How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost in the UK? (2026)
Teeth whitening costs in the UK: median £380 from 2,065 practices. In-chair, home kits, and hybrid options compared. Regional prices and what to expect.
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- Source type
- TreatCompare compiled research
- Primary source
- Provider-published information and TreatCompare research
- Reporting period
- 2026-04-29
- Last updated
- 2026-04-29
- Figure type
- Mixed sources
- Use
- Research and comparison only
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How much does professional teeth whitening cost in the UK? Based on data from 2,065 UK dental practices, professional whitening costs a median of £380, with prices ranging from £150 to £696.
Whitening prices by region
| Region | Median | Range (P5–P95) | Practices |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | £380 | £150 – £696 | 2,065 |
| Central London | £400 | £156 – £795 | 352 |
| Greater London | £375 | £159 – £696 | 276 |
| South (excl. London) | £395 | £150 – £675 | 658 |
| Midlands | £380 | £136 – £695 | 363 |
| North | £350 | £150 – £600 | 416 |
The North offers the best value at a £350 median. Central London is most expensive at £400.
Types of professional whitening
| Type | Typical cost | How it works | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-chair (Zoom, Enlighten) | £350–£700 | Concentrated gel + UV/LED light at the dentist | 1 hour appointment |
| Home trays (dentist-supplied) | £250–£450 | Custom trays + whitening gel, worn 1–2 hours daily | 2–4 weeks |
| Hybrid (in-chair + home) | £400–£800 | Combination of both for maximum results | 1 session + 2 weeks |
| Enlighten Evolution | £500–£800 | Premium system guaranteeing B1 shade | 2 weeks home + 1 session |
The most effective whitening combines in-chair treatment with home trays. In-chair alone gives faster but less lasting results. Home trays alone take longer but allow you to top up indefinitely.
Over-the-counter vs professional
| Professional (dentist) | Over-the-counter | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | £250–£800 | £20–£80 |
| Active ingredient strength | Up to 6% hydrogen peroxide | Max 0.1% hydrogen peroxide |
| Custom-fit trays | Yes | No (one-size) |
| Results | 3–8 shades lighter | 1–2 shades lighter |
| Supervised | Yes | No |
| Duration of results | 1–3 years | Weeks |
In the UK, products containing more than 0.1% hydrogen peroxide can only legally be used by dental professionals. This is why professional whitening is significantly more effective.
How long does whitening last?
Results typically last 1–3 years depending on:
- Diet (coffee, red wine, tea stain teeth)
- Smoking
- Oral hygiene
- Top-up treatments (home trays can be re-used with new gel, typically £30–£50 per syringe)
Is teeth whitening available on the NHS?
No. Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure and is not available on the NHS under any circumstances.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does professional teeth whitening cost in the UK?
Based on data from 2,065 UK dental practices, professional whitening costs a median of £380, with prices ranging from £150 to £696 (P5–P95). The price depends on the type — in-chair (Zoom, Enlighten) £350–£700, home trays £250–£450, hybrid £400–£800, or premium Enlighten Evolution £500–£800.
Is teeth whitening available on the NHS?
No — teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure and is not available on the NHS under any circumstances. It must be paid for privately.
What's the difference between in-chair and home whitening?
In-chair whitening (Zoom, Enlighten) uses concentrated gel plus UV/LED light at the dentist in a 1-hour appointment, costing £350–£700. Home trays (dentist-supplied) are custom trays plus whitening gel worn 1–2 hours daily for 2–4 weeks, costing £250–£450. The most effective option combines in-chair treatment with home trays — in-chair alone gives faster but less lasting results, and home trays alone take longer but allow you to top up indefinitely.
How long do teeth whitening results last?
Results typically last 1–3 years depending on diet (coffee, red wine, and tea stain teeth), smoking, and oral hygiene. Home trays can be re-used with new gel for top-ups, typically £30–£50 per syringe.
Are over-the-counter whitening kits as effective as professional?
No — in the UK, products containing more than 0.1% hydrogen peroxide can only legally be used by dental professionals, while professional whitening uses up to 6% hydrogen peroxide. Professional treatment delivers 3–8 shades lighter (lasting 1–3 years), compared to 1–2 shades from over-the-counter products (lasting weeks). Over-the-counter costs £20–£80 vs £250–£800 professionally.
Where in the UK is teeth whitening lower-cost?
The North offers the lower-cost published prices at a median of £350. Greater London is £375, the Midlands £380, the South excluding London £395, and Central London is the most expensive at £400 (range £156–£795).
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