How Does Enlighten Teeth Whitening Guarantee B1 Shade?

Enlighten guarantees the B1 shade through a complete whitening treatment using custom-made trays and Enlighten whitening gels at home. Your dentist will show you how to use them correctly and guide you through the treatment. The standard treatment takes around three weeks, although some teeth may need longer to reach B1.

At Church Street Dental Practice in Houghton-le-Spring, Tyne and Wear, we’ll check that whitening is right for your teeth before you begin, show you how to use your trays at home and guide you through the treatment. We’ll also explain what the B1 target means for your teeth, so you know what you’re working towards from the start.

What does B1 shade mean?

B1 is one of the lightest natural tooth colours on a shade guide, which contains tooth-coloured samples dentists use to compare with your teeth. Your dentist can hold these samples next to your teeth to record your starting shade and see how it changes as your teeth become lighter. Enlighten guarantees B1 as the target shade for its whitening treatment.

B1 describes the shade being measured, not a promise that every patient’s teeth will look identical. Your teeth will still have their own individual appearance.

How does Enlighten B1 teeth whitening work?

Reaching B1 is not based on one whitening appointment. At Church Street Dental Practice in Houghton-le-Spring, we guide you through each stage of your Enlighten whitening treatment, from checking your starting tooth colour to seeing how your teeth have responded. Here’s how the process works:

1. We check your teeth and starting shade

Before you begin, we’ll examine your teeth and gums and record your starting tooth colour. This gives us a clear shade to compare with your teeth as they begin to lighten.

2. Your whitening trays are made for you

We’ll take a scan or impression of your teeth so your Enlighten trays can be made to fit your mouth. We’ll show you how to use the trays and whitening gel at home, including how long to wear them.

3. You whiten your teeth at home

You’ll use your custom-made trays with the Enlighten gels at home, following the instructions we give you. The standard Enlighten treatment takes around three weeks, although some teeth may need longer to reach B1.

4. We check your progress

You’ll return to Church Street Dental Practice so we can compare your tooth colour with the shade guide and see how your teeth have responded. If you haven’t reached B1 at that point, we’ll explain what happens next.

What happens if my teeth don’t reach B1?

If your teeth haven’t reached B1 after your initial Enlighten treatment, we can extend your treatment and provide additional whitening gel to help you continue towards B1. If your teeth still haven’t reached B1 after the extended treatment, we can contact Enlighten about your treatment.

How much does Enlighten whitening cost?

At Church Street Dental Practice, close to Durham, our Enlighten whitening treatment starts from £675. We’ll confirm the cost of your treatment before you begin, so you know how much you’ll pay. You can also view our full treatment fees for more information.

Frequently asked questions

Can I have Enlighten whitening if I have crowns, veneers or fillings?

Yes, you can usually still have Enlighten whitening if you have crowns, veneers or fillings. As the NHS guidance on teeth whitening explains, whitening only lightens natural teeth. Crowns, veneers and fillings will stay their existing colour, so they may no longer match your natural teeth in the same way after whitening.

If you already have a crown, veneer or filling that can be seen when you smile, we’ll explain how it may look next to your natural teeth after Enlighten whitening. If you’re planning to have a crown, veneer or filling, tell us before you begin treatment so we can plan the timing and colour around your whitening.

Does Enlighten teeth whitening cause sensitivity?

Strong sensitivity is uncommon with Enlighten, but you may notice some temporary sensitivity while whitening. There are products in your Enlighten kit to help keep you comfortable.

If sensitivity is bothering you at any point, let us know. We can check how you’re getting on and advise you on managing it.

How long will my Enlighten whitening results last?

Enlighten whitening results can last for several years, with occasional top-ups helping you maintain your lighter tooth shade. Your dentist can advise you when and how to reuse your Enlighten trays with the prescribed gel.

You can find practical advice on top-ups and ongoing care in our guide to how long Enlighten teeth whitening lasts.

Do I need to follow a white diet during Enlighten whitening?

No. Enlighten does not require you to follow a white diet, so you can continue eating and drinking normally during treatment. Tea, coffee and other strongly coloured foods and drinks can still cause surface staining over time, but you do not need to avoid them as part of your Enlighten treatment.

What if I don’t want my teeth as light as B1?

You do not have to continue whitening until your teeth reach B1. B1 is the shade Enlighten guarantees with its whitening treatment, but you can discuss the tooth colour you would like with your dentist before treatment begins. If you’re happy with the colour of your teeth during treatment, speak to us before changing how you use your trays or whitening gel.

If you’d like a lighter tooth shade with Enlighten, our team can explain how this would work for your teeth and what to expect on the way to B1. Contact us at Church Street Dental Practice in Houghton-le-Spring to arrange your consultation.