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Many people think they need whitening when a professional clean would reveal their natural brightness. Here's how to know which you actually need.
The Quick Answer
You need stain removal if: Your teeth have surface stains from coffee, tea, red wine, or smoking. A hygienist appointment with AirFlow cleaning can remove these.
You need whitening if: You want teeth lighter than your natural shade, or you have intrinsic staining that cleaning can't remove.
What is Stain Removal?
Stain removal happens during your hygienist appointment. Our 60-minute sessions include AirFlow cleaning — a gentle spray that removes surface stains, plaque, and discolouration.
This reveals your natural tooth colour, which is often brighter than you expect. Many clients find this is all they need.
What is Whitening?
Professional whitening uses peroxide-based gels to change the actual colour of your teeth. It works on the internal structure, not just the surface.
Boutique® Whitening uses custom trays you wear at home. Results typically show 2-8 shades improvement.
Cost Comparison
- Hygienist with AirFlow: £120 (60 minutes)
- Boutique® Whitening: from £395
We often recommend starting with a hygienist appointment. If you want to go further, whiten afterwards.
Which Stains Respond to Which?
Stain removal (hygienist) works on:
- Coffee and tea stains
- Red wine staining
- Smoking/tobacco stains
- General buildup and discolouration
Whitening works on:
- Natural yellowing from age
- Teeth that are naturally darker
- Some antibiotic staining (tetracycline)
Neither works well on:
- Very deep tetracycline staining (veneers may be needed)
- White spots from fluorosis
- Crowns and fillings (they don't whiten)
Our Recommendation
Start with a hygienist appointment. See what your natural teeth look like clean. If you want whiter still, we'll discuss Boutique® Whitening.
This approach saves you money if stain removal is enough, and gives you a clean baseline before whitening.