How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost in the UK? A Complete Price Guide

Considering teeth whitening but unsure about the investment? Prices in the UK vary dramatically — from a few pounds for whitening toothpaste to over £1,000 for premium professional treatments. This guide breaks down exactly what you can expect to pay and helps you understand what you're getting for your money.

Quick Price Overview

Here's a snapshot of current UK teeth whitening costs:

Treatment Type	Typical Cost
Professional in-office whitening	£350 – £1,000
Custom take-home trays (from dentist)	£200 – £400
Combination treatment	£450 – £800
Whitening strips (OTC)	£20 – £50
LED whitening kits (OTC)	£30 – £150
Whitening toothpaste	£3 – £15

Professional In-Office Whitening: £350 – £1,000

This is the premium option, performed by a dental professional at their clinic. You'll typically pay:

• £350 – £500 — Standard professional whitening at most UK dental practices
• £500 – £700 — Premium whitening systems (Zoom, Enlighten) at established clinics
• £700 – £1,000+ — Top-tier treatments at specialist cosmetic dental clinics, particularly in London

What You Get

• Professional assessment before treatment
• Gum protection throughout the procedure
• High-concentration whitening gel (up to 6% hydrogen peroxide)
• LED or laser light activation
• Results up to 8 shades whiter in one session (approximately 1 hour)
• Immediate, dramatic results
• Professional supervision throughout

Why It Costs More

Professional whitening commands a premium because you're paying for:

• Dentist's time and expertise
• Clinical environment and equipment
• Professional-grade products unavailable to consumers
• Safety protocols and gum protection
• Customised treatment approach
• Predictable, consistent results

Custom Take-Home Trays: £200 – £400

Your dentist creates bespoke whitening trays from impressions of your teeth, along with professional-grade gel to use at home.

What You Get

• Custom-fitted trays made specifically for your teeth
• Professional-strength whitening gel (typically 10-16% carbamide peroxide)
• Detailed instructions from your dentist
• Results over 2-4 weeks of daily use
• Reusable trays for future top-ups (you only buy more gel)

Ongoing Costs

Once you have your trays, top-up gel syringes typically cost £10-£30 each. Many patients only need to top up once or twice a year.

Combination Treatment: £450 – £800

Many clinics offer packages combining in-office whitening with take-home trays for the best of both worlds.

What You Get

• Immediate results from in-office treatment
• Custom trays for ongoing maintenance
• Often represents better value than purchasing separately
• Comprehensive whitening solution

Over-the-Counter Options

Whitening Strips: £20 – £50

Pre-coated plastic strips you apply to your teeth for 30 minutes to an hour daily.

• Pros: Affordable, convenient, no dental visit required
• Cons: Low concentration (max 0.1% hydrogen peroxide in UK), uneven results, may not cover all teeth, takes 2-4 weeks
• Results: 1-3 shades improvement for surface stains

LED Whitening Kits: £30 – £150

Home kits with whitening gel and an LED light mouthpiece.

• Pros: More comprehensive than strips, feel more "professional"
• Cons: Trays aren't custom-fitted, limited concentration, LED lights are lower powered than professional equipment
• Results: Variable; typically 1-4 shades depending on product quality

Whitening Toothpaste: £3 – £15

Daily-use toothpastes with mild whitening properties.

• Pros: Very affordable, easy to incorporate into routine
• Cons: Can only remove surface stains, won't change intrinsic tooth colour, some are abrasive
• Results: Minimal; maintenance only, not true whitening

What Affects the Price?

Several factors influence what you'll pay for professional whitening:

Location

London prices are typically 20-40% higher than elsewhere in the UK. A treatment costing £400 in Manchester might be £550-£600 in central London. South Kensington and other affluent areas tend to be at the higher end.

The System Used

Different whitening systems have different costs:

• Zoom Whitening — One of the most popular premium systems, typically £400-£700
• Enlighten — Known for guaranteed results, often £600-£1,000
• Boutique Whitening — Mid-range professional option, typically £300-£450
• Generic professional whitening — Entry-level professional treatment, £250-£400

The Clinic

Specialist cosmetic dental clinics with high-end facilities and experienced cosmetic dentists charge more than general practices. You're paying for expertise, environment, and often better results.

What's Included

Compare what's included in the price:

• Is a consultation included or charged separately?
• Is a hygiene clean included beforehand?
• Are take-home trays included for maintenance?
• How many in-office sessions are covered?
• Is there any guarantee or free touch-up?

Is Professional Whitening Worth the Cost?

When comparing professional whitening to cheaper alternatives, consider:

Value for Money

• Effectiveness: Professional treatments achieve 6-8 shades improvement; OTC products typically manage 1-3 shades
• Speed: One hour in-office vs. 2-4 weeks of daily OTC use
• Longevity: Professional results typically last 1-3 years with maintenance; OTC results fade faster
• Safety: Professional supervision reduces risk of damage or complications
• Consistency: Even results vs. potential patchiness with OTC products

Cost Per Year of Results

If professional whitening costs £500 and lasts 2 years, that's £250 per year. If you're buying £40 whitening strips every 3 months for inferior results, you're spending £160 per year for a less effective treatment.

How to Get the Best Value

Tips for maximising your whitening investment:

1. Shop Around (Carefully)

Get quotes from several clinics, but don't just choose the cheapest. Ask what's included and what system they use.

2. Look for Package Deals

Many clinics offer combination packages or include take-home trays with in-office treatment, representing better value than separate purchases.

3. Time It Right

Some clinics offer seasonal promotions or discounts on cosmetic treatments. January and September are often good times to find deals.

4. Maintain Your Results

The best value comes from making your whitening last. Follow aftercare advice, avoid staining substances, and use touch-up trays rather than paying for full retreatment.

5. Consider a Hygiene Package

Regular professional cleans (every 6 months) remove surface stains and help maintain whiteness, reducing how often you need to re-whiten.

Beware of Cheap Whitening

If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be cautious of:

• Beauty salon whitening — Illegal in the UK and potentially dangerous. Only registered dental professionals can legally perform whitening.
• Overseas online products — May contain illegally high peroxide concentrations or harmful ingredients.
• Groupon deals — Check the clinic's reputation carefully. Some use discounts to attract patients to substandard services.
• Mobile whitening services — If it's not a registered dental professional in a clinical setting, it's not legal or safe.

Our Pricing

At our South Kensington clinic, we offer:

• Professional Zoom Whitening: Competitive pricing for premium in-office treatment
• Custom Take-Home Trays: Professional-grade home whitening with custom-fitted trays
• Combination Packages: Best-value options combining in-office and take-home treatments

All treatments include a consultation to assess your suitability and discuss your goals. We're transparent about pricing — no hidden costs or surprise fees.

The Bottom Line

Teeth whitening costs in the UK range from a few pounds to over £1,000, with professional treatments typically costing £350-£700 for the best results. While OTC options are cheaper upfront, professional whitening often offers better value when you consider effectiveness, safety, and longevity.

The right choice depends on your budget, goals, and how important predictable results are to you. For most patients wanting a noticeably brighter smile, professional whitening — whether in-office, take-home, or a combination — delivers the best return on investment.

Ready to discuss your options? Book a consultation at our South Kensington clinic for honest advice and transparent pricing tailored to your needs. Our qualified dentists will help you find the perfect whitening treatment for your goals.