The terms teeth whitening and teeth bleaching are often used interchangeably, but they refer to distinct processes with different goals, methods, and results. Understanding the difference can help you choose the right option for a brighter, more confident smile. At Ark Dentistry, your trusted private dental practice in Yorkshire, we specialise in safe, professional teeth whitening treatments tailored to your needs.
What Causes Tooth Discolouration?
Tooth staining falls into two main categories:
- Extrinsic staining — Surface-level discolouration on the enamel caused by everyday habits like drinking coffee, tea, red wine, smoking, or poor oral hygiene. These stains are usually easier to address.
- Intrinsic staining — Deeper discolouration within the tooth structure (dentin layer), often resulting from ageing, certain medications (e.g., tetracycline), trauma, fluorosis, or other factors. These are harder to treat and may require more targeted approaches.
Teeth Whitening vs. Teeth Bleaching: Key Differences
Teeth whitening is a broader term that typically focuses on removing or reducing extrinsic (surface) stains to restore your teeth to their natural shade and improve uniformity. It often uses mild abrasive agents or lower-concentration peroxide-based gels to gently lift stains without dramatically altering the tooth’s inherent colour.
In contrast, teeth bleaching targets intrinsic stains by using higher concentrations of peroxide (such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide) to chemically lighten the tooth from the inside out. This can lighten teeth beyond their original natural shade, often by several shades, making it ideal for moderate to severe discolouration.
In professional settings like ours, the terms overlap because most effective professional teeth whitening involves bleaching agents. However, the distinction matters for regulation and treatment choice:
- Whitening products (e.g., toothpastes, strips) are often over-the-counter and focus on surface cleaning.
- Bleaching treatments require professional supervision due to stronger agents.
In the UK, regulations (under the Cosmetic Products Enforcement Regulations 2013) limit hydrogen peroxide to a maximum of 6% in professional products, and treatments must be carried out or supervised by a qualified dentist. Non-dental providers (e.g., beauty salons) offering higher-strength or unsupervised treatments are operating illegally.
Common Treatment Options
- Professional in-chair whitening — Quick same-day results with gel application.
- At-home professional kits — Custom-fitted trays with dentist-provided gel for gradual, convenient whitening.
- Internal/non-vital bleaching — For dead (non-vital) teeth post-root canal, where gel is placed inside the tooth.
- Over-the-counter options (strips, pens, whitening toothpastes) offer milder results but lack professional oversight.
Professional treatments are safer, more effective, and longer-lasting than DIY alternatives, which may contain minimal or no active peroxide.
Is Teeth Bleaching Safe?
Yes — when performed by qualified professionals using regulated products. We never use household bleach (which is dangerous and toxic). Professional bleaching uses controlled peroxide concentrations under supervision to minimise risks like sensitivity or gum irritation.
It’s not suitable for everyone (e.g., under 18s, pregnant/breastfeeding individuals, or those with certain oral health issues), and it won’t whiten crowns, veneers, fillings, or dentures.
Why Choose Professional Teeth Whitening at Ark Dentistry?
At Ark Dentistry, we offer premium teeth whitening using the professional-grade Lumiwhite Lux system. Our treatments include:
- A thorough consultation to assess your smile and goals.
- Teeth cleaning to remove surface debris.
- Application of 6% hydrogen peroxide gel (the maximum safe regulated level).
- Custom bespoke trays for at-home top-ups.
- Optional light activation for enhanced results.
- Up to 6 shades lighter, reversing years of staining from coffee, tea, smoking, ageing, and more.
Treatments start from £375, including consultation, digital scan, trays, gel, and follow-up. We provide 0% interest finance options for affordability.
Results are natural-looking and maintained with occasional top-ups (e.g., one night every few months). Our patients love the confidence boost from a brighter smile!
Local Expertise in Yorkshire
As a leading cosmetic dental clinic in Yorkshire, Ark Dentistry serves patients across the region with convenient locations:
- Huddersfield — 16 Acre Street, Huddersfield, HD3 3DU (phone: 01484 213644)
- Doncaster — Martin Wells Centre, Thompson Avenue, Doncaster DN12 1JD (phone: 01709 910 042)
- Bradford — Opening soon!
Whether you’re searching for teeth whitening Huddersfield, teeth whitening Doncaster, professional teeth whitening Yorkshire, or safe teeth bleaching near me, our expert team delivers world-class care with cutting-edge technology and over 600 5-star reviews.
Ready for a brighter smile? Book your consultation today at Ark Dentistry — where precision and artistry align for beautiful, natural results.
Contact us: 0113 390 4466 | WhatsApp: 07897 011 814 | Online booking at arkdentistry.co.uk.
Your dazzling smile awaits!