How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost in the UK?

One of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments, teeth whitening is among the quickest and most effective procedures to improve the appearance of your smile. Check out this blog to discover possible solutions for your teeth whitening in the UK, and also learn about underlying costs of different teeth whitening options and related information.

What is Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dentalprocedurethat makesthe colour of your teeth lighter by eliminating stains and discolouration. Regardless of whether they have been caused by lifestyle habits, ageing or diet, teeth whitening can make a big difference to your smile, enhancing your self-confidence.

How much is Teeth Whitening at Dentist in UK?

There are various techniques in today's era of cosmetic dentistry to enhance your smile. But teeth whitening is probably one of the most popular and reliable methods to enhance the appearance of your smile.

If you have got stained or discoloured teeth, there are a number of ways to brighten your smile. Teeth whitening is possibly the most effective method when it comes to enhancing your teeth colour.

The cost of the professional teeth whitening treatment varies between £150 and £1,000 in the UK. However, the costs of different treatment options such as professional in office treatment or home whitening or laser whitening are not the same. At our clinic, the cost for hometeeth whitening treatment is £247.5 for members while the price is £495 for non-members.

But teeth whitening prices in UK are based on a variety of parameters. From your dental clinic to your individual dental requirements and issues to the nature of whitening treatment you opt for, all these elements together decide the price tags of your dental whitening procedure.

Professional In-office Whitening

This process is typically done by a professional, experienced dentist and comprises the application of highly concentrated whitening substances to produce fast results. In this process, the dentist places a concentrated whitening agent such as hydrogen peroxide on your teeth. The procedure also includes applying a special light to the teeth (in some cases) to boost the whitening effect. The normal time for carrying out this process is approximately 1 to 2 hours, and is usually done in a single session.

• Advantages: Provides instant and apparent result, and the process is completed in one dental visit.
• Disadvantages: Compared to home whitening treatments, this method is more expensive. It could also cause short-term tooth sensitivity.

At-Home Whitening Under Dentist Supervision

The kits consist of custom trays and utilise dentist-recommended professional grade whitening gels. These trays are customised to fit exactly on the teeth of the patient.

The patients need to apply the gel on the trays and wear them as directed by the dentist, which is usually during the day or overnight for 1 to2 weeks.

The at-home teeth whitening, however, has a flexible duration depending on the individual case of the patient. There are yet some procedures such as the Enlighten system which employ both at-home and in-office treatments for your teeth whitening.

• Pros: Professional guidance is part of a safe, flexible and efficient treatment. The blend of professional competence and home convenience provides more long-term consequences of teeth whitening treatment.
• Cons: Since this procedure provides incremental results, following the dentist’s guidelines patiently is essential for the best result. Use of multiple elements of this combined treatment approach inherently results in increased expenses.

Laser Teeth Whitening

This technique employs modern laser technology in order to speed up the whitening process. A peroxide-based whitening gel is applied to the teeth, and a special light or laser may be used to speed up the chemical reaction, enhancing the overall whitening effect. The whole procedure can be done within one sitting of a couple of hours.

• Advantages: This treatment provides immediate results with remarkably whiter teeth, and typically done in one session.
• Disadvantages: It is a quite costly procedure, and may cause increased sensitivity following treatment.

How does Teeth Whitening Work?

Teeth whitening is a fast and effective procedure for achieving a whiter, brighter smile. Teeth may become stained or discoloured over time from tea, coffee, smoking, red wine, ageing or certain medications. The non-surgical procedure is a safe and trustworthy solution to restore the natural whiteness of your teeth and improve your overall confidence.

The process involves the application of professional grade whitening gel, only accessible from a licensed dentist. The gel is applied with custom-fitted trays that have been precisely moulded to your teeth for utmost comfort and efficacy. You just wear the trays at home, usually at night, up to 14 consecutive nights, depending on your dentist’s recommendation and your desired outcome.

Professional whitening products for at-home whitening are tailored to meet your unique needs, unlike over the counter whitening agents, and provide more visible and safer results. It is a gradual process which helps take control of the final shade of your tooth colour, enabling you to achieve a natural white smile which does not looks overdone.

Whether you are gearing up for a special event or just need to feel more confident on an everyday basis, at-home teeth whitening is an easy and effective method to brighten your smile without ever having to leave the house.

Hidden Cost Involved In Teeth Whitening Procedure

1. Initial Consultation: All of the dentists charge for the first consultation session, which can be anything between £50 and £150 in the UK.
2. Maintenance and Touch-ups: Professional dental treatments require follow-up care and right maintenance for ensuring long lasting results, particularly for individuals who have staining or coloured substances such as coffee, tea or tobacco on a regular basis. The cost of each session typically ranges between £50 and £200.
3. Post-treatment Products: The dentist often recommends specialised toothpaste or mouthwash to make your whitening results last longer. This may add to the overall expenses by about £10 to £30 per month.
4. Sensitivity Treatments: Sensitivity may occur after treatment which can be treated with desensitising toothpaste or gels costing approximately £10 to £50.
5. Additional Whitening Gel: For at-home kits, the costs of extra gel refills usually range between £30 and £60.

What influences the teeth whitening cost in UK?

