How Much does Teeth Whitening Cost in the UK?

Professional teeth whitening in the UK typically costs between £350 and £1,000, with the final price depending on factors such as the dental clinic you choose, your individual dental needs, and whether you opt for in-practice treatment or a take-home whitening kit.
Professional teeth whitening in the UK typically costs between £350 and £1,000, with the final price depending on factors such as the dental clinic you choose, your individual dental needs, and whether you opt for in-practice treatment or a take-home whitening kit.
Written by
Edgbaston Smile
Published on
June 18, 2025

How much does Professional Teeth Whitening Cost in the United Kingdom?

The truth is, the cost of professional teeth whitening in the UK can vary widely — and that’s because several factors influence the final price. While it’s natural to consider the cost, it’s also worth asking yourself: can you really put a price on the confidence that comes with a brighter, whiter smile?

On average, professional teeth whitening treatments range from £350 to £1,000. However, the exact amount you'll pay depends on a few key factors, including:

  • The dental clinic you choose – Prices can differ depending on the location, reputation, and expertise of the practice.
  • Your individual dental needs – If you require additional treatments or have specific concerns, this may affect the overall cost.
  • The type of whitening treatment – In-chair (in-practice) whitening is typically more expensive than at-home kits provided by a dentist, but it often delivers faster results.

Ultimately, while cost is a consideration, the long-lasting results and boost in self-esteem that come with professional whitening often make it a worthwhile investment.

What is Professional Teeth Whitening?

Professional teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental treatment designed to make your teeth look healthier, brighter, and noticeably whiter.

The process usually involves safely bleaching the teeth to lighten their shade by several levels. When carried out by a qualified dental professional, it’s a safe and effective way to enhance your smile without causing harm to your teeth or gums.

How does Teeth Whitening Work?

Teeth whitening — also known as take-home bleaching — is a popular and effective way to achieve a brighter, more radiant smile. Over time, teeth can become stained or discoloured due to factors like ageing, coffee, tea, red wine, smoking, or certain medications. This non-invasive treatment is a safe and reliable solution to restore your teeth’s natural whiteness and boost your overall confidence.

The procedure involves the use of medical-grade whitening gel, which is only available through a licensed dentist. This gel is applied using custom-made trays that are carefully moulded to fit your teeth for maximum comfort and effectiveness. You simply wear the trays at home, typically overnight, for up to 14 consecutive days, depending on your dentist’s guidance and your desired results.

Unlike over-the-counter whitening products, professional take-home whitening is tailored to your individual needs and offers safer, more noticeable results. The gradual process also allows for more control over the final shade, helping you achieve a smile that looks naturally white — never overdone.

Whether you're preparing for a special occasion or simply want to feel more confident day to day, take-home teeth whitening is a convenient and proven way to enhance your smile from the comfort of your own home.

Does the NHS Offer Teeth Whitening?

In most cases, teeth whitening is considered a cosmetic treatment and is not covered by the NHS. However, there are exceptions where whitening may be offered on medical grounds — for example, to treat tooth discolouration caused by trauma, illness, or certain medications.

If whitening is deemed medically necessary, it would fall under Band 3 NHS dental charges, which covers more complex procedures.

To find out whether you might be eligible for NHS-supported whitening, it’s best to speak directly with your dentist. You can also visit the official NHS website for up-to-date information on dental treatment eligibility and fee bands.

Are cheaper DIY home kits just as effective?

While cheaper DIY teeth whitening kits might seem like a convenient and affordable option, most dental professionals agree they simply don’t deliver the same results as professional treatments.

But why is that?

The difference comes down to the strength of the whitening ingredients. Under UK and EU regulations, over-the-counter whitening kits can legally contain only up to 0.1% hydrogen peroxide, the active ingredient responsible for bleaching stains and lightening tooth colour. This low concentration means that any visible change is often minimal, and results can take a long time — if they appear at all.

In contrast, professional teeth whitening treatments prescribed by a dentist can contain up to 6% hydrogen peroxide — a significantly higher and more effective concentration. These treatments are custom-made to fit your mouth, ensuring even coverage and reducing the risk of gum irritation or enamel damage when used correctly under professional supervision.

Not only do professional kits deliver faster, more noticeable results, but they’re also safer. Dentists can assess your oral health beforehand and make sure whitening is suitable for you — something DIY kits can’t offer.

So while DIY kits might seem like a budget-friendly option, they often fall short in terms of both effectiveness and safety. If you’re looking for real, lasting whitening results, professional treatment remains the gold standard.

Are you Suitable for Teeth Whitening?

Is teeth whitening suitable for everyone?

Most patients are suitable candidates for our professional teeth whitening treatments, but there are a few important criteria you’ll need to meet before getting started. These include:

  • Being 18 years of age or older
  • Having healthy teeth and gums, free from untreated decay or gum disease
  • Not currently pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Not having veneers, crowns, bridges, or dentures on the teeth you wish to whiten, as these restorations do not respond to whitening agents — and other treatment options may be more suitable

Before beginning any whitening treatment, you’ll need to attend a consultation with one of our experienced dentists. During this appointment, we’ll assess your overall dental health, review your medical history, and determine whether whitening is the right and safe choice for you.

After your consultation, we’ll discuss the most suitable whitening options based on your individual needs and goals. Our aim is to ensure that your treatment is not only effective but also completely safe and tailored to you.

How can you Prolong your Teeth Whitening Treatment?

We understand that professional teeth whitening is a significant investment — so it’s only natural that you’ll want to make your results last as long as possible. With the right aftercare, your brighter, whiter smile can last for up to three years!

To help maintain your results, it’s essential to stick to a strong oral hygiene routine, including brushing and flossing twice daily, and attending regular dental check-ups. But just as important is knowing what to avoid, as certain habits and foods can lead to stains and reduce the longevity of your whitening.

To keep your smile looking its best, we recommend limiting or avoiding:

  • Tea and coffee – both are well-known for staining teeth over time
  • Red wine and fizzy or sugary drinks – acidic and deeply pigmented beverages can erode enamel and cause discolouration
  • Tomato-based sauces – their strong pigments can cling to tooth surfaces
  • Vinegars and acidic foods – these can weaken enamel, making teeth more prone to staining
  • Smoking or vaping – tobacco and nicotine are major culprits in yellowing teeth

By following these simple aftercare tips, you can enjoy your radiant smile for much longer and get the most out of your whitening treatment.

Final Thoughts – Which Teeth Whitening Option is Best?

If you’re looking for an effective, safe, and affordable way to whiten your teeth, our top recommendation is Professional Bleaching. Compared to laser and LED whitening, it provides long-lasting results with minimal side effects—at a fraction of the cost.

Get your whiter smile today for just £375 with our 25% discount!
📅 Book your teeth whitening appointment now!

Edgbaston Smile
Edgbaston Smile Clinic in Birmingham offers a wide range of cosmetic and restorative dental treatments to refresh, restore and rejuvenate your smile. Our aim is to promote oral health and achieve great aesthetic and functional results.

Our ethos is to place our clients’ needs at the centre of everything that we do and provide the highest quality of service.
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