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Teeth whitening at Essex Family Dental

Teeth whitening is a great way to restore the natural whiteness of your teeth and get rid of those pesky day-to-day stains caused by red wine, tea or coffee. If you feel that your smile has become dull over time, having your teeth whitened will quickly bring the brilliance back to your smile. With a few options available, you can choose the solution that best fits in with your lifestyle and gives you the control you need to achieve the results you want.

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What teeth whitening options are available?

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Enlighten teeth whitening

For the best results; just as with the standard teeth whitening kits, Enlighten is an at-home teeth whitening system that uses bespoke mouth trays and teeth whitening gel to progressively lighten the colour of your teeth. Where Enlighten really excels as a teeth whitening option, however, is in the final result; Enlighten is the only teeth whitening system that promises its customers a VITA B1 result – the whitest natural shade possible.
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Learn more about Enlighten
Smiling woman in a yellow sweater pointing at her bright white teeth against a turquoise background.

At-home teeth whitening kits

A cheaper, more traditional alternative to Enlighten are our at-home teeth whitening kits. These systems follow a very similar process and will enable you to lighten your teeth progressively to the whiteness you desire. These kits use a high volume of hydrogen peroxide, which is much higher than any other home whitening kits you might otherwise purchase, ensuring you achieve a great result. 
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Learn more about at-home whitening kits

Book your teeth whitening appointment

Brighten your smile safely and effectively with professional whitening that lifts stains and boosts confidence.

Book a treatment

What’s the process for Enlighten teeth whitening?

You’ll first attend a consultation with your dentist to discuss your teeth whitening goals. Your dentist will assess your teeth and gums and will then have custom whitening trays made to perfectly fit your teeth. With your Enlighten kit, you’ll then start your 3-week journey to whiter, brighter teeth. This will involve:

  • brushing your teeth with the Enlighten serum in the morning and night
  • applying the teeth whitening gel to your custom made whitening trays 
  • wearing the trays overnight during the first 2 weeks and for 1 hour per day during week 3
  • brushing your teeth after you remove the trays; and
  • applying the Enlighten Comfort desensitising gel 

You can then introduce the Enlighten White toothpaste into your ongoing oral health routine to ensure your teeth remain beautifully white. 

Smiling woman holding a mirror while a dental professional compares her teeth to a shade guide for whitening.

Why choose Enlighten teeth whitening?

As mentioned above, Enlighten promises to achieve the whitest natural shade possible, with limited stress or discomfort to your teeth and a consistent, even colouring. 

Close-up of a smiling mouth showing teeth with brown stains and discoloration before whitening treatment.Close-up of a smiling mouth showing clean, whitened upper and lower teeth.
Before
After
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How much does Enlighten teeth whitening cost?

Enlighten teeth whitening costs £550. Whilst this is more expensive than some other whitening options, it’s a great product to help you to achieve the brilliance you desire. With 0* finance options available, it might just be the best solution for you.

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What’s the process to use an at-home teeth whitening system?

Just as with the Enlighten system, your dentist will assess your teeth and gums and then have custom whitening trays made to perfectly fit your teeth. They’ll also demonstrate how to use the whitening system. Once you have your bespoke mouth whitening trays and gel, you’ll simply apply a small amount into the recess for each tooth before wearing them overnight. 

Why choose an at-home teeth whitening system?

You can only use teeth whitening gels that contain a high volume of hydrogen peroxide if it’s under the supervision of your dentist and you’re using a professional at-home whitening kit. This means that any other store bought kits just can’t achieve the equivalent results. An at-home whitening system provides you with mouth trays that are fully fitted to your mouth and can be used again and again for future top-ups as needed. You also have control over the end result; once your teeth have reached the desired shade, you can simply stop whitening and enjoy your natural, brilliant smile!

Bearded man smiling and looking at his white teeth in a handheld mirror, wearing a dental bib.

How much does an at-home teeth whitening system cost?

This option is more affordable at only £350, also with 0* finance options available.

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Our patients love us

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Jannice Apraku

I came into see the Hygienist at the beginning of August. I can honestly say in all my years of attending the Dentist, this Lady has to be the best!She was patient and explained everything. The way she cleaned my teeth was gentle but effective. She gave me helpful advice on what to do going forward.I really hope I see her again.She is a true asset to the Dentist.

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Allana Leahy

Had 3 fillings done here under sedation and it was like it never happened. I closed my eye and opened them and it was done. I was nervous before the appointment but they got me sedated within a couple of mins of being in the dentists chair.

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Maria Glacken

I have been going to this dentist for many years now. They have just recently had a refurb it's very nice in there now. The reception ladies are always very friendly. Never had any problems would highly recommend this surgery.Nov 2025: Just had to make another appointment as a large filling fell out. Seen pretty quickly, treatment plan started, appointment for next day to get work started. As always all staff very pleasant. I have never had any issues with this surgery.18/11/25: Visited today to have inlay fitted where my filling fell out. Seen on time, all done pretty quickly. Very happy with the treatment.

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Deborah Taylor

I had my first ever hygienist appointment with airflow. I was quite nervous but was quickly reassured by the lady that performed the procedure (sorry i cant remember her name). Really happy with the results. My teeth look so much cleaner and healthier. The staff were really friendly. I also had a consultation for inviserline. They took a quick scan of my teeth so I have a idea of how they compare to the Finnished result.

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Kayleigh B

I had an appointment with the dental hygienist today she was so lovely and put me at ease straight away. The receptionists were also very friendly and polite.

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Janine

Had my first appointment here today and I was pleasantly surprised. My dentist was Vinusha, she didn't rush me out, she listened to my concerns and explained everything clearly. As an NHS patient this was really nice experience.

