A new year is a fresh start. If you would love your smile to look brighter in photos, at work, or on big days ahead, professional whitening is a simple way to lift stains and boost confidence. At Braces & Faces Orthodontics in Wolverhampton, we provide safe, custom Boutique Whitening kits that fit your routine and your smile goals.

In this guide, you will learn how professional whitening works, what to expect from your custom trays, the difference between Boutique by Day and Boutique by Night, and how whitening fits around braces or Invisalign^® treatment. You will also find clear answers on safety, results, and costs, so you can decide if now is the right time to start.

Is professional teeth whitening safe and effective?

Yes, when prescribed and supervised by a dental professional, whitening is safe and effective. Your whitening gel strength is chosen for you, your trays are custom made to reduce gel leakage onto your gums, and your progress is reviewed. This is different from shop bought strips or generic trays, which can be ill fitting and more likely to irritate soft tissues or create uneven results.

What you can expect:

• A predictable lift in shade across all visible teeth
• Reduced sensitivity strategies tailored to you, such as desensitising toothpaste and spacing wear nights if needed
• Guidance on food and drink choices during whitening to protect results

Side effects are usually mild and temporary. Some people feel short bursts of sensitivity during the course. We guide you on how to manage this, including adjusting wear time or alternating nights. If you have existing dental work at the front, such as bonding or crowns, we will discuss how that may affect colour matching.

How the Boutique Whitening Kit works

Boutique Whitening is a professional, at home system that pairs a dentist prescribed gel with custom made trays.

Your steps:

• Assessment and shade check. We confirm you are suitable for whitening and record your starting shade.
• Impressions or an iTero scan. This creates an accurate model of your teeth.
• Custom tray fabrication. Your trays are made to fit closely and hold gel evenly against your enamel.
• Pick up and instructions. We show you how to load gel, insert trays, and care for them.
• Home whitening. You follow either the Day or Night protocol for one to two weeks on average, sometimes a little longer for deeper stains.
• Review and top up plan. We compare your before and after shades, and explain how to maintain your new brightness.

Results build gradually. Most patients notice a visible change after a few applications, with a final shade that looks bright but natural.

Boutique by Day vs Boutique by Night

You can choose the wear schedule that suits your lifestyle.

Boutique by Day: Wear trays for around 1 to 1.5 hours per day. Great if you prefer a short daily routine while you read, commute, or watch TV.

Boutique by Night: Wear trays for at least 4 hours in the evening or overnight. Ideal if you would rather set it and forget it while you sleep.

Both protocols can achieve similar final results. We help you pick based on your schedule, enamel sensitivity, and desired pace.

When to whiten if you have braces or Invisalign^®

Whitening and orthodontics work beautifully together, with a little planning.

Fixed braces on now: It is best to wait until your brackets come off. Whitening gel cannot reach enamel under brackets, which can cause uneven colour. As soon as your braces are removed and your teeth are polished, we can start whitening, often within a week or two.

Recently finished fixed braces: Whitening is a great finishing touch once your teeth are free of adhesive and surfaces are polished. We often combine whitening with your new retainers plan so your smile stays straight and bright.

Invisalign^® or other clear aligners: You can usually whiten during treatment because there are no brackets blocking the enamel. Some patients use their aligner as a whitening tray, if suitable, and we will advise you on the safest method. Others prefer to complete straightening first, then whiten at the end, particularly if refinements are planned.

Bonded retainers: You can still whiten with a bonded retainer in place. We will show you how to apply gel around the wire and keep the area clean.

If you are considering aligners this year and want to explore straightening plus whitening, our team can walk you through options at a free consultation.

What kind of results can I expect?

Your starting shade, lifestyle habits, and enamel makeup affect the outcome, but most patients achieve a noticeable, camera ready lift. Tea, coffee, red wine, soy sauce, and smoking can stain enamel over time. Whitening removes these stains from within the tooth surface, which is why results look clean and even. During your course, try to reduce dark foods and drinks, or sip through a straw and rinse with water afterwards.

Many patients tell us their new smile makes them more willing to grin in photos and speak up at work. We will be sharing patient stories and photos on our social pages so you can see real results from the Braces & Faces community.

How much does Boutique Whitening cost?

Our complete home whitening kit, including custom trays and gel, is £300.00 at the time of writing. Prices can change, so please confirm with reception. Your trays are reusable, so you can top up in the future with additional gel syringes.

Additional whitening gel syringes for top ups are £35.00 each, subject to a quick check that your teeth and gums are healthy.

If you are exploring clear aligners, some Invisalign^® packages at our practice have included whitening and retainers in the past. We will confirm any current offers at your visit.

Simple tips for a smooth whitening journey

• Start with a hygiene visit if you have heavy staining or tartar, so gel contacts clean enamel.
• Use a sensitive toothpaste for one to two weeks before you begin.
• Apply a rice grain sized dot of gel per tooth reservoir - not more. Extra gel does not whiten faster, it only increases waste and sensitivity risk.
• Wipe away any excess gel from your gums after inserting trays.
• Store syringes in a cool place and keep trays clean in their case.

Book your whitening start

At Braces & Faces Orthodontics, we want you to feel informed and confident about your smile choices. If you are ready to brighten your teeth this year, or you want advice on timing whitening with braces or Invisalign^®, get in touch. Our friendly team will check your suitability, explain next steps, and help you choose Day or Night wear to match your routine.

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