Last updated: January 2026. This guide covers teeth whitening costs in the UK, including NHS availability, professional vs at-home options, safety regulations, and how to choose a qualified provider.
A brighter smile can boost your confidence, but navigating the world of teeth whitening in the UK can be confusing. With prices ranging from £10 for shop-bought strips to £800+ for professional treatments—and serious safety concerns around illegal providers—it's essential to understand your options.
This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about teeth whitening costs, safety, and effectiveness in the UK.
How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost in the UK?
Here's a quick overview of teeth whitening costs in 2026:
| Treatment Type | Price Range | Where to Get It |
|---|---|---|
| In-chair professional whitening | £300–£800 | Dental practice |
| Laser/LED whitening | £450–£800 | Dental practice |
| Professional take-home kit | £175–£475 | From your dentist |
| Philips Zoom whitening | £295–£500+ | Dental practice |
| Enlighten whitening | £395–£695 | Dental practice |
| Over-the-counter products | £10–£60 | Pharmacies, supermarkets |
"In the UK, teeth whitening prices typically range from £200 to £1,000, depending on the type of treatment and the clinic." — Tooth Club
Regional Price Variations
Teeth whitening costs vary depending on where you live:
| Region | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| London (Central) | £165–£1,000 | Higher overhead costs |
| London (Outer) | £295–£650 | More competitive pricing |
| Scotland (Glasgow) | ~£350 | Varies by treatment type |
| Rest of UK | £200–£600 | Generally lower than London |
Is Teeth Whitening Available on the NHS?
No—teeth whitening is not available on the NHS. It's classified as a cosmetic procedure aimed at improving appearance rather than treating a health condition.
"Teeth whitening is not available on the NHS. You have to pay for it as a private patient at a dental surgery." — NHS
Rare Medical Exceptions
In very rare cases, NHS funding may cover whitening for medical reasons:
- Internal bleaching of a non-vital (dead) tooth following root canal treatment
- Severe discolouration from developmental conditions like fluorosis or amelogenesis imperfecta
- Tetracycline staining from long-term antibiotic use
- Psychological distress due to severely discoloured teeth (exceptional circumstances)
"Internal bleaching of a non-vital tooth can be provided under the NHS, provided it was deemed clinically necessary by the performer. If deemed clinically necessary, this treatment is appropriate to a Band 2 CoT." — NHS BSA
If you do qualify, you'd pay the Band 2 NHS charge:
| Nation | Band 2 Cost |
|---|---|
| England | £75.30 |
| Wales | £60.00 |
| Scotland | 80% of cost (capped) |
| Northern Ireland | 80% of cost (capped) |
Who Can Legally Perform Teeth Whitening in the UK?
This is one of the most important things to understand: only GDC-registered dental professionals can legally perform teeth whitening in the UK.
"The law states that only registered dentists, dental therapists, dental hygienists, or clinical dental technicians working to the prescription of a dentist can legally and safely provide tooth whitening treatment." — General Dental Council
Why Beauticians Cannot Whiten Teeth
Despite what you may see advertised at beauty salons, it is illegal for beauticians to perform teeth whitening. This was confirmed by the High Court in the case of GDC v Jamous [2013].
"Teeth whitening carried out in beauty salons by untrained staff or staff without dental qualifications puts your oral health at risk and is also illegal." — NHS
Legal Penalties
Illegal teeth whitening carries serious consequences:
- Unlimited fines (since 2016)
- Criminal prosecution by the GDC
- Insurance policies are void for illegal practice
"These cases carry an unlimited fine in England and Wales and the courts have shown that they take them very seriously, sometimes fining individuals thousands of pounds." — General Dental Council
UK Teeth Whitening Regulations: Hydrogen Peroxide Limits
The strength of whitening products is strictly regulated in the UK:
| Concentration | Who Can Use It | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| 0.1% or less | Anyone | Over-the-counter |
| 0.1% to 6% | Dental professionals only | Professional use only |
| Above 6% | BANNED for cosmetic use | Not legal in UK |
"A dentist can legally prescribe or perform whitening treatment which contains up to 6% hydrogen peroxide—600 times more concentrated than what's found in over-the-counter kits." — Optimal Dental Health
Age Restrictions
Teeth whitening is illegal for anyone under 18 in the UK, except for medical treatment of disease.
"Products containing or releasing between 0.1% and 6% hydrogen peroxide cannot be used in any person under 18 years of age." — General Dental Council
Types of Professional Teeth Whitening
In-Chair Whitening (Zoom, Laser, LED)
Cost: £300–£800 Time: 45–90 minutes Results: Up to 8 shades whiter in one session
In-chair whitening uses a professional-strength gel activated by a special light. It's the fastest way to whiten teeth.
