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Dr Vikas PrinjaThe London Dentist
Educational view of a custom whitening tray fitted over an upper dental arch beside a shade guide

Enhance

Professional teeth whitening in London

Professional teeth whitening uses a regulated peroxide-based gel, prescribed by a dentist, to lighten the natural shade of teeth without removing tooth tissue.

At a glance

Appointment
45 minutes for records and fitting
Visits
Assessment, tray fit, review
Results
2–4 weeks of home wear
Longevity
1–3 years before a top-up
Reversibility
No tooth tissue removed
Anaesthetic
None

Home whitening with custom trays is £395. Enlighten whitening is £595. Both fees cover assessment, trays and prescribed gel.

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Assessment and diagnosis before any cosmetic treatment

The short answer: Teeth whitening

Professional teeth whitening uses a regulated peroxide-based gel, prescribed by a dentist, to lighten the natural shade of teeth without removing tooth tissue.

Teeth whitening is planned and carried out by Dr Vikas Prinja at Apple Dental Studios, 106 Marsh Road, Pinner, with patients travelling from across North West London. If you are weighing up your options locally, the page on seeing a dentist in Pinner sets out how consultations, written plans and fees work here.

IllustrationEducational illustration — a close-fitting tray holds prescribed whitening gel against the natural teeth.
Educational illustration of a custom whitening tray fitted over an upper dental arch beside a natural shade guide

Compare your options

Why teeth whitening rather than something else?

All treatments

Who is suitable for teeth whitening?

  • Adults with healthy teeth and gums
  • Patients with generalised shade concerns
  • Often used before bonding or veneers so restorations are matched to the final shade

What problems does teeth whitening solve?

  • Generalised yellowing
  • Age-related shade change
  • Surface and dietary staining

What happens at the teeth whitening assessment?

  • Examination to exclude decay, leaking fillings and gum disease
  • Shade recording and photography
  • Discussion of realistic shade change

How does teeth whitening work?

  1. 01

    Assessment

    Suitability is confirmed and the cause of discolouration identified.

  2. 02

    Custom trays

    Scans are used to make close-fitting trays.

  3. 03

    Home whitening

    Gel is worn as prescribed over an agreed period.

  4. 04

    Review

    Shade is checked and any further steps planned.

What are the benefits?

  • No removal of tooth tissue
  • Gradual, controllable shade change
  • Can be topped up in future

What are the limitations?

  • Does not change the colour of fillings, crowns or veneers
  • Results vary between individuals
  • Not suitable during pregnancy

What are the risks of teeth whitening?

  • Temporary sensitivity
  • Gum irritation from poorly fitting trays
  • Uneven results where existing restorations are present

What are the alternatives to teeth whitening?

How long does teeth whitening last?

Shade typically remains stable for one to three years, with periodic top-up whitening.

How is teeth whitening maintained?

  • Occasional top-up gel
  • Routine hygiene appointments
  • Reducing staining drinks where possible

How much does teeth whitening cost in London?

£395Guide fee

Home whitening with custom trays is £395. Enlighten whitening is £595. Both fees cover assessment, trays and prescribed gel.

A written plan with itemised fees is provided after assessment, before any treatment is agreed. See the full fee guide.

Compare options

Which option is right for you?

Explore the dental glossary for plain-language definitions of the clinical terms used here.

Clinical cases

Teeth whitening cases

Published only with explicit patient consent.

The same teeth after Invisalign and professional whitening, aligned and several shades lighterClinical photograph before treatment showing irregular upper tooth position and a yellowed natural shadeBeforeAfter
Invisalign · Teeth whitening

Invisalign and whitening

Appointments
Aligner reviews, then custom whitening trays
Duration
Aligner course followed by home whitening

Common questions

Teeth whitening: common questions

All frequently asked questions

How much does teeth whitening cost in London?

Home whitening kits start from £395 and Enlighten whitening from £595 at this practice. Suitability and the cause of discolouration are assessed before a whitening plan is provided.

Who is not suitable for teeth whitening?

Whitening is not carried out where there is untreated decay, active gum disease or leaking fillings, and it is not provided during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Teeth darkened by a single root-treated tooth, or by internal staining, may need a different approach, which is discussed at assessment.

Does teeth whitening cause sensitivity?

Temporary sensitivity during or shortly after whitening is common and usually resolves within a few days. Tray fit, gel strength, wear time and desensitising products are adjusted to keep sensitivity manageable.

How long does teeth whitening last?

Whitening results commonly last from several months to a couple of years, depending on diet, smoking, hygiene and the original cause of discolouration. Occasional top-up wear with the same trays maintains the shade.

Will whitening work on crowns, veneers or bonding?

No. Whitening changes natural tooth structure only; crowns, veneers and composite do not lighten. Where restorations are visible, whitening is completed first and the restorations are then matched or replaced to the new shade.

What should I do after whitening my teeth?

Keep the trays clean and stored dry, continue normal brushing and interdental cleaning, and limit strongly staining drinks such as red wine, coffee and tea in the days immediately after each phase. Routine hygiene appointments and occasional top-up gel help hold the shade.

What can go wrong with teeth whitening?

The common issues are temporary sensitivity and gum irritation, usually from gel overflowing a poorly fitting tray. Results can also look uneven where crowns, veneers or fillings sit alongside natural teeth, because those materials do not lighten. Dentist-prescribed, custom-tray whitening reduces both risks.

Author

Written by

Dr Vikas PrinjaThe London Dentist

Cosmetic, restorative and implant dentistry, London.

Clinically reviewed · Updated

About Dr Vikas Prinja
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