Teeth Whitening in Larkfield, Kent
A brighter smile is one of the most common things people want from their dentist — and professional teeth whitening is one of the safest, most effective ways to achieve it. We offer Philips Zoom whitening in two formats, so you can choose the approach that works best for you.
The basics
What is professional whitening?
Professional teeth whitening uses a carefully formulated bleaching gel — containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide — to lighten the natural colour of your tooth enamel. The gel breaks down stain molecules that have built up in the enamel over time, leaving your teeth visibly whiter.
It's important to understand what whitening can and can't do. It works on natural tooth enamel — it won't change the colour of crowns, veneers, bonding, or fillings. It also works best on yellowy or brownish staining from food, drink, and age; it's less effective on grey tones or staining caused by certain medications or trauma. We'll assess your teeth at your consultation and give you an honest picture of the results you can expect.
Professional whitening, carried out under dental supervision, is significantly safer and more effective than over-the-counter products or unregulated whitening offered outside of a dental practice. Only dentists and their supervised teams are legally permitted to provide teeth whitening in the UK.
Is whitening right for you? →
Is it right for you?
When to consider whitening
Teeth whitening may be right for you if:
- ✓ Your teeth have become yellower or more stained over the years from tea, coffee, wine, or food
- ✓ You feel self-conscious about the colour of your teeth
- ✓ You're preparing for a special occasion and want to look your best
- ✓ You've had a scale and polish and want to take the freshness a step further
- ✓ You're planning other cosmetic treatment (whitening should always be done first)
- ✓ You've used whitening toothpaste without achieving the improvement you were hoping for
Your options
Which option is right for you?
We offer two Philips Zoom whitening formats, each with different strengths depending on your lifestyle and goals. Both use the same Zoom whitening system — the difference is primarily speed and convenience.
Zoom Chairside Whitening
Our most powerful option, completed in a single in-clinic appointment. Ideal if you want significant results quickly, with the process completed in approximately 90 minutes.
Learn more →Zoom Home Whitening Kit
A professional take-home kit using custom-made trays and Zoom whitening gel, worn daily for one to two weeks. Results are comparable to chairside whitening and many patients prefer the convenience and the ability to top up at home.
Learn more →
Aftercare
Maintaining your results
Whitening results are not permanent — teeth naturally re-stain over time. Here's how to make your results last as long as possible:
- ✓ Avoid heavy tea, coffee, red wine, and dark-coloured sauces in the 48 hours after whitening — this is when the enamel is most porous
- ✓ Use a straw for cold drinks that stain
- ✓ Brush twice daily and attend regular hygienist appointments — clean teeth stain more slowly
- ✓ Use a whitening toothpaste to help maintain brightness between treatments
- ✓ Top-up treatments — if you've had a home kit, you can use your custom trays with additional whitening gel (available from us) to top up your results once or twice a year
- ✓ Most patients find their results last one to three years before a top-up is needed
Fees & finance
How much does teeth whitening cost?
The cost varies between our Zoom Chairside and Zoom Home Kit options. Please see our dedicated treatment pages for more detail, or visit our Fees & Finance page.
Call us on 01732 521123 to book a whitening consultation.
View Fees & Finance →Cosmetic dentistry
Related treatments
Questions
Frequently asked
Is teeth whitening safe? +
Yes, when carried out by a dental professional. We assess your teeth and gums before treatment to make sure whitening is appropriate for you. Some patients experience temporary sensitivity during or after treatment, which settles within a few days. We use professional-grade products at concentrations that are proven safe and effective.
Will whitening damage my enamel? +
Professional whitening, used as directed, does not damage tooth enamel. The bleaching gel temporarily opens the pores in the enamel to lift stains — this closes again naturally after treatment. Overusing whitening products, however, can cause sensitivity, which is why we strongly advise against unregulated whitening products and why we supervise all treatments.
Why can't I just use whitening strips from the supermarket? +
Over-the-counter products contain very low concentrations of whitening agent (due to EU and UK regulations) and use generic trays that don't fit your teeth properly. The results are limited and the risk of gel leaking onto your gums is higher. Professional whitening uses custom-fitted trays and higher-concentration gel for far better, faster, and safer results.
Can I whiten my teeth if I have crowns or veneers? +
Whitening only works on natural tooth enamel — it won't change the colour of crowns, veneers, bonding, or composite fillings. If you have visible restorations, we'll discuss this at your consultation and help you plan accordingly.
Ready to find out more?
Your brighter smile awaits
Call us on 01732 521123 or email hello@larkfielddentalcare.co.uk — we'd love to help.