What is professional teeth whitening?
Professional teeth whitening uses carefully formulated bleaching gels that work beneath the enamel surface to break down staining compounds. These are the kinds of stains that build up over the years from tea, coffee, red wine, and simply getting older. Unlike the strips and kits you will find in the supermarket, professional-grade whitening is prescribed and overseen by a GDC-registered dentist, which means you get a significantly higher concentration of active ingredient, used safely and correctly.
Shop-bought products are limited by law to a peroxide concentration that has only a modest whitening effect. At Somerhill Smiles, your dentist assesses your teeth first, selects the right approach for your starting shade, and fits your trays precisely so the gel goes exactly where it should and nowhere it should not.
The most common concern we hear is sensitivity. Some patients notice a temporary sensitivity to cold or heat during treatment. This is normal and settles within a day or two of completing your sessions. We will talk you through what to expect at your consultation. If you would like to know more about keeping your teeth and gums healthy alongside whitening treatment, visit our dental hygiene page.
Teeth whitening treatments at Somerhill Smiles
Take-home whitening trays
Custom-fitted trays are made from a mould of your teeth and paired with a professional-strength whitening gel. You wear them at home, usually for a couple of hours each day or overnight, depending on the strength prescribed, over a two-week period. The custom fit means even, comfortable coverage with no gel escaping onto your gums. This is the most popular option for patients who prefer to whiten at their own pace.
In-practice whitening
A single appointment at our Church Road practice produces noticeably whiter teeth in around an hour. The gel is applied directly by your dentist under controlled conditions, and a light or activating device may be used to enhance the result. This option is ideal if you have a wedding, event, or occasion coming up and want a quick, significant improvement.
Combination approach
Many patients get the best results by combining both options: an in-practice session for an immediate lift, followed by take-home trays to maintain and deepen the result over time. Your dentist will advise which approach is most suited to your teeth at your consultation. your consultation so there are no surprises.
Why choose Somerhill Smiles for teeth whitening in Hove?
✓ GDC-registered dentists only, not a beauty salon or unregulated provider. Only qualified dental professionals can legally prescribe whitening gels, and every treatment at Somerhill Smiles is carried out or directly supervised by your dentist. Read more about our team on the about us page.
✓ Custom-fitted trays for safety and even results. Your trays are made from an impression of your own teeth, keeping the gel off your gums and ensuring even coverage, which matters both for comfort and for the final result.
✓ Right here on Church Road, Hove BN3 2DJ, easy to reach from Brighton and across East Sussex, with parking available nearby. Many patients combine their whitening consultation with a routine appointment.
✓ Unhurried appointments. We take the time to understand what result you are looking for and explain your options honestly, including whether whitening is the right solution for your particular teeth. You can also explore our full range of treatments on the general dentistry page.
What results can you expect?
Most patients see a meaningful improvement of two to eight shades, depending on their starting colour and how much staining is involved. Results vary. Teeth with deeper intrinsic staining, from tetracycline antibiotics, for example, may whiten more slowly and require a different approach.
How long your results last depends largely on your habits. Tea, coffee, red wine, and smoking all reintroduce staining over time. Most patients find their results hold well for one to two years, after which a simple top-up course restores brightness quickly. Your take-home trays can be reused for top-ups with a new supply of gel.
One important note: whitening gel does not alter the colour of crowns, veneers, or composite bonding. If you have restorations on visible front teeth, we will discuss this at your consultation so there are no surprises.
Teeth whitening costs in Hove
Professional teeth whitening at Somerhill Smiles starts from £400 for take-home trays and £850 for in-practice whitening. A combination approach in-practice session followed by take-home trays is priced on consultation depending on your needs.
Members of our dental plan receive 20% off all whitening treatments. See our plans and fees page for full details.
Frequently Asked Questions
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