How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost at the Dentist?

If you are considering professional teeth whitening, one of the first questions is usually: how much does teeth whitening cost at the dentist? There is no fixed private whitening fee in the UK. The price depends on the whitening system used, whether treatment is carried out mainly at home or includes an in-practice stage, what is included in the package and whether any dental treatment is needed before whitening can safely begin.

At Glow Dental in Battersea, professional teeth whitening currently starts from £440 for dentist-supervised at-home whitening using DayWhite or NiteWhite, while Enlighten whitening starts from £750.

How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost at the Dentist?

Professional teeth whitening prices vary considerably between dental practices because there is no NHS or nationally regulated private fee for cosmetic whitening.

Looking at currently published private dental fees in London, dentist-supervised home whitening is commonly advertised at around £300–£500 at standard prices, while premium or combined whitening systems can cost around £500–£750 or more. Promotional, membership and package prices can sometimes be lower.

These figures should only be treated as a guide rather than an official London average. When comparing prices, it is important to check exactly what is included. A lower headline price may not include the assessment, custom whitening trays, enough gel for a full course or follow-up care.

Teeth Whitening Prices at Glow Dental

Glow Dental’s current dental fee guide lists the following whitening prices:

• At-home teeth whitening – DayWhite or NiteWhite: from £440
• Enlighten teeth whitening: from £750

These are published starting prices and the exact treatment recommended should be confirmed following your assessment.

Glow Dental is located on Northcote Road in Battersea and provides professional whitening alongside other cosmetic dentistry treatments.

Why Is Dentist Teeth Whitening More Expensive Than a Shop-Bought Kit?

The difference is not simply the whitening gel itself. Dentist-supervised whitening involves professional assessment, treatment planning and a whitening system selected for your teeth.

Depending on the system used, professional whitening may involve:

• A dental assessment to confirm that whitening is suitable
• Checking for decay, cracks, gum disease and defective restorations
• Dental impressions or digital scans
• Custom-made whitening trays
• Dentist-prescribed peroxide whitening gel
• Instructions explaining how much gel to use and how long to wear the trays
• Advice on managing sensitivity
• Follow-up or additional whitening stages where required by the system

The NHS describes whitening provided by a dentist, including dentist-prescribed home kits, as the safest way to have teeth whitened because your teeth and gums can be assessed before treatment begins.

Do You Need a Dental Check-Up Before Teeth Whitening?

Yes, an appropriate dental assessment is an important part of professional whitening.

UK rules governing peroxide whitening require an appropriate clinical examination before professional products containing or releasing more than 0.1% and up to 6% hydrogen peroxide are used. The purpose is to identify dental disease or other factors that could make whitening inappropriate or painful.

Your dentist may check for:

• Untreated tooth decay
• Cracked teeth
• Gum disease
• Gum recession and exposed roots
• Defective fillings
• Existing tooth sensitivity
• Crowns, veneers or bonding that will not whiten
• Unusual tooth discolouration that may need investigation

You can read more about what happens during a dental examination.

If you are a new patient and need an examination before whitening, see our guide to dental check-up costs in London and Glow Dental’s current examination fees.

Is the Dental Check-Up Included in the Whitening Price?

This varies between dental practices and whitening packages. You should not assume that an examination is included simply because a whitening price is advertised.

If you have recently had an appropriate examination, your dentist can advise whether another assessment is necessary. If you are new to the practice or are due a check-up, an examination may be required before treatment starts.

Glow Dental currently advertises a discount on its new-patient examination, but offers and prices can change, so check the latest fees before booking.

How Much Is At-Home Teeth Whitening at Glow Dental?

Glow Dental currently charges from £440 for dentist-supervised at-home whitening using DayWhite or NiteWhite.

Although you carry out most of the whitening at home, this is different from buying an ordinary whitening kit online. Professional at-home whitening uses trays made specifically for your teeth and whitening gel supplied following dental assessment.

