Teeth Whitening | Options and Cost | Bupa Dental Care UK (2024)

FAQs

How much does teeth whitening cost at the dentist in the UK? ›

Cost of Teeth Whitening in the UK

Professional In-Office Teeth Whitening: On average, this can cost you anywhere from £200 to £600. The price may be higher in the swankier parts of London but lower in smaller towns. Take-Home Teeth Whitening Kits: These are generally more budget-friendly, ranging from £150 to £400.

As a result, you may wonder if professional tooth whitening is worth the cost. Lots of patients are curious about in-office treatment and ask if it is really better than at-home options. The answer is a resounding yes. The most effective way to whiten teeth is with a professional in-office treatment.

Teeth whitening by a dentist or other dental professional can generally only be done privately because it's considered to be a cosmetic treatment. Costs vary and laser whitening is more expensive than professional bleaching.

Teeth whitening is generally considered a cosmetic procedure and is not routinely available on the NHS. However, there may be exceptions in cases where discoloration is severe and affects a person's mental health.

Quality Assurance: The UK boasts stringent regulations and standards for dental care, ensuring the safety and quality of treatments. Dentists in the UK undergo extensive training and adhere to rigorous standards.

Yellow teeth can be completely whitened with teeth whitening technologies at the dentist or at home. Depending on the status of your yellow teeth as well as your needs, the doctor will advise and prescribe the appropriate method.

Chairside bleaching (in-office tooth whitening)

If you maintain good oral hygiene, a chairside (or in-office) procedure should provide long-lasting results for 1 to 3 years. This procedure is done in your dentist's office. It usually requires only one visit.

The cost difference mainly exists due to the lesser efficacy of whitening from at-home products. These products tend to contain lower concentrations of bleaching agents and do not work as good or fast as in-office teeth whitening.

Custom-fitted trays and in-office treatments are the safest and most effective ways to whiten teeth. ADA-approved over-the-counter toothpastes, gels, and strips are more affordable and convenient options.

If you are to get this procedure in the USA, Canada, the UK, or Australia, you might have to pay a fortune. Conversely, teeth whitening treatment abroad in dental tourism destinations like Mexico, Thailand, Costa Rica, or El Salvador will cost you 50-80% less.

What's the cheapest way to whiten teeth? ›

Over-the-counter options, like whitening toothpastes, strips, and kits, tend to be the cheapest options. If you feel self-conscious about the brightness of your smile, you are far from alone.

For example, if they have permanent stains that can't be removed with bleaching, dentists can use porcelain, veneers, or crowns to fix their teeth. They can also use tooth-colored resin fillings to remove cosmetic defects. This gives celebrities and famous people various ways to address their cosmetic tooth issues.

While the average price of professional teeth whitening treatment is around £350 – £1000, the factors that influence the teeth whitening cost in the UK can include: The dentistry practice that you visit. Your individual dental needs. The type of treatment you choose – either at-home or in-chair.

Baking soda can be used with some water to remove the stains on the surface of the teeth. It can also be used with hydrogen peroxide to enhance its whitening effects. Baking soda can be used by individuals with regular toothpastes too. It is also used commercially in some teeth whitening products and toothpastes.

The NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS) may provide help with some of the cost of your dental care if you have a low income but do not qualify for free dental care.

Small Composite Fillings from £120. Medium Composite Fillings from £150. Large Composite Fillings from £180.

If you are not a registered dental professional, it is illegal for you to offer tooth whitening treatment regardless of any short training course that you have undertaken. You should stop offering treatments immediately and remove all advertising as, to do otherwise, might put you at risk of a criminal prosecution.

Tooth whitening has become increasingly popular in the UK as people strive to achieve brighter, more confident smiles.