Free UK dentist comparison. Ratings cannot be bought — how we make money · methodology
Compare professional teeth whitening prices — dentist-made home kits vs in-chair treatment, what's legal in the UK, and what results to expect.
Professional teeth whitening lightens the natural shade of your teeth using carbamide or hydrogen peroxide gels. In the UK it is legally dentistry: only GDC-registered dental professionals may perform whitening or supply gels above 0.1% hydrogen peroxide, and whitening offered in beauty salons or at home parties is illegal, however professional it looks. There are two dentist-provided routes: a home kit with custom-made trays and prescribed gel worn over two to four weeks (typically £250–£500), or in-chair (laser/power) whitening completed at the practice in about an hour, often with a top-up kit (typically £300–£700). Whitening is cosmetic, so it's never available on the NHS. Results typically last one to three years depending on tea, coffee, red wine and smoking, and whitening only works on natural teeth — crowns, veneers and fillings don't lighten, which is why a dentist assessment before you buy matters.
Typical cost
£250 – £700
Ratings and rankings are our editorial opinion, based on our published methodology — they are not dental advice and practices cannot pay to change a score. Where a practice has no reviews we show "Not yet rated" — we never invent scores. Listings labelled Featured or Referral partner are paid placements; payment affects visibility only, never ratings or match results. We may receive a fee when you send a private-treatment enquiry. Private treatment prices are indicative — always confirm directly with the practice.
Dental Practice · Bollington · SK10 5EJ · CQC-registered practice
Not Yet Rated
Independent, family-run dental practice in Bollington, established in 1977.
New patient exam £89
Includes X-rays
Dental Practice · Croydon · CR0 2GE · CQC-registered practice
Not Yet Rated
Private dental care in Croydon, with new patient examinations from £25.
New patient exam from £25
Introductory offer; examination and X-rays if required. Confirm eligibility and current price.
Dental Practice · Harrow · HA1 1BE · CQC-registered practice
Not Yet Rated
Dental implants, emergency appointments and cosmetic dentistry in Harrow.
Ask for treatment fees
Dental Practice · London · SW18 4SX · CQC-registered practice
Not Yet Rated
NHS and private dental care on Garratt Lane, Earlsfield.
Ask for treatment fees
Not Yet Rated
CQC-registered Thousand Smiles practice offering dental implants in Earls Court.
Ask for treatment fees
Not Yet Rated
CQC-registered W Dental practice near Twickenham station.
Ask for treatment fees
Not Yet Rated
CQC-registered dental practice in Hayes.
Ask for treatment fees
Dental Practice · London · W1G 7LE · CQC-registered practice
Not Yet Rated
CQC-registered dental practice in London.
Ask for treatment fees
Dental Practice · Prescot · L35 5AF · CQC-registered practice
Not Yet Rated
CQC-registered dental practice in Prescot.
Ask for treatment fees
Showing nine of 2,102 practices. See every matching practice and filter by town or postcode.
Dentist-supervised home whitening with custom trays typically costs £250–£500. In-chair whitening at the practice typically costs £300–£700, and combined packages (in-chair plus take-home trays for top-ups) sit at the top of that range. Prices are indicative — practices set their own fees, so compare what's included.
No. Tooth whitening is classed as dentistry, so only GDC-registered dental professionals may legally carry it out, and only products containing up to 0.1% hydrogen peroxide can be sold direct to the public. Beauty salons, kiosks and mobile technicians offering whitening are breaking the law, and the GDC prosecutes illegal whitening — the products used can permanently damage teeth and gums.
No — whitening is cosmetic, so it's private-only. The exception is where a tooth has darkened after root canal treatment; internal bleaching of that tooth may occasionally form part of NHS care, but routine cosmetic whitening never does.
Typically one to three years before the shade drifts back, depending on staining habits — tea, coffee, red wine, curry and smoking all shorten it. If you have custom trays, occasional top-up gel (often £20–£60 per syringe from your dentist) maintains the result far more cheaply than starting again.
Dentist-supervised whitening with legal gels doesn't damage enamel, but temporary sensitivity is common for a day or two after treatment, and gum irritation can occur if trays fit poorly — which is exactly what dentist supervision prevents. Sensitivity toothpaste before and during treatment helps. If you have decay or gum disease, that needs treating first — a dentist checks this before prescribing.
No — bleaching gels only lighten natural tooth tissue. Crowns, veneers and white fillings stay their manufactured shade, so if you whiten around them they may end up looking darker by comparison. A dentist will plan whitening before any new crowns or veneers so everything can be matched to the lighter shade.