What Is DayWhite Teeth Whitening?

DayWhite is part of the Philips Zoom professional take-home whitening range. Current DayWhite products use hydrogen peroxide and are designed to be worn for relatively short periods during the day.

The exact wearing time depends on the concentration prescribed. For example, Philips currently advises that its 6% hydrogen peroxide DayWhite formulation can be used for approximately 30–60 minutes once daily, with an alternative shorter twice-daily protocol available.

You should follow the instructions given for your particular gel rather than applying a generic whitening schedule, because different concentrations have different recommended exposure times.

What Is NiteWhite Teeth Whitening?

NiteWhite is designed for longer wear and uses carbamide peroxide rather than the hydrogen peroxide formulation used in DayWhite.

Philips currently supplies different NiteWhite concentrations, including 10% and 16% carbamide peroxide. Depending on the product prescribed, the trays may be worn for several hours or overnight.

DayWhite and NiteWhite therefore provide different ways of achieving professional home whitening. One is not automatically “better” than the other—the most suitable option depends on your lifestyle, teeth, sensitivity and the protocol your dentist recommends.

Is At-Home Dentist Whitening Effective?

Yes. Dentist-supervised home whitening is well supported by clinical research.

A 2025 systematic review comparing professional at-home and in-office whitening found no significant difference in whitening effectiveness when measured using conventional shade guides. At-home whitening produced lower average sensitivity intensity in the analysis, although the certainty of the evidence was considered low.

This means paying more for an in-practice element does not necessarily mean that every patient’s teeth will ultimately become whiter. Different systems instead offer different protocols, treatment times, sensitivity-management approaches and levels of predictability.

How Much Is Enlighten Whitening at Glow Dental?

Enlighten teeth whitening starts from £750 at Glow Dental.

Enlighten is a premium whitening system using custom-made trays and a structured whitening protocol. Current Enlighten EVO4 materials describe a predominantly home-based treatment carried out over several weeks, with the system designed around achieving a very light natural tooth shade while managing sensitivity.

The manufacturer uses VITA B1 as its target shade. B1 is one of the lightest natural shades on the commonly used VITA Classical dental shade guide.

As whitening systems and protocols can change, your dentist will explain the exact Enlighten programme currently being provided at Glow Dental rather than relying on generic instructions found online.

Why Does Enlighten Cost More Than Standard Home Whitening?

The higher price reflects the complete Enlighten system rather than simply using a stronger whitening gel.

Current Enlighten EVO4 packages incorporate custom laboratory-made trays, a staged whitening protocol and products intended to help manage sensitivity. It is designed as a more structured premium whitening programme with a specific shade target.

Whether this additional cost is worthwhile depends on what you want from treatment. Someone looking for gradual, straightforward whitening may be perfectly suited to DayWhite or NiteWhite, while another patient may prefer the structured Enlighten protocol.

Does More Expensive Whitening Give Whiter Teeth?

Not necessarily. Price alone does not determine the final colour of your teeth.

Research comparing professional whitening techniques generally finds that both properly prescribed at-home and in-office approaches can produce significant colour change. Your eventual result also depends on:

• Your natural starting tooth colour
• The cause of the discolouration
• The whitening agent and concentration
• How consistently the prescribed treatment is followed
• How your individual teeth respond
• Whether you have intrinsic staining such as tetracycline discolouration or fluorosis

If you are unsure whether your particular staining will respond, read our guide: Will teeth whitening remove stains?

Are There Additional Costs Before Teeth Whitening?

Potential additional costs depend on the condition of your teeth and gums. Whitening is an elective cosmetic treatment, so dental disease should generally be dealt with first.

Additional treatment may be recommended if you have:

• Tooth decay requiring a filling
• Plaque, tartar or significant surface staining that would benefit from a hygiene appointment
• Active gum disease requiring appropriate periodontal care
• A cracked or painful tooth requiring investigation
• Visible restorations that will no longer match after whitening

These are not simply “extras” added to a whitening package. They may be clinically necessary independently of the cosmetic whitening treatment.

