patients more predictable, longer-lasting and more natural-looking results than a single chairside whitening appointment. By gradually lifting the shade of your teeth over a short course of treatment, we help you achieve a beautifully bright smile without sacrificing the character of your natural enamel.
The Science
How teeth whitening works
Professional whitening does not scrub or bleach the outside of your teeth. It works from within — gently lifting years of stain from inside the enamel while preserving your natural tooth structure.
Gel penetrates the enamel
Professional whitening gel is not abrasive. It gently passes through the enamel to reach the coloured layer beneath.
Oxygen breaks down stains
Active oxygen molecules released by the gel break existing stain molecules into smaller, colourless particles.
Natural structure preserved
Because the process happens at a molecular level, teeth become brighter without removing healthy tooth structure.
Only natural teeth whiten
Whitening only works on natural tooth enamel. Crowns, veneers, bonding and fillings will not change shade.
Your Journey
Your whitening journey
Five carefully guided stages — from your initial consultation to enjoying a brighter, more confident smile.
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Step 1Consultation
Your journey begins with a careful examination to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy and suitable for whitening. We discuss the results you are hoping to achieve, then take a digital scan or precise impressions and send them to our laboratory.
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Step 2Custom whitening trays
Our dental laboratory fabricates bespoke whitening trays made to fit your teeth exactly. The trays are thin, comfortable and close-fitting to hold the whitening gel precisely against your enamel. They are usually ready in around two weeks.
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Step 3Receive your whitening kit
At your fitting appointment we hand you your complete whitening kit — your custom trays, professional whitening gel and clear instructions on how to use them at home. We offer Enlighten and Zoom Home Whitening, and will recommend the system best suited to you.
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Step 4Using the whitening gel
Place a small drop of gel into each tooth compartment, gently seat the trays over your teeth and wipe away any excess gel from the gum line. Wear the trays exactly as instructed and continue treatment for approximately two weeks, or as recommended for the system you have been prescribed.
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Step 5Enjoy your new smile
Enjoy noticeably whiter teeth, a brighter appearance and a more confident smile. Results are long-lasting, and because you keep your custom trays a simple top-up treatment can be used from time to time to maintain your new shade.
Enlighten Whitening
Enlighten Professional Whitening
Enlighten is a professional dentist-prescribed whitening system trusted by cosmetic dentists across the UK. It is designed to deliver a genuinely brighter smile in a way that only supervised, professional whitening can achieve — with a focus on comfort, safety and predictable results.
The Enlighten system uses custom-made trays together with specially formulated whitening gels that are stable, gentle on the enamel and designed to maximise effectiveness while helping to reduce sensitivity during treatment.
Treatment is carried out at home under the ongoing supervision of your dentist. This means the entire process — from tray fit to gel strength and the length of treatment — is guided by a clinician who knows your mouth, so results are consistent, comfortable and long-lasting.
Enlighten is widely recognised for its stable whitening gels, close-fitting trays and professional protocol. Together these help achieve a bright, natural-looking result while protecting the health and integrity of your natural teeth.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you may want to know about professional teeth whitening at Dulwich Dental Centre.
Is teeth whitening safe?
Yes. When professionally prescribed and supervised by a dentist, teeth whitening is a very safe treatment. In the UK, tooth whitening must be carried out by, or under the supervision of, a registered dental professional.
Will whitening damage my teeth?
No. Professional whitening does not damage the enamel or weaken your teeth. The gel works at a molecular level to lift stain from within the tooth, leaving your natural tooth structure intact.
Does whitening cause sensitivity?
Some patients notice mild, temporary sensitivity during treatment. This usually settles quickly and can be managed with sensitivity toothpaste and short breaks between applications if needed.
How long do results last?
Results are long-lasting and can be maintained for years with good oral hygiene and occasional top-up whitening at home using your custom trays.
Can crowns or fillings be whitened?
No. Whitening only works on natural teeth. Existing crowns, veneers, bonding and white fillings will not change shade, so we plan carefully around any visible restorations.
Can smokers whiten their teeth?
Yes. Whitening is very effective at lifting tobacco staining, although continued smoking will gradually cause new discolouration over time.
Can I drink tea or coffee?
During your active whitening course we recommend minimising strongly staining foods and drinks such as tea, coffee, red wine and curries. After treatment you can return to your normal diet — occasional touch-ups will help maintain your shade.
How often can I whiten?
Once your initial course is complete, most patients only need short top-up treatments every few months to maintain their shade — your dentist will advise what is right for you.
Am I suitable for whitening?
Most healthy adults are suitable. We carry out a full examination to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy before whitening begins, and we discuss realistic expectations based on your starting shade.
Which whitening system is best?
At Dulwich Dental Centre we offer Enlighten and Zoom Home Whitening. Both are excellent, professionally supervised systems — we recommend the one best suited to your teeth, lifestyle and goals at your consultation.
Brighter Smile
Ready for a Brighter Smile?
Professional Teeth Whitening at Dulwich Dental Centre — safe, supervised and designed for long-lasting, natural-looking results.