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Teeth whitening (professional) - professional whitening, done properly.

Legally-compliant tooth whitening - 6% hydrogen peroxide (or 16% carbamide peroxide) in custom trays, or in-chair whitening - by a GDC-registered dentist. No high-street kiosks, no illegal-strength products.

A radiographer guides a patient onto the bed of an advanced 3 Tesla MRI scanner in a London imaging suite

Indicative pricing

What a private teeth whitening (professional) costs in the UK.

Indicative ranges across our partner dental clinics.

In short

Home tray whitening: £250–£450, results in 2–4 weeks.

Procedure Indicative range
Home tray whitening (custom trays + gel) £250–£450
In-chair whitening (single session) £400–£700
Combined in-chair + home tray £500–£900
Single non-vital (dead) tooth whitening £200–£400
Top-up gel (per syringe) £25–£50
Consultation with a GDC dentist £50–£120

Prices vary by clinic, materials and complexity.

The problem

The right technique, honest expectations, and a plan tailored to you.

Teeth whitening (professional) is a personal choice - the technique, the recovery and the risks all deserve a proper conversation, up front.

  • The right technique for you

    Not every teeth whitening (professional) suits every patient.

  • Honest expectations, up front

    Realistic before-and-after photographs, honest downtime and known limits - named before you consent.

  • No overseas shortcut

    We only match to UK-registered consultants and clinics. No "surgery holiday" packages, no unregulated overseas cosmetic work.

When it helps

When teeth whitening (professional) is the right step.

The situations we see most, plus the one red flag that means specialist assessment first, not a cosmetic booking.

  • Change that will not respond to non-cosmetic measures

    Standard dental cleaning and orthodontics have not delivered the change you want.

  • Well-defined cosmetic concern

    The change fits within the recognised indications for teeth whitening (professional).

  • Impact on confidence or bite function

    The concern affects daily confidence or bite function - not a passing wish.

  • Realistic goals

    You have seen real one-year photographs and your expectations match the honest outcome.

  • Good oral hygiene and general dental health

    Gums are healthy, cavities are treated, and you are willing to keep to 6-monthly hygiene appointments.

  • Non-smoker or willing to stop

    Smoking impairs healing, stains and shortens the life of every restoration.

  • Bite and jaw joint stable

    No untreated grinding or jaw joint symptoms - or a plan to manage them.

  • Red flag: unrealistic expectations or "Turkey teeth" pattern

    We do not correct or continue aggressive overseas work started without proper planning - we plan from scratch, honestly.

Procedure options

Options for teeth whitening (professional) - explained.

What each variant involves and when it fits.

  • Primary teeth whitening (professional)

    The standard first-time treatment, planned to your dentition and smile goals.

  • Combined with whitening

    Whitening is usually done first to set the target shade for any new restorations.

  • Combined with orthodontics

    Straightening first with aligners reduces how much tooth reduction is needed.

  • Revision or replacement

    For patients unhappy with earlier cosmetic dental work or with failing older restorations.

  • Minimally-prep or no-prep option

    Where anatomy allows, minimal or no tooth preparation is used for reversibility.

  • Full-arch versus single-tooth

    Individual teeth for isolated concerns; a full arch when the whole smile needs to match.

  • Sedation options

    Local, IV sedation or GA for anxious patients or longer sessions.

  • Long-term maintenance plan

    Every plan includes a written 6-monthly maintenance schedule.

Safety and recovery

What to expect afterwards - honestly.

Teeth whitening (professional) is a well-established treatment. The things worth planning are the technique, the recovery, and long-term maintenance.

  • Treatment in a CQC-registered dental clinic

    Every procedure in a CQC-registered dental practice or hospital clinic, with proper cross-infection standards.

  • Local or IV sedation, on request

    Most treatments are done under local anaesthetic. IV sedation is available for anxiety or longer sessions.

  • Sensitivity and discomfort

    Short-term sensitivity to hot and cold is common and settles over days to weeks. Desensitising toothpaste and analgesia help.

  • Bite change and adjustment

    Any new restoration may need occlusal adjustment in the first weeks. Small tweaks are normal and included.

  • Infection and healing

    Post-operative infection is uncommon. Same-day contact for swelling, throbbing pain, or fever.

  • Nerve involvement (implant / lower jaw)

    Rarely, implant placement near the inferior alveolar nerve can cause altered lip and chin sensation. CBCT planning minimises the risk.

  • Long-term maintenance is non-negotiable

    6-monthly hygiene appointments and daily interdental cleaning are essential. Neglect shortens the life of every restoration.

  • Smoking, grinding and diet all matter

    Nicotine impairs healing and shortens implant survival. Nighttime grinding damages veneers and crowns - a night guard is standard.

  • Red flags after treatment

    Persistent throbbing pain, spreading swelling, fever or a loose restoration need same-day team contact.

Reading your treatment plan

Your treatment plan in four parts. Read the last one first.

Whichever technique was used, the note your consultant dentist sends you keeps to the same shape.

  1. 01 Header

    Diagnosis, plan and materials

    Diagnosis, agreed treatment plan and the materials used (composite, Emax, zirconia, implant brand).

  2. 02 Technique

    Sequence and adjustments

    Order of treatment, IPR or preparation performed, occlusal adjustments made.

  3. 03 Findings

    Any findings during treatment

    Any incidental findings during preparation - undiagnosed caries, cracks, or endodontic issues.

  4. 04 Impression

    Maintenance and hygiene plan

    Read this first: retainer or nightguard schedule, hygiene appointment frequency, and long-term care instructions.

Recognised by major UK insurers

BupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealixBupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealixBupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealix

Whitening is cosmetic and is not covered by the NHS or private insurers.

Frequently asked

Everything we get asked about teeth whitening (professional).

Quick answers on technique, cost, recovery and long-term result.

  • Is high-street or salon whitening legal?

    No. In the UK it is illegal for anyone other than a GDC-registered dental professional to whiten teeth. High-street kiosks and beauticians offering whitening are breaking the law - and their products often exceed the 6% hydrogen peroxide limit, damaging enamel.

  • Home trays or in-chair - which is better?

    Home trays give the most durable, gentlest result over 2–4 weeks. In-chair is faster but less predictable and can cause more sensitivity. Combining both is often the best value.

  • Will it whiten my crowns or veneers?

    No. Whitening only works on natural tooth enamel. Existing crowns, veneers and composite fillings will not change colour - so plan whitening before any new restorative work is placed.

  • Is it safe for enamel?

    Yes, at legal concentrations under professional supervision. Sensitivity is common in the first days and settles - desensitising toothpaste helps.

  • How much does professional whitening cost in the UK?

    Roughly £250–£450 for home trays, £400–£700 for in-chair, £500–£900 for combined, £200–£400 for single non-vital tooth internal whitening.

  • How long does the result last?

    Two to three years typically. Coffee, tea, red wine and smoking accelerate re-staining. Top-up gel every 12–18 months keeps the result.

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