Philips Zoom Whitening:
"Using a specially formulated whitening gel activated by LED light, it can make teeth up to eight shades whiter in just one hour." — Whites Dental
The treatment typically involves 3–4 cycles of gel application, each lasting about 15 minutes.
Laser Whitening: Laser whitening treats teeth individually, making it better for targeting specific stained areas. It may cause less sensitivity than Zoom whitening.
"Laser whitening guarantees greater protection from tooth sensitivity than Zoom whitening. However, it is also more expensive and may take longer." — Aspire White
Professional Take-Home Kits
Cost: £175–£475 Time: 2–4 weeks of daily use Results: Gradual whitening, typically 4–6 shades
Your dentist takes impressions of your teeth to create custom-fitted trays. You then use these at home with professional-strength whitening gel.
"Professional whitening systems provide more uniform and noticeable results. The custom-fitted trays ensure the whitening agent is evenly distributed, avoiding patchiness that may occur with shop-bought products." — S3 Dental
Enlighten Whitening
Cost: £395–£695 Results: Guaranteed B1 shade (the lightest natural tooth shade)
"Enlighten can achieve up to 16 shades lighter and is the only treatment that guarantees the lightest natural shade." — NW1 Dental Care
Professional vs Over-the-Counter: What's the Difference?
Effectiveness Comparison
| Factor | Professional Whitening | Over-the-Counter |
|---|---|---|
| Peroxide strength | Up to 6% (UK legal limit) | Max 0.1% |
| Shade improvement | 6–8+ shades | 1–2 shades |
| Results duration | 6 months–3 years | Few weeks–months |
| Custom fit | Yes (trays made for you) | No (one-size-fits-all) |
| Supervision | Dental professional | None |
"Research indicates that over-the-counter gels typically lighten teeth by 1 to 2 shades, while professionally applied products achieve more significant results." — NCBI - Tooth Whitening: What We Now Know
Long-Term Value
Professional whitening may seem expensive, but consider the long-term costs:
"Professionally administered whitening may have a higher upfront cost but often proves more economical in the long run due to the lasting nature of the results. Home kits, requiring continuous repurchase, might end up being more costly over an extended period." — CK Dental
How Long Do Results Last?
"Teeth whitening is not permanent, but if you follow your dentist's advice the effect may last for around 3 years." — NHS
Results depend on your lifestyle—coffee, tea, red wine, and smoking will cause staining to return faster.
The Dangers of Illegal Teeth Whitening
Warning: Illegal Products Can Cause Serious Harm
A 2025 BBC investigation uncovered alarming findings about illegal teeth whitening in the UK:
"Some tooth whitening gels contain more than 500 times the legal limit of bleaching agent for over-the-counter products." — Dentistry.co.uk
BDA Warnings
The British Dental Association has issued strong warnings about unregulated products:
"Teeth-whitening products sold over the counter are often either ineffective or could damage teeth." — British Dental Association
"Some online products have been found to contain dangerous chemicals, including toxic or banned substances that can severely burn gums, or irreparably damage teeth." — BDA via MDDUS
Risks of Unqualified Treatment
- Chemical burns to gums and soft tissues
- Permanent tooth damage from enamel erosion
- Severe sensitivity
- Mouth infections and blistering
- Gum shrinkage
- Nerve damage
"If a dental professional isn't doing the whitening, the mouthguard provided may not fit properly so some of the bleaching gel may leak out onto your gums and into your mouth, causing blistering and sensitivity." — NHS
Safety and Side Effects of Professional Whitening
When performed by a qualified dental professional, teeth whitening is safe. However, some side effects are common:
Common Side Effects
| Side Effect | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Tooth sensitivity | ~57% of patients | Usually 24–48 hours |
| Gum irritation | Common | Usually 24–48 hours |
"Tooth sensitivity is the most common complaint. According to a comprehensive dental study, about 57% of people experience some level of sensitivity during or after whitening treatments. For most, it's mild and short-lived." — Myra Dental
Who Should NOT Have Teeth Whitening?
