Question 1

What is the difference between 'Day' whitening and 'Night' whitening?

Accepted Answer

Boutique by Day is a 6% hydrogen peroxide gel designed for 1 to 1.5 hours of daily wear — the majority of the peroxide is spent within the first 20 minutes, so longer wear gives the full effect.

Boutique by Night uses 16% carbamide peroxide — designed for a minimum of 4 hours, ideally worn overnight. The 16% gets you there faster while still being gentle on your teeth.

Boutique also offers a 4.25% Hybrid Pro gel, blending hydrogen and carbamide peroxide for powerful yet gentle overnight whitening.

Question 2

Is teeth whitening more effective on certain types of staining?

Accepted Answer

Whitening works best on yellow and white-toned teeth. Brown and grey shades are more difficult and may require longer treatment or stronger gels. The most difficult staining to remove is deep intrinsic staining from tetracycline use, which can take many months. Your dentist will advise on the best approach for your individual case.

Question 3

Why do teeth get stained?

Accepted Answer

Teeth stain from two categories: extrinsic staining (surface stains from food, drink and smoking — removable by professional cleaning) and intrinsic staining (incorporated into the tooth structure). Intrinsic staining from fluorosis, antibiotics like tetracycline, trauma, hereditary conditions, or simply age cannot be removed by cleaning and requires whitening treatment.

Question 4

What is the difference between hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen peroxide is a potent oxidising agent that breaks down quickly, releasing oxygen free radicals that break up pigment molecules. Dental professionals can prescribe up to 6% hydrogen peroxide.

Carbamide peroxide is hydrogen peroxide stabilised with urea, giving it a longer shelf life and slower breakdown. Any given volume releases approximately 35% of its volume as hydrogen peroxide. Dental professionals can prescribe up to 16% carbamide peroxide. Because carbamide releases peroxide more slowly, it typically causes less sensitivity than an equivalent hydrogen peroxide concentration.

Question 5

Do I need to see a dentist for teeth whitening?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Teeth whitening is an act of dentistry. Over-the-counter products may dehydrate teeth to create a temporary appearance of whitening, but this quickly fades. At worst, unregulated products can damage teeth and gums. A legal dental examination must be carried out before any whitening treatment can begin.

Question 6

How many appointments do you need?

Accepted Answer

Typically three visits: (1) a comprehensive dental examination, photographs, and impressions for custom trays; (2) two weeks later, fitting your new whitening trays to begin treatment; (3) a final assessment and post-op photographs after 3–4 weeks of home whitening — or when you're happy with the shade.

Question 7

How long should each syringe of whitening last?

Accepted Answer

Each syringe should last around 5 days when whitening both upper and lower teeth. Using too much gel can cause sensitivity through gum irritation; using too little may mean the teeth don't whiten effectively. Simply fill the dosing dot on each tooth position in the tray — no more.

Question 8

Will I end up with a fake 'Hollywood' smile?

Accepted Answer

No. Dentist-supervised home whitening is a gradual process — you stop when you're happy with the shade. Even very white results look natural because it's your own tooth structure being lightened, rather than opaque porcelain veneers.

Question 9

What if I'm not happy with the results?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen peroxide will whiten teeth in virtually 100% of cases. If you're not satisfied, the usual solution is to continue whitening — often just an extra syringe or two is all that's needed. Your dentist will also check the tray fit: if trays aren't well sealed, saliva can neutralise the gel. If you grind your teeth at night, saliva ingress from tray flex can also hinder results — in which case Boutique by Day is a better option.

Question 10

My teeth have white spots. Can I still whiten?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Two things can happen: the white spots may become less noticeable as surrounding tooth whitens and the contrast reduces, or the spots may whiten faster than the surrounding enamel, temporarily making them more visible. Continuing whitening until the rest of the teeth reach the desired shade usually resolves this. If spots remain, micro-abrasion, ICON resin infiltration or composite bonding can help.

Question 11

Do I need to change my diet while whitening?

Accepted Answer

No major changes are needed. The only recommendation is to avoid heavily coloured foods and drinks for an hour after each whitening session. Otherwise, eat and drink as normal.

Question 12

How often does whitening need to be topped up?

Accepted Answer

Whitening is not permanent. Without top-ups, colour gradually fades back towards the original shade. Lifestyle plays a big role — regular coffee, tea, red wine, curries or smoking may require top-ups every 3–4 months. Most others need a top-up every 6–12 months. Typically, 3–5 days of top-up whitening every 3 months is enough to keep teeth looking beautifully white.

Question 13

What can I do to maintain my white smile?

Accepted Answer

Three key habits help: (1) Good oral hygiene — use a quality electric toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, brush twice daily, and floss at least once a day to prevent plaque build-up and surface staining. (2) Watch what you eat and drink — red wine, tea, coffee, sports drinks, soft drinks and curries all cause staining. (3) Avoid smoking as much as possible.

Question 14

Who should make my whitening trays?