Do You Need a Hygiene Appointment Before Whitening?

Not everyone needs professional cleaning immediately before whitening.

However, if your teeth have significant tartar or external staining from tea, coffee, tobacco or other causes, a professional hygiene appointment may be recommended first.

A hygienist can remove external deposits while peroxide whitening changes the underlying colour of natural teeth. The two treatments therefore achieve different things.

Can Whitening Cost More if You Have Crowns, Veneers or Bonding?

Whitening itself does not necessarily cost more, but existing dental work may affect your overall cosmetic treatment plan.

Peroxide whitening lightens natural tooth tissue. It does not predictably whiten:

• Composite fillings
• Composite bonding
• Porcelain veneers
• Crowns
• Bridges

If your natural teeth become substantially lighter, a restoration on a visible front tooth may no longer match.

Some patients therefore complete whitening before having composite bonding or porcelain veneers, allowing the final restoration shade to be selected after the whitening result has stabilised.

How Much Does Teeth Whitening Top-Up Gel Cost?

The cost of top-up gel varies between practices and whitening systems, and Glow Dental’s current online fee guide does not list a separate top-up gel price.

One advantage of professional home whitening is that custom trays can often be retained and reused for future top-ups, provided they still fit correctly and your dentist confirms that further whitening is appropriate.

Glow Dental’s whitening information states that patients can keep their home-whitening trays and purchase additional gel when a top-up is required.

You should still follow your dentist’s advice rather than whitening continuously or purchasing stronger gel independently.

How Long Does Professional Teeth Whitening Last?

Teeth whitening is not permanent, but neither does the tooth simply return to its original colour as soon as treatment ends.

A systematic review of home whitening studies found that colour was commonly reported as relatively stable for approximately one to two-and-a-half years, although recurrence was greater with more severe initial discolouration. The NHS advises that whitening effects may last for around three years when patients follow their dentist’s advice.

How quickly staining returns depends on factors such as:

• Tea and coffee consumption
• Red wine and other strongly coloured drinks
• Smoking
• Oral hygiene
• The original type of staining

Rather than paying for an entirely new treatment each time, patients with suitable reusable trays may only need occasional dentist-advised top-ups.

Does Teeth Whitening Cause Sensitivity?

Temporary tooth sensitivity is one of the best-recognised side effects of peroxide whitening, but the intensity varies considerably between patients and whitening protocols.

Recent evidence suggests that higher-concentration home whitening products can increase the likelihood or intensity of sensitivity compared with lower concentrations. Your dentist can therefore adjust the whitening approach if you already have sensitive teeth.

Read our detailed guide to sensitive teeth during whitening if this is a concern.

You can also read Can teeth whitening damage teeth? for a more detailed look at enamel, gum irritation and whitening safety.

Why Is Professional Whitening Safer Than Buying Strong Gel Online?

Professional whitening in the UK operates within specific rules governing peroxide products.

Products containing or releasing more than 0.1% and up to 6% hydrogen peroxide can only be supplied through dental professionals. An appropriate clinical examination is required, and the first use in each whitening cycle must be carried out by a dentist or under appropriate direct dental supervision.

Products releasing less than 0.1% hydrogen peroxide can be sold directly to consumers, which is one reason shop-bought products can differ substantially from dentist-prescribed whitening.

This does not mean that every over-the-counter whitening product is dangerous or ineffective, but it does mean that professional peroxide whitening includes a level of clinical assessment and supervision that an internet purchase does not.

If you are considering strips rather than professional trays, see Are teeth whitening strips safe?

Is Teeth Whitening Available on the NHS?

No. Routine cosmetic teeth whitening is not available on the NHS. The NHS states that patients who want teeth whitening need to pay for it privately.

