Who Can Have Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening may suit adults with healthy teeth and gums, after a dental examination. UK law bars professional-strength whitening gels from cosmetic use on anyone under 18. Other reasons it is not suitable at Deepcar Dental Care include pregnancy or breastfeeding, active decay or gum disease, heavy tetracycline staining and many front crowns or veneers. Existing dental work, sensitivity, age and gum health each have their own page.
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Medical disclaimer: This page is for general information only. It does not replace an examination or treatment by a dentist.
What does this section cover?
This section covers who can have teeth whitening and what can rule it out, in law and in clinical terms. It does not describe how whitening is carried out or give prices.
Who can have teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening may suit adults aged 18 or over with healthy teeth and gums, once a dentist has examined them. UK cosmetic product rules allow gels that contain or release 0.1% to 6% hydrogen peroxide only after an appropriate clinical examination, and never for cosmetic whitening on anyone under 18.
At Deepcar Dental Care, reasons whitening is not suitable include:
- being under 18
- pregnancy or breastfeeding
- active decay or gum disease
- heavy tetracycline staining
- many front crowns or veneers
At Deepcar Dental Care, a hygiene visit before whitening is recommended.
To find out whether teeth whitening suits you, book an appointment online or call 0114 288 2121.
Which suitability question do you have?
Each topic below links to the page that covers it.
Crowns, veneers and fillings
Crowns, veneers and fillings will not change colour during whitening, because the gel lightens natural teeth only. Existing work on the front teeth may then no longer match the natural teeth beside it. Read about how existing dental work responds to whitening.
Sensitivity
Sensitivity is covered in the whitening safety section rather than on this page. Read about how whitening affects sensitivity and enamel.
Under 18, pregnancy and breastfeeding
Whitening is not suitable for anyone under 18, or during pregnancy or breastfeeding. UK law bars cosmetic use of professional-strength whitening gels under 18, and NHS guidance does not recommend whitening while pregnant or breastfeeding. Read the legal and clinical position on age and pregnancy.
Gum disease and decay
Whitening is not suitable with active tooth decay or gum disease, and NHS guidance says it is not done on unhealthy teeth or gums. Read about why healthy teeth and gums matter.
What is covered elsewhere?
The whitening safety pages cover the rules and risks, and teeth whitening with a dentist is explained on the main whitening page.
How can you find out if whitening suits you?
The way to find out is a dental examination, which UK rules require before professional whitening gel is used. If whitening looks likely to suit you, working out which option suits is the next step.
Frequently asked questions
Will whitening change the colour of dentures or implant teeth?
No. NHS guidance says teeth whitening can only lighten the colour of natural teeth, and that it does not work on dentures or implants. Denture teeth and the replacement teeth fitted on implants keep the colour they have now, as crowns on natural teeth do.
Is teeth whitening available on the NHS?
No. NHS guidance says teeth whitening is not available on the NHS, and that you pay for it as a private patient at a dental surgery. It also advises checking the whitening provider's registration on the General Dental Council website.
Can I have whitening with heavy tetracycline staining?
No. Heavy tetracycline staining is one of the reasons whitening is not suitable at Deepcar Dental Care. A 2019 review of whitening explains that tetracycline stains form within the enamel or dentine while the tooth is still developing, rather than on its surface.
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We look after patients from Deepcar, Stocksbridge and Oughtibridge, and from across north Sheffield, including Wadsley, Hillsborough and Fulwood. Many travel further, from Penistone, Barnsley and Rotherham. The practice is on the A6102 at 334 Manchester Road, and no referral is needed.
334 Manchester Road
Deepcar, Sheffield S36 2RH
0114 288 2121
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Opening hours
Open 8am to 8pm, seven days
Free parking at the door