Accepted Answer

Trays should always be made by a dental laboratory — never manufactured in-surgery. Laboratory-made trays use 1.5mm semi-rigid thermoplastic material formed under both vacuum and pressure for a precise fit. Boutique trays feature a straight margin (no reservoir) and a small dosing dot on each tooth position, so you use exactly the right amount of gel — reducing sensitivity and making kits last longer.

Question 15

Is there any benefit to in-surgery lamp or 'laser' whitening?

Accepted Answer

The evidence is questionable. Studies showing effectiveness are often funded by the manufacturers themselves. There is, however, an overwhelming body of evidence that dentist-supervised home whitening produces consistently superior results. At The Dental Centre Bury, we do not use in-surgery whitening because the evidence does not support it as a good option alongside a 6% hydrogen peroxide gel.

Question 16

Do whitening toothpastes work?

Accepted Answer

Whitening toothpastes can help MAINTAIN a brighter smile but will rarely whiten teeth to any significant degree on their own. They work by gently removing surface staining with mild abrasives like silica. The concentration of any peroxide-based ingredients is far too low to have a meaningful whitening effect.

Question 17

Do over-the-counter products like charcoal or coconut oil work?

Accepted Answer

No — and some are actively harmful. Charcoal and bicarbonate of soda are excessively abrasive. While they may lift some surface staining, they do so by removing enamel, which never grows back. Over time this exposes the darker dentine beneath, making teeth appear more yellow. Coconut oil is effectively useless for whitening. The only proven, safe and effective method is dentist-supervised whitening using a peroxide-based formula.

Question 18

Are there any risks associated with teeth whitening?

Accepted Answer

The main side effect is sensitivity — up to 70% of people experience some degree of it, from mild discomfort to more significant sensitivity. Slight gum or lip irritation can also occur. Both effects are temporary and resolve after treatment finishes. Your dentist can use desensitising agents, recommend Boutique Biomin toothpaste beforehand, and adjust gel strength or wear time to minimise these effects.

Question 19

Does teeth whitening hurt?

Accepted Answer

It should not be painful. Up to 70% of people experience some sensitivity, but very few find it severe enough to stop treatment. Both sensitivity and gum irritation are temporary. Using Boutique Biomin toothpaste twice daily for 2 weeks before starting — and continuing throughout — significantly reduces the chance of sensitivity.

Question 20

Does teeth whitening damage teeth?

Accepted Answer

No. Hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide at the concentrations used in Boutique Whitening will not harm your teeth when used as directed. Research shows no significant effect on enamel. Dentine is temporarily affected but recovers within 2 weeks post-treatment. Any mild pulp reactions are also reversible within 2 weeks. Teeth whitening is one of the most researched cosmetic procedures in the world.

Question 21

Does whitening damage existing fillings, crowns or veneers?

Accepted Answer

No — whitening gels do not damage restorations. However, fillings, crowns, veneers and bridges will not whiten. You may need to have these replaced to match your new tooth colour after treatment. Discuss this with your dentist beforehand so you're aware of any additional costs.

Question 22

The edges of my teeth appear very dark after whitening — what happened?

Accepted Answer

Some people have naturally translucent incisal edges that appear grey, blue or black. When the surrounding tooth whitens, the contrast with the translucent edge becomes more noticeable. Whitening has not damaged your tooth — it is simply a greater contrast becoming apparent. A small amount of tooth-coloured composite on the front or back of the tooth can mask this, and your dentist will discuss this with you before whitening begins.

Question 23

After whitening, my teeth have a white band but are still dark near the gums — why?

Accepted Answer

Enamel is naturally thinner near the gum line, allowing the yellower dentine beneath to show through. Continuing to whiten until the teeth won't go any further usually resolves this. If a dark band at the gumline persists, white filling material can be used to correct it.

Question 24

Is teeth whitening safe and regulated?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Teeth whitening is regulated in the UK and EU as a cosmetic product, with a maximum professional strength of 6% hydrogen peroxide. Boutique Whitening is registered with the UK and EU Cosmetics Portal, independently assessed as safe by an EU assessor, and has FDA approval pending, with products also approved for sale in Australia.

Question 25

Can I have my teeth whitened at a hairdresser or beauty salon?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not. Teeth whitening is an act of dentistry and must only be performed by, or under the supervision of, a registered dental professional. Unqualified operators risk causing burns, scarring and permanent disfigurement to your gums and soft tissues. You must always have a comprehensive dental examination before whitening — something a beautician cannot legally or safely provide.

Question 26

Who should not have teeth whitening?

Accepted Answer

Whitening is not suitable for: patients already happy with their shade; those with extensive composite restorations mixed with natural teeth (fillings won't lighten); patients with porcelain crowns or veneers who aren't prepared to replace them; pregnant or breastfeeding women; patients who can't comply with the regime; those with unrealistic expectations; or patients with exposed cementum or root surfaces, as these areas do not lighten.

Question 27

Can people under 18 have their teeth whitened?

Accepted Answer

UK and EU regulations state that whitening products must NOT be used on patients under 18. In exceptional cases where there is a clinical need — for example, where significant discoloration is affecting a young person's mental wellbeing — a dentist may consider treatment, but must follow a strict protocol including detailed consent discussions with the patient and parents/guardians and consultation with their indemnity provider.

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