A bright, confident smile is something many people in Carshalton aspire to — but when it comes to achieving whiter teeth, there’s a common dilemma: should you try whitening strips, or book a professional teeth whitening treatment?
In this blog, our expert team at Carlton Dental breaks down the real differences, helping you choose the safest, most effective route to a brighter smile.
What Are Whitening Strips and How Do They Work?
Whitening strips are thin, flexible pieces of plastic coated in a low concentration of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Designed for at-home use, they’re typically worn on the teeth for 30 minutes a day over a two-week period.
Benefits of Whitening Strips
- Easily available in shops or online
- Affordable compared to professional treatments
- Convenient for occasional use at home
Limitations of Whitening Strips
- Lower concentration of whitening agents, meaning slower or limited results
- Uneven application can cause patchy whitening
- May lead to gum sensitivity or irritation if not used correctly
- Not suitable for deep stains or discolouration caused by ageing or dental trauma
While they’re fine for mild cases or a temporary boost, many people find the results disappointing — especially if they’re after a more dramatic improvement.
What Is Professional Teeth Whitening?
At Carlton Dental, we offer professional teeth whitening that’s delivered by qualified dental clinicians. We use trusted, high-strength products that are only available in regulated settings — ensuring safety and visible results. There are two main types of treatment:
In-Clinic Whitening
- Uses strong whitening gels activated by light or heat
- Delivers fast results — often within a single 60–90 minute session
- Carried out under full dentist supervision for safety
Take-Home Whitening Kits (Prescribed by Dentists)
- Custom-made trays fitted to your mouth
- Dentist-approved gels for safe use at home
- Gradual whitening over 10–14 days with ongoing support
Both options ensure safer, more consistent results than high-street products.
Whitening Strips vs Professional Whitening – Key Differences
Still unsure which option is best for you? Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between whitening strips and professional teeth whitening, written to help you make an informed decision:
Whitening Strips:
- Contain low-strength peroxide (typically 3–6%)
- Results take 1–2 weeks and may be uneven
- Higher risk of gum irritation when misused
- One-size-fits-all approach
- Results usually last 1–2 months
- Lower upfront cost, but often shorter-lasting
Professional Whitening at Carlton Dental:
- Uses high-strength, dentist-only whitening gels (up to 40%)
- Faster, more dramatic results — often visible after 1–2 sessions
- Fully supervised for safety and comfort
- Custom trays or in-clinic care tailored to your teeth
- Results can last up to 6–12 months with proper care
- Greater long-term value and more predictable results
Professional whitening doesn’t just enhance your smile — it protects your oral health and avoids the risks often associated with DIY kits.
Why Choose Professional Whitening at Carlton Dental?
If you’re serious about long-lasting results and minimising the risks, professional teeth whitening is the superior choice.
At Carlton Dental, we offer:
- 25+ years of experience in cosmetic and general dentistry
- Trusted by over 170 patients with a 4.8-star Google rating
- Use of industry-leading whitening systems, tailored to your needs
- Transparent pricing with flexible finance options
- Safe, regulated environment with qualified dental professionals
Want to combine whitening with alignment? Explore our teeth straightening options for a complete smile makeover.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Is professional whitening really better than strips?
Yes — it’s safer, faster, and more effective. Strips are lower in strength and can irritate gums. Dentist-led treatments ensure precision and comfort.
How long does professional teeth whitening last?
With good oral hygiene and minimal staining habits (like smoking or drinking red wine), results can last between 6 to 12 months.
Is teeth whitening safe for sensitive teeth?
Yes — we tailor treatments based on your sensitivity level. Dentist oversight helps prevent discomfort and allows for adjustments during treatment.
Areas We Cover for Dental Whitening Treatments
While we’re based locally, we also welcome patients from:
- Sutton
- Wallington
- Morden
- Banstead
- Cheam
If you’re searching for safe teeth whitening treatments, we’re your trusted local provider.
Why Trust Our Local Advice?
- Established in 1995, with decades of dental experience
- 170+ five-star Google reviews
- Fully qualified dental professionals
- Regulated by the CQC and part of the NHS dental network
- Committed to ethical care and transparent advice
You’re not just another number — we pride ourselves on our personalised, community-first approach to dental care.
Ready to Book Your Teeth Whitening in Carshalton?
Whether you’ve tried whitening strips before or are exploring cosmetic options for the first time, our expert team can help. Achieve a brighter, more confident smile with professional teeth whitening, safely and effectively.
