Teeth whitening at the dentist: treatment and fees
Originally published
Professional teeth whitening starts with an assessment, not with choosing the strongest gel or brightest lamp. A dentist checks why the teeth look darker, whether they are suitable for whitening and what result you can reasonably expect.
You can also keep your natural shade. Yellowish teeth are not necessarily unhealthy or poorly cleaned, and white teeth are not automatically free of disease.
Cleaning and whitening do different jobs
Brushing removes plaque, while professional cleaning can remove tartar and some surface staining. Whitening changes the colour of natural teeth using a bleaching product. It does not replace treatment for decay or gum disease.
Cleaning and review intervals should follow your needs rather than a universal six-month whitening routine. The dentist may recommend cleaning before treatment if deposits would interfere, but everyone does not need the same set of procedures.
Choosing a method
A dentist may prescribe custom trays for use at home or recommend treatment in the practice. Home use under a dental plan is professional treatment too. Household lemon juice, charcoal powders and unverified gels are not equivalent alternatives.
Enlighten is one supervised system. Its manufacturer offers a Vita B1 shade guarantee and says a white diet is not required. Confirm the course and package with the team; this is not a guarantee of a lifetime result or the best method for every person.
What is checked beforehand?
Tell the dentist about your health, medicines, sensitivity and previous treatment. Decay and gum inflammation may need treatment before cosmetic whitening. A single dark tooth may require a different assessment, particularly after trauma or root canal treatment.
Existing fillings, crowns and veneers will not whiten like natural teeth. Discuss possible colour differences before starting. Cosmetic whitening is not offered to under-18s and is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
During an in-surgery appointment
The clinician protects the gums and applies the whitening product according to its instructions. Some systems use a light. The presence of a lamp alone does not tell you how much change to expect or how long it will last.
Appointment length and the number of sessions vary. Avoid assuming treatment always takes less than an hour, is completely painless or gives the final colour immediately. The team should explain the planned procedure and how the result will be reviewed.
The photograph illustrates dental treatment; it does not identify a particular whitening system or establish the patient’s age.
Aftercare and discomfort
Temporary sensitivity or gum irritation can occur. Contact the dentist if symptoms are troublesome, persistent or worsening. Do not assume every painful tooth after whitening is simply a normal side effect.
Follow the instructions for your specific system. A blanket two-hour ban on eating or drinking and a week-long white diet are not rules for every treatment. Do not increase the gel or add a second product yourself.
Current listed fees
- Home whitening tray kit: £300.
- In-surgery LED whitening: £400.
- Enlighten whitening: £550.
These are separate listed options, not charges to add together automatically. Ask what each proposed treatment includes and whether assessment, preliminary care or future top-ups cost extra. See our general dentistry fees.
Contact us for an assessment. If you are considering instalments, check the current finance terms for eligibility, the repayment period and total cost.