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Nikki Vincent

I had my wisdom tooth extracted by Kush and she was amazing I am very nervous of dentists even as a full grown adult! But she made me at ease and was a lot less scary then I anticipated. Highly recommend!!!! She's the best dentist around.

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Kelly Edmead

Fantastic service. My Dentist, Ema, is very professional, friendly and puts you at ease at every appointment.

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Tariq Din

Appointment was made at a date and time of my choice. Did not have to wait long at all for my treatment. Was done quickly and swiftly. Painless process. Thanks

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Michelle Heal

Always helpful and staff have a way at making me feel relaxed which is tough considering I do have a fear of the dentist. I come here over 20yrs ago as an emergency over Christmas and although it's out of my catchment area and I remained a patient which says alot about the surgery.

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Pauline Payne

Came to see the hygienist yesterday. Lady did a good job, although I’m really nervous at the dentist. Reception staff are lovely even after having to deal with a rude man at the desk. A guy came out to calm this down, very professional. Even the receptionist dealt with this well. I travel to get here but would never change.

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Theresa Lawless

I’m not so good at going to the dentist but I was made to feel very relaxed by the receptionist, dental nurse and dentist. The service was excellent. For once I won’t mind going back.

Whitening strips

If you don’t wish to commit to a full teeth whitening process but would still like a quick route to whiter teeth for a special occasion or a night out, you can try teeth whitening strips. Simply tell your dentist during your general check-up that you would like to try whitening strips.

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Have you thought about?

Dental cosmetic treatments such as a hygienist treatment, teeth straightening or a dental plan.

Hygiene appointments

Hygiene appointments

Regular hygiene visits help keep your teeth clean, bright and free from staining while also supporting the long-term health of your gums. Attending appointments at least every six months—alongside routine dental check-ups and good home care—reduces the risk of gum disease, improves overall oral health and helps maintain a fresh, healthy smile.

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Regular hygiene visits help keep your teeth clean, bright and free from staining while also supporting the long-term health of your gums. Attending appointments at least every six months—alongside routine dental check-ups and good home care—reduces the risk of gum disease, improves overall oral health and helps maintain a fresh, healthy smile.

Dental plans

Dental plans

A dental plan makes it simple to stay on top of your oral health, even with a busy schedule. By planning routine care in advance, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy all year round with ease and confidence.

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A dental plan makes it simple to stay on top of your oral health, even with a busy schedule. By planning routine care in advance, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy all year round with ease and confidence.

Teeth straightening

Teeth straightening

Straightening crooked or misaligned teeth can transform your smile, give you confidence and help you be the best version of you. If you’re dissatisfied with your smile, you’ll be pleased to know that straightening your teeth is not only extremely achievable and affordable but also brings very reliable results, whether your goal is to straighten wonky teeth, reduce overcrowding, remedy an incorrect bite or fix jaw misalignment. Multiple teeth straightening options are available at Essex Family Dental such as clear aligners, lingual braces, clear ceramic braces or traditional orthodontics, which means you can choose the treatment option that best suits you, your needs and your lifestyle.

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Straightening crooked or misaligned teeth can transform your smile, give you confidence and help you be the best version of you. If you’re dissatisfied with your smile, you’ll be pleased to know that straightening your teeth is not only extremely achievable and affordable but also brings very reliable results, whether your goal is to straighten wonky teeth, reduce overcrowding, remedy an incorrect bite or fix jaw misalignment. Multiple teeth straightening options are available at Essex Family Dental such as clear aligners, lingual braces, clear ceramic braces or traditional orthodontics, which means you can choose the treatment option that best suits you, your needs and your lifestyle.

Hygiene appointments

Hygiene appointments

Regular hygiene visits help keep your teeth clean, bright and free from staining while also supporting the long-term health of your gums. Attending appointments at least every six months—alongside routine dental check-ups and good home care—reduces the risk of gum disease, improves overall oral health and helps maintain a fresh, healthy smile.

Expand
Collapse
Dental plans

Dental plans

A dental plan makes it simple to stay on top of your oral health, even with a busy schedule. By planning routine care in advance, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy all year round with ease and confidence.

Expand
Collapse
Teeth straightening

Teeth straightening

Straightening crooked or misaligned teeth can transform your smile, give you confidence and help you be the best version of you. If you’re dissatisfied with your smile, you’ll be pleased to know that straightening your teeth is not only extremely achievable and affordable but also brings very reliable results, whether your goal is to straighten wonky teeth, reduce overcrowding, remedy an incorrect bite or fix jaw misalignment. Multiple teeth straightening options are available at Essex Family Dental such as clear aligners, lingual braces, clear ceramic braces or traditional orthodontics, which means you can choose the treatment option that best suits you, your needs and your lifestyle.

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Frequently asked questions about teeth whitening

How can I make teeth whitening last longer?

The results of teeth whitening can be impressive, however, staining habits like drinking coffee, tea or red wine or smoking can cause stains to return. The best way to maintain your results and minimise any staining to the surface of your teeth is to brush twice a day with whitening toothpaste. You should also visit the dental hygienist regularly for deep cleans, as this will help to manage tougher stains and keep your smile as bright as possible. You can also have periodic touch-up treatments to help maintain your results over longer stretches of time.

Can teeth whitening make my teeth sensitive?

Yes. You may feel some temporary sensitivity while whitening your teeth and in the days following your treatment. Fortunately, this sensitivity is usually short-lived and you can expect it to subside within a few days.

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essexfamilydentalcare
Providing dentistry in the community for over 40 years. New surgery now open at 57 Mawney Rd!