Teeth whitening options and prices in the UK
Originally published
If you would like lighter teeth, start by finding out what is causing the colour. Surface staining, the natural shade of enamel and dentine, and changes inside a tooth may need different approaches.
Good cleaning matters for health, but a naturally yellowish shade is not a fault or proof of poor hygiene. You do not need cosmetic treatment to have a healthy mouth.
Start with care, not stronger scrubbing
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and clean between the teeth. Professional cleaning can remove tartar and some stains, with the frequency based on your needs. It does not bleach the underlying tooth.
Avoid household acids and improvised abrasive mixtures. Lemon juice can contribute to enamel erosion, and charcoal does not offer a reliably established safe whitening benefit. A formulated toothpaste containing an ingredient such as bicarbonate should not be equated with every homemade mixture or forceful scrubbing routine.
Dentist-supervised home whitening
The dentist checks your teeth and gums before prescribing gel and custom trays. You are shown how much to use, when to wear them and how to care for them. Follow the instructions for that product rather than copying a schedule from another kit.
The course and colour change vary. Do not count on a fixed two-shade improvement within seven to twenty-one days. Existing restorations do not whiten like natural teeth, and a single dark tooth may need separate assessment.
LED and Enlighten whitening
In-surgery whitening involves a professional bleaching product with protection for the surrounding tissues. Some systems use a lamp. The appropriate method depends on your teeth and preferences; more light or a stronger product is not a guarantee of a better lasting outcome.
Enlighten offers a manufacturer’s Vita B1 shade guarantee and does not require a white diet, according to its FAQ. The latest Enlighten system offered at our practice does not require an additional in-surgery whitening appointment, although older versions did. Ask the team about your prescribed course, review appointments and package contents.
Whitening can cause sensitivity or irritation, and the colour may change again over time. Cosmetic whitening is an adult treatment. The dentist should discuss suitability, including pregnancy or breastfeeding, before it is prescribed.
Where do veneers fit in?
Veneers cover part of an existing tooth with composite or porcelain. They may change visible shape and colour, but they do not move roots or correct every bite problem. Orthodontic treatment may be more appropriate when teeth need moving.
Some veneers require removal of tooth tissue, which cannot grow back. The amount varies with the material and case; it is not identical for every veneer. Repairs or replacement may be needed in future, so veneers should not be treated as a routine upgrade from whitening or a lifetime product.
Listed fees and a written plan
The current listed whitening fees are:
- Home whitening tray kit: £300.
- In-surgery LED whitening: £400.
- Enlighten whitening: £550.
Veneers are a different treatment, with fees for each treated tooth:
- Composite veneer: £220.
- Porcelain EMAX veneer: £600.
Ask whether the listed veneer option is suitable and what the preparation involves. These prices should not be combined into an automatic package: your estimate should identify the treatment, number of teeth and any preliminary work or maintenance.
See our general dentistry fees and prosthodontic fees, or contact us for an assessment. For instalments, read the current finance information and check eligibility and the total repayable. Spreading payments changes when you pay; it does not automatically reduce the treatment price.