Enlighten teeth whitening: treatment, results and aftercare
Originally published
Enlighten is a professional teeth whitening system provided through a dentist. It uses custom trays and whitening gels to lighten natural teeth. Before choosing it, your dentist should check your oral health and discuss your starting shade, any visible fillings or crowns, and the result you would like.
Natural tooth colour varies with age and the structure of your teeth. A healthy smile does not need to be bright white, and whitening is an optional cosmetic treatment.
What result does Enlighten offer?
Enlighten’s manufacturer states that it guarantees Vita shade B1. B1 is a light shade on a dental shade guide. Ask your dentist how the guarantee applies to your teeth and what treatment and maintenance it requires.
This does not mean that one course keeps your teeth the same shade for life. Whitening changes natural teeth; crowns, veneers and fillings do not lighten in the same way. Your dentist should plan around visible restorations, including whether any later replacement would be appropriate. Disease or pain should be treated before elective cosmetic work.
Assessment and preparation
Your dentist will look for decay, gum disease, cracks and causes of sensitivity before prescribing whitening. Cleaning may be useful where deposits or surface stains need removing, but the preparation should reflect what your mouth needs.
Custom trays are made to fit your teeth, and the team should show you how to place the gel and remove any excess. Do not substitute a retainer or another tray without checking with them.
Cosmetic peroxide whitening is for adults aged 18 and over. Whitening is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Tell your dentist about your health and any previous reactions to whitening products.
How long does the course take?
The manufacturer’s current treatment guide describes 14 nights with the night gels, followed by the week-three gel for an hour daily during the final week.
Follow the instructions for the kit your dentist supplies. They may advise a different course or adjust it if sensitivity develops. The latest Enlighten system offered at Medical-Dent does not require an additional in-surgery whitening appointment. Ask your dentist what follow-up is needed; a general description online cannot replace those instructions.
Do not use extra gel or extend the wearing time to speed up whitening. Do not eat or drink while wearing the whitening trays.
Sensitivity and keeping your result
Sensitivity and gum irritation can occur. If treatment becomes uncomfortable, pause and ask the team for advice about your gel, tray fit and schedule. Severe or persistent pain, swelling or pain in one tooth needs assessment rather than being assumed to be a normal whitening effect.
Enlighten says that its treatment does not require a “white diet”. You do not need to adopt a blanket ban on coloured foods simply because you are using this system. Continue normal oral care and follow the advice supplied with your treatment.
The comparison image is illustrative; it does not establish the result you will achieve. Your team can record your own starting shade and review the change with you.
Some people need top-ups to maintain their preferred shade. Agree the timing with your dentist rather than following a fixed schedule for everyone. Read more about whitening and sensitivity.
Costs and booking
Ask for an estimate that identifies what is included: assessment, trays, gels and follow-up. Check whether future replacement gels or trays cost extra. Our dental treatment fees list the current whitening options.
If you are considering instalments, read the current finance terms. Eligibility and approval conditions apply. Contact us to discuss whether Enlighten is suitable for you.