Whitening isn't suitable for everyone. You should avoid it if you have:
- Gum disease or untreated cavities
- Crowns, veneers, or fillings on visible teeth (these won't whiten)
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Age under 18
- Cracked or damaged teeth
"Teeth whitening doesn't work on dentures, crowns, fillings or veneers." — NHS
"Untreated dental issues including cavities, cracked teeth, or gum disease should be addressed first. Whitening gel can seep into these areas and cause significant pain." — Myra Dental
How to Choose a Safe Whitening Provider
Essential Checks Before Booking
- Verify GDC registration — Check the GDC register
- Ask about qualifications — Ensure they're a dentist, dental hygienist, or therapist
- Request a consultation — A proper assessment should happen first
- Ask what products they use — Should be within legal limits (max 6% hydrogen peroxide)
- Check reviews — Look for verified patient experiences
Red Flags to Avoid
- Whitening offered at beauty salons or by beauticians
- Very low prices (much below £200)
- No dental examination before treatment
- Products ordered online from abroad
- Pressure to book immediately
- Vague answers about qualifications or products
"Using a kit from a dentist, or having it done at a dental surgery, is the safest way to have teeth whitening. The chemicals used in the treatment are very strong and should only be used or sold by dental professionals who know how to use them safely and protect your teeth and gums." — NHS
Questions to Ask Your Dentist
| Question | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| What whitening system do you use? | Quality varies significantly |
| What concentration of hydrogen peroxide? | Should be 6% or less |
| How many shades lighter can I expect? | Realistic expectations |
| What if I experience sensitivity? | Aftercare support |
| How long will results last? | Plan for maintenance |
| What's included in the price? | Avoid hidden costs |
What to Expect During Professional Whitening
Before Your Appointment
Your dentist will:
- Examine your teeth and gums
- Check for cavities, gum disease, or other issues
- Discuss your goals and expectations
- Take a shade reading to track results
During In-Chair Whitening
- Protection applied — Gums and lips covered with barrier
- Whitening gel applied — Professional-strength gel on teeth
- Light activation — LED or laser activates the gel
- Multiple cycles — Usually 3–4 applications of 15 minutes each
- Final assessment — Shade comparison and aftercare advice
Total time: 45–90 minutes
Aftercare Tips
For the first 48 hours after whitening:
- Avoid dark-coloured foods and drinks (coffee, tea, red wine, curry)
- Don't smoke
- Use a desensitising toothpaste if needed
- Avoid very hot or cold foods
For long-lasting results:
- Maintain good oral hygiene
- Attend regular dental check-ups
- Consider top-up treatments every 6–12 months
- Use a whitening toothpaste for maintenance (not primary whitening)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does teeth whitening cost at the dentist UK?
Professional teeth whitening at a UK dental practice typically costs £200–£800. In-chair treatments like Philips Zoom range from £295–£500, while professional take-home kits cost £175–£475. London prices tend to be higher than the rest of the UK.
Is teeth whitening covered by the NHS?
No, teeth whitening is not available on the NHS as it's classified as a cosmetic procedure. Very rare exceptions exist for medical conditions causing severe discolouration, such as tetracycline staining or developmental abnormalities.
Can I get my teeth whitened at a beauty salon?
No—this is illegal in the UK. Only GDC-registered dental professionals (dentists, dental hygienists, and dental therapists) can legally perform teeth whitening. Beauty salons offering this service are breaking the law, and their insurance will be void if something goes wrong.
How long does professional teeth whitening last?
With proper care, professional whitening results can last 6 months to 3 years. The NHS states that "if you follow your dentist's advice the effect may last for around 3 years." Lifestyle factors like smoking, coffee, and red wine will affect how long results last.
Is teeth whitening safe?
When performed by a qualified dental professional using legal products (max 6% hydrogen peroxide), teeth whitening is safe. Temporary sensitivity and minor gum irritation are common but usually resolve within 48 hours. Illegal treatments using higher concentrations can cause serious, permanent damage.
Why is professional whitening so much more expensive than shop-bought kits?
Professional whitening uses products that are 600 times stronger than over-the-counter alternatives (6% vs 0.1% hydrogen peroxide). This means faster, more dramatic, and longer-lasting results. You're also paying for custom-fitted trays, dental expertise, and proper safety protocols.
Does whitening toothpaste actually work?
Whitening toothpastes can help remove surface stains but cannot change the natural colour of your teeth. They contain mild abrasives and typically only 0.1% hydrogen peroxide or less—not enough to bleach teeth. They're useful for maintaining results after professional whitening.
Can teeth whitening damage enamel?
When done correctly by a professional, whitening doesn't permanently damage enamel. However, some studies have found that aggressive or improper whitening can affect enamel surface integrity. This is why it's important to use a qualified dentist who follows proper protocols.
Find a Qualified Whitening Provider Near You
A brighter smile is achievable—but it's essential to choose a safe, legal option. Professional whitening from a qualified dentist offers the best results without risking your oral health.
Remember:
- Only dentists can legally whiten teeth in the UK
- Over-the-counter products are limited to 0.1% hydrogen peroxide (minimally effective)
- Illegal treatments can cause permanent damage
- Professional results can last up to 3 years with proper care
Use our search to find GDC-registered dentists offering safe, professional teeth whitening in your area. Book a consultation to discuss your options and get a personalised treatment plan.
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Dentists Closeby Team
Editorial Team
The Dentists Closeby editorial team is dedicated to providing accurate, up-to-date information about dental care in the UK. Our team includes dental professionals, health writers, and patient advocates.
