Professional teeth whitening in London costs between £300 and £700 for most treatments. The most common approach – home whitening trays supplied by a dentist – typically costs £300-£450. In-clinic treatments such as laser or LED whitening cost more, usually £500-£700, and are completed in a single appointment.
Key things to know:
- Professional whitening costs £300-£900 depending on the method and practice
- Home tray whitening (£300-£450) offers the best long-term value – the trays can be reused for future top-ups
- In-clinic treatments (£450-£700) take one appointment and give faster results
- Enlighten whitening (£600-£900) is the premium option – it guarantees results to a specific shade
- Teeth whitening is not available on the NHS – all treatment is private
- Salon whitening is illegal in the UK – only a GDC-registered dentist may legally whiten your teeth
- Sensitivity for a day or two is normal – serious side effects are rare when treatment is done professionally
Teeth whitening prices in London: quick reference
| Treatment type | Typical London cost | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Home whitening (dentist-supplied trays) | £300 – £450 | Custom trays worn at home for 2-4 weeks |
| In-clinic laser whitening | £500 – £700 | Single 60-90 minute appointment |
| In-clinic LED/Zoom whitening | £450 – £650 | Single appointment, light-activated |
| Combined (clinic + home trays) | £600 – £800 | In-clinic start, home trays for maintenance |
| Enlighten whitening | £600 – £900 | Premium combined system, guaranteed B1 shade |
Prices are approximate London ranges. Contact practices for an accurate quote.
Is teeth whitening available on the NHS?
No. Teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment and is not covered by NHS dentistry. The only exception is internal bleaching for a single tooth that has darkened following root canal treatment – this is occasionally available on the NHS where it is clinically indicated.
For all standard whitening treatment, you will need to go to a private dental practice.
What affects the price of teeth whitening in London?
The biggest factor is the type of treatment. Home tray whitening sits at the lower end of the price range because the dentist’s time is limited to a single appointment to take impressions and fit the trays. In-clinic treatments cost more because a dentist or therapist is with you for the full session, and specialist equipment is involved.
The whitening system matters too. Standard systems produce good results for most patients. Premium systems like Enlighten – which guarantees results to a specific shade, usually B1 on the VITA shade scale – carry a higher price because of the quality of the materials and the guarantee behind them.
Where the practice is located makes a real difference in London. A clinic in the City or Harley Street will charge substantially more than a comparable practice in Croydon or Ealing, largely because their overheads are higher. You are not necessarily getting better results – just paying for the postcode.
Finally, check whether a hygienist appointment is included. Reputable practices will not whiten teeth that have not been cleaned first – whitening over plaque and tartar produces uneven results. Some practices bundle the hygienist visit into the whitening price; others charge it separately, typically £70-130. It is worth asking when you get a quote.
Home whitening vs in-clinic: which is better value?
Both methods use the same active ingredient (hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide) and both are effective when done properly. The main differences are:
- Convenience: Home trays require 2-4 weeks of daily wear (usually at night or for a few hours per day). In-clinic treatment is done in one appointment.
- Results: In-clinic treatments can produce immediate dramatic results. Home whitening is more gradual but many dentists argue the results are just as good – and the trays can be reused for top-ups later using cheaper gel supplies from your dentist.
- Long-term value: Home tray systems have the edge for long-term value. Once you have custom trays, top-up gel typically costs £30-60 per syringe, making maintenance affordable.
How long does teeth whitening last?
Professional whitening results typically last between one and three years, depending on your diet and habits. Coffee, tea, red wine, and smoking all accelerate re-staining. Most people do occasional top-ups rather than full repeat treatments.
Is teeth whitening safe?
Yes, when carried out by a GDC-registered dental professional using approved products. The most common side effect is temporary tooth sensitivity and mild gum irritation, which typically subsides within a day or two of treatment.
Over-the-counter whitening strips sold in the UK must legally contain less than 0.1% hydrogen peroxide – too low to produce visible results. Any product above 0.1% may only be applied by a dentist or dental therapist in the UK. Whitening products sold by beauty salons or administered by non-dental staff are illegal and carry real risk of chemical burns and permanent enamel damage.
Find teeth whitening dentists in London
Our teeth whitening London directory lists practices offering professional whitening across all 32 boroughs, from central London clinics in Westminster and Camden to practices in outer London boroughs like Croydon and Ealing where prices are often lower. You can filter by borough, check CQC ratings, and see which practices have pricing information listed. If you want to compare teeth whitening costs against other treatments, our London dental costs guide covers the full picture.
When you contact a practice, it is worth asking specifically: which whitening system they use, whether a hygienist clean is included in the price, and whether top-up gel is available after treatment. These three questions will tell you most of what you need to know about the value of what you are being quoted.
This information is a general guide and is not a substitute for professional dental advice. Prices are approximate – contact practices directly for current pricing.