How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost in the UK?

If you have started looking into teeth whitening, you will have seen prices from £30 shopping-centre kits to £700 or more at some clinics. This guide explains what professional whitening actually costs in the UK, why the price varies so much, and what you are paying for at each level.

The short answer

Professional take-home whitening from a dentist typically costs between £250 and £500 in the UK. In-surgery (laser or light-activated) whitening is usually £400 to £700. At Bollington Dental Practice, Philips Zoom whitening with custom-made trays is from £375.

What affects the price?

• Who provides it. In the UK, tooth whitening is legally classed as dentistry. Only dentists and other GDC-registered dental professionals working to a dentist’s prescription can provide it. Salon or beautician whitening is illegal, however convincing the Instagram page looks.
• The system used. Established systems such as Philips Zoom cost practices more than unbranded gels, and results are more predictable.
• Custom trays versus boil-and-bite. Custom trays made from moulds of your teeth hold the gel evenly against every tooth and keep it off your gums. They are also why professional results outperform shop-bought strips.
• The check-up first. Whitening over undiagnosed decay or gum disease can be genuinely painful. A proper course starts with an examination, and that assessment is part of what you are paying for.

What about shop-bought whitening strips?

Over-the-counter products in the UK are limited to a tiny fraction of the peroxide a dentist can prescribe, which is why the results are modest. They are safe enough used as directed, but if your teeth are noticeably stained, most people who start with strips end up whitening twice: once cheaply, then properly.

Our approach

We publish all our prices openly on our fees page. Whitening at our practice starts with an examination (£89 for new patients, including X-rays) so we can confirm your teeth and gums are healthy, then custom trays and the Philips Zoom system from £375. If whitening will not give you the result you want, for example where a single dark tooth or old crown is the real issue, we will tell you before you spend anything.

Frequently asked questions

How long does professional teeth whitening last?

Typically one to three years, depending on your habits. Tea, coffee, red wine and smoking will shorten it. Because you keep your custom trays, top-up gel makes it easy to refresh the result without paying for the full treatment again.

Why is whitening at a beautician or salon so much cheaper?

Because it is illegal, and they are not paying for the training, regulation and insurance that make whitening safe. In the UK, tooth whitening is classed as dentistry and may only be carried out by GDC-registered dental professionals.

Is teeth whitening ever included in a dental plan?

Plans usually cover routine care such as examinations and hygiene visits rather than cosmetic treatments, but plan members often receive preferential rates. Ask us what applies to you.

Wondering whether whitening is right for you? Read our guide on whether teeth whitening is safe, or call us on 01625 574609 to book an examination.

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