Cosmetic dentistry · Finchley
Professional teeth whitening in Finchley
From £390
From £290
How professional teeth whitening works
Professional teeth whitening uses a peroxide-based gel to lighten the natural colour of tooth enamel and dentine. The gel penetrates the outer layers of the tooth, breaking down the molecular bonds that cause discolouration — including staining from tea, coffee, red wine, certain foods and the gradual yellowing that occurs with age. The process does not alter the structure of your teeth or damage the enamel when carried out under dental supervision at appropriate concentrations.
It is important to understand what whitening can and cannot do before you begin. Whitening works on natural enamel. It does not change the colour of porcelain crowns, composite bonding, white fillings or veneers — any existing restorations will remain their original shade. If you have visible restorations on front teeth, your dentist will discuss how this affects the likely outcome and whether any adjustment is needed afterwards.
Shade improvement varies between individuals. Deeply stained teeth, grey or tetracycline-related discolouration and intrinsic staining respond differently to surface staining. A specific number of shades cannot be guaranteed — your dentist will give you a realistic, personalised expectation at assessment.
Suitability and who should wait
Whitening is suitable for most adults with healthy teeth and gums who would like a lighter natural tooth colour. You may find it particularly worthwhile if your teeth have become stained through diet or lifestyle, or if gradual yellowing has developed over time.
Whitening is not recommended in the following situations, and your dentist will identify these at the assessment:
- Active tooth decay or untreated gum disease (treatment is required first)
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding (not recommended; postpone until after this period)
- Severe existing sensitivity that has not been assessed
- Children and patients under 18
- Teeth where the discolouration is intrinsic or related to medication (results may be limited; alternatives such as veneers may be more appropriate)
Whitening before bonding or veneers
Your options
In-surgery or home whitening kit?
In-Surgery Whitening
From £390
- Carried out at the practice under clinical supervision
- Results achieved in a single appointment
- Suitable when you have a specific occasion in mind
- Immediate professional review of progress
- Higher upfront cost than home kit
Home Whitening Kit
From £290
- Custom-made trays formed to your teeth for even coverage
- Whiten at your own pace and preferred time of day
- Gradual process — often gentler for sensitive teeth
- Trays can be reused for future top-up treatments
- Results develop over several weeks rather than one visit
The process
What to expect, step by step
Your dentist
Meet Dr Kozhaya Assaker
Dr Assaker holds a DDS (2002) and a postgraduate qualification in Oral Biology (2003), followed by a Diploma in Oral Surgery and Implantology (2007). He has completed further training in implantology and bone grafting in Switzerland, the USA and France.
He is a member of the British Dental Association (BDA) and holds active membership with the European Association for Osseointegration (EAO) and the International Team for Implantology (ITI). GDC registration number: 176427.
Dr Assaker consults in English, Arabic, French, Armenian and some Polish.
