Teeth whitening is one of the most searched for dental treatments and one of the least understood, because the law in the UK is strict and a lot of people selling it are breaking it.
The law in plain terms
Tooth whitening is classed as dentistry under the Dentists Act. That means it can only be carried out by a dentist registered with the General Dental Council (GDC), or by a dental hygienist or therapist working to a dentist's prescription. Anyone else doing it, including beauticians, salons and "whitening bars", is committing a criminal offence, and the GDC prosecutes.
The products are controlled too. Whitening products containing more than 0.1% hydrogen peroxide can only be supplied to and used by dental professionals, and even dentists are capped at 6% hydrogen peroxide, for patients aged 18 and over. Anything stronger is illegal in the UK whoever is using it.
Why that matters to you
- Whitening gel strong enough to work can damage gums and enamel if it is applied without a proper dental assessment and properly fitted trays.
- A dentist checks first for decay, gum disease, cracks and exposed roots, which should be treated before whitening and can be made painful by it.
- If a salon whitens your teeth and something goes wrong, you have none of the professional protections you would have with a dentist.
If a salon or an online seller offers whitening at a price that seems too good to be true, the reason is usually that it is not legal.
What shop bought kits can do
Over the counter kits and whitening toothpastes are limited to 0.1% hydrogen peroxide, which is why most do very little beyond removing surface staining. Some kits sold online get around the rules with other chemicals, which carries its own risks. Expect modest results at best from anything you can buy without a dentist.
What it costs at a dentist
Teeth whitening is not available on the NHS, because it is cosmetic. Privately it is typically around £380, with a national range of roughly £150 to £700. The two main routes are:
- Home whitening: the dentist makes custom trays and you use the gel at home over two to four weeks. Usually the cheaper option and the one most dentists recommend.
- In surgery whitening: a stronger gel applied at the practice in a single visit, sometimes with a light, often followed by home top ups. Faster, usually dearer.
Results last one to three years depending on tea, coffee, red wine and smoking, and top up gel is a continuing small cost.
Who it does not suit
Whitening lightens natural teeth only. Crowns, veneers, fillings and bonding do not change colour, so if you have visible restorations at the front they may need replacing to match. Whitening is not done under 18, and most dentists avoid it in pregnancy.
This is general information, not clinical advice. See our teeth whitening cost page for the price range alongside other treatments.