Tooth Whitening Prices UK 2025

Get accurate costs for professional and at-home teeth whitening treatments. Compare prices for laser whitening, dental clinic treatments, and safe home kits across the UK.

Average UK Price: £150 - £800 per treatment

Last Updated: June 2025 | Based on: 300+ dental clinic quotes

Professional Whitening

Safe, effective treatments with lasting results up to 3 years

Teeth Whitening Treatment Types & Costs

At-Home Whitening Kits

£20 - £150

per kit

Over-the-counter strips & gels
LED light kits available
Gradual whitening results
Most affordable option
6-12 month results

Professional Dental Whitening

£300 - £500

per treatment

Custom-fitted trays
Professional-strength gel
Dentist supervised treatment
Safe & effective results
1-2 year durability

Laser Teeth Whitening

£500 - £800

per session

Advanced laser technology
Immediate visible results
Single 90-minute session
Maximum whitening power
Up to 3 years duration

Complete Teeth Whitening Cost Breakdown

Understanding teeth whitening costs involves evaluating safety, effectiveness, and longevity of different treatment options. Our comprehensive guide covers everything from budget-friendly home kits to premium laser treatments, helping you choose the right whitening solution for your needs and budget.

What's included in our detailed guide: Treatment safety comparisons, expected results timeline, maintenance costs, potential side effects, insurance coverage options, and regional price variations across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland for all whitening methods.

View Complete Price Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Professional tooth whitening costs typically range from £300-£800 in the UK, depending on the treatment type. In-practice treatments cost £400-£800, while take-home professional kits cost £300-£500. Laser whitening is the most expensive at £500-£800 per session. The higher cost reflects stronger whitening agents (up to 43% hydrogen peroxide) and professional supervision, ensuring safer and more effective results than over-the-counter alternatives.

Professional treatments offer stronger whitening agents (up to 43% hydrogen peroxide vs 0.1% for at-home), faster results, and safer application under dental supervision. While more expensive (£300-£800 vs £20-£150), professional treatments typically last longer and achieve better results. At-home kits are suitable for maintenance or mild discoloration, but professional treatments are recommended for significant whitening.

Professional teeth whitening results typically last 1-3 years with proper care. Laser treatments can last up to 3 years, while at-home treatments usually last 6-12 months. Results depend on diet, smoking habits, and oral hygiene maintenance. Avoiding staining foods (coffee, wine, tea) and regular dental cleanings help extend whitening duration.

Common side effects include temporary tooth sensitivity and mild gum irritation, typically lasting 24-48 hours after treatment. Professional treatments have lower risk due to protective measures and proper application. Overuse of whitening products can damage enamel. Pre-treatment dental examination helps identify potential issues and ensures safe whitening.

Key cost factors include: treatment type (at-home vs professional), clinic location and reputation, number of sessions required, severity of discoloration, additional treatments needed (cleaning, dental work), and aftercare products. London and major cities typically charge 20-30% more than regional areas. Multiple sessions may be needed for severe staining.

Teeth whitening is generally not available on the NHS as it's considered a cosmetic treatment. NHS only covers whitening if discoloration is caused by medical treatment or trauma. Private treatment is required for cosmetic whitening. Some dental insurance plans may offer partial coverage for professional whitening treatments.

Laser whitening uses light activation to accelerate the whitening process, delivering faster results in a single 60-90 minute session. Professional whitening without laser typically requires multiple sessions or take-home treatment over 2-3 weeks. Laser treatments cost more (£500-£800 vs £300-£500) but offer immediate results and potentially longer-lasting effects.

Over-the-counter whitening kits are generally safe when used as directed, but contain much lower concentrations of whitening agents (0.1% vs up to 43% professional). They're effective for mild staining and maintenance but won't achieve dramatic results. Professional kits prescribed by dentists offer stronger formulations with custom-fitted trays for better safety and effectiveness.

Teeth whitening is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, children under 18, people with severe tooth decay, gum disease, or extremely sensitive teeth. Existing dental work (crowns, veneers, fillings) won't whiten and may need replacement to match new tooth color. A dental consultation is essential before any whitening treatment.

Most people can achieve 3-8 shades whiter with professional treatment. Results vary based on starting tooth color, type of staining, and treatment method. Yellow stains typically respond better than brown or grey discoloration. Realistic expectations should be discussed during consultation, as some staining may be permanent and require alternative treatments like veneers.

Avoid staining foods and drinks for 48-72 hours post-treatment: coffee, tea, red wine, berries, curry, and tomato-based sauces. No smoking during this period. Use a straw for colored drinks and maintain excellent oral hygiene. Some dentists recommend a "white diet" initially. Long-term maintenance involves limiting staining substances and regular dental cleanings.

Choose GDC-registered dentists or dental hygienists for whitening treatments. Verify qualifications, read patient reviews, and ensure the clinic follows proper safety protocols. Avoid non-dental providers offering cheap treatments, as they may use unsafe concentrations or inadequate safety measures. Always have a consultation before treatment to assess suitability and discuss expected results.