Cosmetic dentistry
Teeth whitening in Putney
Professional home whitening with custom-made trays, prescribed and checked by Dr Glafcos Tombolis. Safe when a dentist does it, with no damage to the tooth, and the most conservative way to brighten a smile.
Clinically reviewed by Dr Glafcos Tombolis, BDS, GDC 74754
Last reviewed 27 September 2026
Whitening at Ethicare, in brief
How much does whitening cost?
Home whitening with custom trays is £395 – £445, depending on the trays and gel you need. You keep the trays, so topping up later is inexpensive.
Who does it?
Dr Glafcos Tombolis assesses your teeth, prescribes the gel and checks the result. Only registered dental professionals can legally whiten teeth.
Can I pay monthly?
Denplan members get 10% off private treatment. Ask us about spreading the cost when you book.
How long does it take?
Two to three weeks of wearing the trays at home, overnight or for a short time each day, whichever suits you. Then a check with us.
Whiter teeth, with nothing taken away.
Whitening changes the colour of your teeth without removing any tooth structure, which is why we suggest it before veneers or crowns whenever it can achieve the result you want. The gels we use are close to pH neutral, so there is no long-term damage to enamel, unlike some acidic products sold online.
We take moulds or a scan of your teeth and make custom trays, including superseal trays that keep saliva out and the gel where it should be. That gives a more even result and makes the gel go further. You choose overnight or daytime wear, and we show you exactly how to use it.
- Custom superseal trays for an even result
- Near pH-neutral gel, safe for enamel
- Overnight or daytime, to suit you
- Trays are yours to keep for top-ups
“They took the time to explain things properly and made sure I felt at ease.”
Your whitening, step by step
- 01AssessmentWe check that your teeth and gums are healthy: decay, loose fillings, tartar or gum disease need treating first.
- 02Trays madeDigital images and a mould or scan of your teeth, from which your custom trays are made.
- 03At homeWe fit the trays, show you how to use the gel, and you whiten at home for two to three weeks.
- 04The checkWe compare the result with your starting images and make sure it is what you hoped for.
Is whitening the right treatment?
Only natural tooth enamel whitens. Fillings, crowns and veneers do not change colour, so they may need replacing afterwards to match. Very worn teeth, and grey or tetracycline staining, whiten more slowly or less predictably. Where whitening alone will not get you there, bonding or veneers are the next step, and we will say so honestly.
Whitening questions
Something else? Call us on 020 8870 5059 or send a WhatsApp message.
Does teeth whitening damage the teeth?
No. The products we use at Ethicare are near pH neutral, so there is no long-term damage to the enamel. Some products sold in shops or online are acidic and can cause erosion if used long term.
Why should a dental professional carry out whitening when it is cheaper elsewhere?
Only registered dental professionals are legally allowed to whiten teeth. We check you are suitable first: decay, loose fillings, tartar, inflamed gums or active gum disease all need treating before whitening, and teeth with fillings or crowns will not whiten. A salon or online seller cannot examine any of that.
How long will my whitening results last?
From a few months to around three years, depending on how often you have tea, coffee, red wine or tobacco. Most gel manufacturers suggest a top-up of one night every two months, and because you keep your trays, that is easy.
Does whitening cause sensitivity?
Most people feel some, because whitening sets up a reversible reaction inside the tooth. Home whitening produces milder sensitivity than in-surgery whitening, and superseal trays and desensitising gel reduce it further. It fades once treatment is complete.
I have crowns, fillings or veneers. Will they whiten?
No. Restorations do not change colour, so after whitening you may need them replaced to match your brighter teeth. We tell you this before you start.
Is there a whitening offer for orthodontic patients?
Yes. If you have Invisalign or braces at Ethicare, we provide a week's supply of home whitening gel free of charge.
