What is Tooth Whitening?
Why do teeth become discoloured?
Tooth colour varies naturally from person to person—just like hair or eye colour. However, over time, teeth can become darker or stained due to:
- Natural ageing
- Foods and drinks such as tea, coffee, red wine, and dark berries
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Surface stains and deeper internal discolouration
For many people, whitening is a simple way to restore a brighter, fresher appearance.
Why choose tooth whitening?
Tooth whitening is purely a cosmetic treatment—it does not improve the health of your teeth. However, it can:
- Brighten your smile
- Create a more youthful appearance
- Improve confidence in your smile
- Provide a clean, refreshed look
Types of Tooth Whitening
There are two main types of whitening treatments:
1. Home Whitening (our recommended option)
At Armagh Dental Clinic, we provide professional home whitening systems using custom-made trays.
- Tailor-made trays fit your teeth precisely
- Whitening gel (containing hydrogen peroxide) is safely held against the teeth
- Controlled, gradual whitening for natural-looking results
The active ingredient releases oxygen into the enamel, gently lightening the tooth colour.
2. In-chair (power) whitening
Power whitening is performed in the clinic and focuses on faster results. However, we do not offer this treatment because:
- Higher cost with no proven long-term benefit over home whitening
- Increased risk of sensitivity and discomfort
- Potential for soft tissue irritation or chemical burns
Research shows that results from home whitening over a few weeks are comparable to power whitening, without the added risks.
Treatment varies from person to person, but typically:
- 2–3 hours per day
- For 2–4 weeks
We usually recommend taking a short break after two weeks to allow the teeth to rest.
For safety, whitening trays should only be worn while you are awake and conscious.
Results vary depending on lifestyle and habits. To maintain your brighter smile:
- Occasional top-up whitening is recommended
- Typically 2–3 days every 6 months
The most common side effect is temporary tooth sensitivity, which:
- Is usually mild
- Resolves shortly after treatment
- Can be managed with sensitive toothpaste
Over-the-counter whitening products are generally less effective because:
- They contain very low levels of peroxide (due to legal restrictions in the UK and Ireland)
- Poor-fitting trays reduce effectiveness
- Some unregulated products may be unsafe
Professional whitening ensures both safety and predictable results.
Whitening is effective for most people, but there are some limitations:
- It does not work on crowns, veneers, or white fillings
- Results may be limited in cases of:
- Antibiotic staining
- Certain developmental conditions (e.g. enamel hypoplasia)
We will always assess your suitability before treatment.
Whitening toothpastes:
- Help remove surface stains only
- Do not penetrate the tooth like professional whitening
- Can improve appearance slightly but won’t deliver the same results
Book your consultation
If you’re looking to achieve a brighter, more confident smile, our professional home whitening treatment offers a safe and effective solution. Contact us today!
Looking to Improve
Your Oral Health?
Want a healthy confident smile?
Whether you’re searching for a trusted dentist or simply want expert preventative advice, we’re here to help.
At Armagh Dental Clinic, located in the heart of Armagh, our calm and supportive team takes the time to understand your needs, guide you through your options, and restore both function and confidence in your smile.
join our practice today — take the first step towards lasting oral health.