1. Location of the Clinic: Compared to other areas, treatments in urban areas such as teeth whitening clinics in London are more expensive.
2. Expertise and Experience of the Dentist: Highly professional dentists with extensive expertise in cosmetic dentistry tend to charge higher rates.
3. Whitening Option You Choose: Compared to the gel-only treatments, laser-enhanced treatments are generally more costly.
4. Extent of Staining: Extensive teeth discolouration may need combined treatments or repeated sessions which ultimately demand additional expenses.
5. Additional Services: Additional services such as consultations, custom trays or aftercare services can cause a significant difference in the final cost.

Does teeth whitening involve any risks?

• Whitening agent overuse: Damages your enamel and whole teeth, making them more sensitive.
• Gum irritation: Over the counter products as well as tray fitting defects are a common cause of gum irritation.
• Limited effectiveness: Intrinsic discolouration caused by drugs, trauma or ageing cannot be treated with over the counter solutions.

Are you fit for teeth whitening?

Even though most patients are suitable for the teeth whitening procedure, a few are exceptional and need alternative treatments. For example:

• All cosmetic treatment needs you to be above the age of 18
• You should have healthy teeth and gums
• If you are pregnant or a lactating mother, the dentist will advise you to delay the procedure
• If you have previously gone through any dental work such as veneers,crowns or bridges, teeth whitening treatment does not work on those appliances.

Before you can undergo a teeth whitening procedure, you will undergo a consultation session with your dentist where you will be thoroughly examined if you are healthy enough to proceed with the procedure.

Is teeth whitening safe for sensitive teeth?

If done with care and good quality products, tooth whitening is generallysafe for sensitive teeth under professional supervision. For this you need to opt for particular techniques specifically made for sensitive teeth, like whitening products with desensitising ingredients or with low percentages of peroxide.

A visit to the dentist prior to teeth whitening is the most effective method of minimising discomfort during treatment. Nevertheless, you must remember that misuse of over the counter products can initiate sensitivity, so professional whitening treatments prove to be a better alternative. Excessive whitening should be avoided to minimise sensitivity risks and simultaneously safeguard enamel.

How Long Do Teeth Whitening Results Last?

The duration how long your teeth whitening effects last is based on your oral hygiene routine and lifestyle habits. Your whiter smile can last for 6 months to even 2 years with care. To make your whitening results last longer, you must follow:

• Regular brushing and flossing
• Cutting down on tea,coffee, red wine or coloured beverage consumption
• Quit smoking habits
• Visit the dentist every 6 months for regular dental cleanings

How to make your teeth whitening last longer?

Professional teeth whitening in Londonis no doubt a significant investment, which is why we believe that aiming at making your whitening results last longer is important. Your newly whitened radiant smile can last up to 3 years when subjected to proper care and maintenance.

To ensure your results last long, it is crucial to adhere to a firm oral hygiene regime, brushing and flossing twice a day, and visits to regular dental check-ups. But equally important is what you must avoid, as some habits and foods will cause stains and shorten the life of your whitening.

To ensure your smile remains in the best condition, we suggest avoiding or limiting:

• Tea and coffee: both are notorious players for staining teeth in the long term
• Red wine and fizzy or sugary drinks: acidic and heavily coloured drinks can wear down enamel and cause teeth discolouration
• Tomato-based sauces: their intense pigments can bind to tooth surfaces
• Vinegars and acidic foods: these can soften enamel, making teeth more susceptible to staining
• Smoking or vaping: nicotine and tobacco are prime culprits in yellowing the teeth

By using these easy aftercare instructions, you will be able to cherish your bright, radiant smile for much longer and maximise the benefits of your whitening treatment.

How Long Does Whitening Teeth Take?

Professional in-clinic whitening will only take an hour, whereas take-home kits will take a few weeks for the best results.

Can teeth whiteningcause tooth damage?

Whitening does not damage enamel when supervised by a dentist. Overuse can harm enamel and gums.Products approved by professional treatments andteeth whitening dentists are usually safe since they do not harm the enamel.

Unregulated procedures and excessive use of over the counter whitening products can lead to increased sensitivity and make your enamel weak. Avoid excessive whitening, read instructions, and visit a dentist for a safe and effective tooth whitening experience.

Can fluoride really whiten your teeth?

Fluoride does not directly whiten your teeth, but strengthens your tooth enamel while preventing tooth decays. Fluoride basically works by remineralisation of tooth enamel and protecting them from cavities. This leads to an overall improvement in how your teeth look.

Teeth whitening needs specialised substances such as peroxide based treatments. Fluoride is essential for maintaining your oral health while extending the longevity of your whitening treatment. At our clinic, fluoride treatment costs £20 (for members only) while it is £40 for non-members.

Is teeth whitening effective on all stains?

Teeth whitening works on the majority of surface stains occurring due to coloured food, beverages or smoking. Intrinsic discolouration or stains due to medications can be treated with other options such as veneers.

Final Takeaways

If you are looking for professional teeth whitening to have a radiant and dazzling smile, there are various options for teeth whitening treatment in the UK. The teeth whitening rate does differ in each different case and location. So, if you are living with stained or yellow teeth, it’s time you should go for a change.

Teeth whitening can be a significant investment in your smile and confidence. With professional care and budget-friendly options at our Teeth Whitening London, it has never been simpler to get a brighter, whiter smile. Make your free consultation appointment today to discuss the best teeth whitening option for you.