This is because whitening is performed to improve tooth colour rather than to treat dental disease.

Is Teeth Whitening Included With Invisalign at Glow Dental?

It can be. Glow Dental’s current fee guide states that at-home teeth whitening is included with its Invisalign Lite, Moderate and Full packages.

For patients who are already considering straightening their teeth, this is worth taking into account when comparing the total cost of having Invisalign and whitening as separate treatments.

Find out more about Invisalign treatment at Glow Dental or check the current Invisalign package prices.

Can You Pay for Teeth Whitening Monthly?

Glow Dental offers finance options for eligible dental treatment, including short-term interest-free finance options. Whether a particular whitening treatment or treatment amount qualifies should be confirmed with the practice before proceeding.

You can see the available options on our dental finance page.

Is Professional Teeth Whitening Worth the Cost?

Whether professional whitening is worth £440, £750 or another amount is ultimately personal. The important comparison is not simply dentist whitening versus the cheapest product available online.

Professional whitening gives you:

• Assessment of whether your teeth are suitable for whitening
• A treatment selected for your teeth rather than a one-size-fits-all product
• Custom whitening trays with home systems
• Access to regulated professional peroxide products
• Advice if sensitivity develops
• A dentist who can identify stains that whitening will not correct
• The ability to plan whitening around fillings, bonding, crowns or veneers

For someone who wants a significant change in the natural colour of their teeth, these factors can make professionally supervised whitening a more predictable option.

Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Whitening Cost

How much is teeth whitening at Glow Dental?

Glow Dental currently lists at-home DayWhite or NiteWhite whitening from £440 and Enlighten whitening from £750. Prices can change, so check the current fee guide before booking.

What is the cheapest professional whitening option at Glow Dental?

Based on the current published fee guide, dentist-supervised DayWhite or NiteWhite home whitening is the lower-cost standalone whitening option, starting from £440.

Why is Enlighten whitening £750?

Enlighten is a premium structured whitening system using custom trays, a staged whitening protocol and sensitivity-management products. It is priced as a complete whitening system rather than simply a supply of whitening gel.

Will £440 definitely be my final cost?

£440 is currently advertised as a starting price for DayWhite/NiteWhite whitening. If you need an examination, hygiene treatment, fillings or another dental procedure before whitening, those services may have separate fees. Your dentist should explain the treatment plan and cost before you proceed.

Can I just buy professional whitening gel without seeing a dentist?

Professional peroxide whitening products within the regulated 0.1%–6% hydrogen peroxide range cannot simply be sold directly to consumers in the UK. Appropriate dental assessment and professional involvement are required.

How much does it cost to maintain whitening?

The cost depends on how often you need a top-up and which system you use. Patients with well-fitting home-whitening trays can often reuse them and purchase additional gel rather than paying for an entirely new set of trays. Glow Dental does not currently publish a separate online price for top-up gel.

Does professional whitening work better than whitening toothpaste?

They work differently. Most whitening toothpastes primarily remove external surface staining, whereas peroxide whitening can lighten the intrinsic colour of natural teeth. See our guide to choosing toothpaste for more information.

So, How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost at the Dentist?

There is no single UK price for professional teeth whitening. Costs vary according to the whitening system and what is included in the treatment.

At Glow Dental in Battersea, the current published prices are:

• DayWhite/NiteWhite dentist-supervised home whitening: from £440
• Enlighten teeth whitening: from £750

Before comparing prices, look beyond the headline figure and check whether the treatment includes professional assessment, custom trays, sufficient whitening gel, instructions and aftercare. You should also account for any examination or dental treatment that may be needed before whitening begins.

If you would like to find out which system is most appropriate for your teeth, visit our teeth whitening page, view our current dental fees or learn about becoming a new patient at Glow Dental.

Prices were checked against Glow Dental’s published fee guide in August 2026 and may change. Please check the current fee guide or contact the practice before booking.