Teeth Whitening Consultation: Costs, Suitability & Booking

A teeth whitening consultation is a short appointment with a dentist to check your mouth is healthy and plan to safely brighten your smile. Your clinician will examine your teeth and gums, identify staining causes, confirm if whitening is suitable, discuss shade goals, explain your options (custom at‑home trays or in‑surgery whitening), outline costs and timings, and answer questions. If you choose to go ahead, they may take scans or impressions for trays. In the UK, whitening must be prescribed by a dentist and carried out by a GDC‑registered professional, so a consultation is the safest first step.

This guide covers what to expect at a consultation, who is and isn’t suitable, UK costs and finance (and why it’s not on the NHS), your options, safety and regulations, the step‑by‑step journey, sensitivity management, realistic results and longevity, preparation and aftercare, alternatives, a timeline, and how to book in Luton with Wigmore Smiles & Aesthetics.

What a teeth whitening consultation includes

Your teeth whitening consultation focuses on safety, suitability and planning. Your dentist examines your mouth, explains how whitening works, and maps the best route to your target shade so you can decide confidently before starting.

• Health check: review history and confirm teeth and gums are healthy.

• Suitability and expectations: baseline shade recorded; whitening affects natural teeth only.

• Options: dentist‑prescribed at‑home trays or in‑surgery gel with light/laser.

• Risks and protection: sensitivity and gum irritation explained; gum shields used in‑surgery.

• Costs and next steps: private fees, timings, and scans/impressions if proceeding (not NHS).

Who is suitable (and who isn't) for whitening

Whitening suits many healthy adult mouths. At your teeth whitening consultation, the dentist checks gum and tooth health, identifies the stain type, and notes any crowns or fillings. Whitening only lightens natural enamel; restorations won’t change, so shade‑matching or replacement may be planned afterwards.

• Ideal candidates: 18+, healthy gums/teeth, extrinsic or age‑related staining, realistic goals.

• Treat first: decay, gum disease, heavy tartar, pronounced white spots/sensitivity.

• Not suitable now: under 18 (UK law), pregnant/breastfeeding, extensive crowns/implants; some intrinsic stains (e.g., tetracycline) respond less predictably.

Costs and finance in the UK (private vs NHS)

In the UK, teeth whitening is a private treatment; it isn’t available on the NHS because it’s cosmetic. You’ll pay your dental surgery directly, and prices vary by case and whitening system. In-surgery whitening (done in 1–2 hours) typically costs more than dentist‑prescribed home kits (worn over 2–6 weeks). Your teeth whitening consultation will include a transparent estimate and timings. Many practices offer finance; at Wigmore Smiles & Aesthetics we provide 0% options, subject to status.

• What affects cost: assessment and impressions/scans; at‑home vs in‑surgery system; number of gel syringes/top‑ups; any hygiene or decay treatment needed first; replacing visible fillings/crowns to match your new shade; follow‑up maintenance.

Whitening options you'll discuss (at-home trays vs in-surgery)

At your teeth whitening consultation, you’ll typically choose between dentist‑prescribed at‑home trays and an in‑surgery procedure. With home whitening, your dentist provides custom trays and regulated gel worn for around 2–6 weeks. In‑surgery whitening applies gel and uses a light/laser in one appointment (around 1–2 hours) and is faster and more effective than gel alone. Both require a healthy mouth and professional supervision.

• Time and convenience: At‑home is flexible over weeks; in‑surgery is same‑day.

• Control of shade: At‑home offers gradual, adjustable change; in‑surgery gives a rapid jump.

• Sensitivity: Either can cause temporary sensitivity; your dentist will advise protections.

• Cost: In‑surgery typically carries a higher fee than at‑home kits.

• Maintenance: Top‑up gels help sustain results after either option.

Safety, regulations and who can provide whitening

Teeth whitening is safe when it’s prescribed and supervised by a dentist. In the UK, whitening products are strong and should only be used or supplied by GDC‑registered dental professionals. At your teeth whitening consultation, you’ll discuss risks and protections; beauty salons or DIY kits can be risky, less effective, and may harm teeth and gums.

• Pre‑check: your dentist confirms oral health and suitability before treatment.

• Age/pregnancy: not for under‑18s; avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

• In‑surgery protection: gums are shielded and eyes protected; any sensitivity is monitored.

What happens step by step from consultation to treatment

Your teeth whitening consultation sets a clear, safe pathway to brighter teeth. After confirming your mouth is healthy and agreeing realistic shade goals, your dentist will map timings and explain each step for either dentist‑prescribed at‑home trays or an in‑surgery whitening visit, so you know exactly what happens and when.

1. Assessment & baseline: Medical history, gum/tooth check, shade recorded and photos for comparison.

2. Plan & consent: Suitability confirmed, options explained, outcomes discussed, and consent taken.

3. Records taken: Impressions or 3D scans for custom trays if choosing at‑home whitening.

4. Pre‑treatment care: Any hygiene, decay or gum treatment completed before whitening starts.

5. Tray fit & instructions (home): Trays checked; you’re shown how to place gel and how long to wear it (typically 2–6 weeks).

6. In‑surgery whitening: Gums protected, whitening gel applied and activated with a light/laser in one appointment (around 1–2 hours).

7. Review & maintenance: Shade re‑checked, sensitivity advice given, and top‑up plan discussed; restorations may be matched afterwards if needed.

Managing sensitivity and side effects

Temporary sensitivity is the most common side effect of dentist‑prescribed whitening. You may feel twinges to cold or sweet foods, or mild gum/throat soreness; white gum patches can occur. These usually resolve quickly. Your teeth whitening consultation covers prevention and relief so you can whiten comfortably and safely.

• Use toothpaste for sensitive teeth: during treatment and afterwards.

• Adjust your schedule: shorten wear time or add rest days as advised.

• Apply carefully: use small gel amounts and wipe excess off gums.

• Know when to pause: if soreness or white patches persist, stop and contact your dentist.

Results, shade expectations and how long whitening lasts

At your teeth whitening consultation, we’ll agree realistic shade goals. Professional whitening can lighten natural teeth by several shades, but outcomes vary with your starting colour and the type of staining. In‑surgery whitening gives a faster jump in brightness, while dentist‑prescribed at‑home trays change more gradually and offer fine control. Crowns, fillings and veneers won’t whiten, and some deep intrinsic stains (for example, tetracycline) respond less predictably.

Whitening isn’t permanent; with good habits the effect may last around 3 years. Smoking and drinks like coffee, tea and red wine shorten longevity. Hygiene visits and occasional dentist‑approved top‑ups help keep your smile brighter for longer.

Preparing for your consultation (questions to ask)

A little prep makes your teeth whitening consultation smoother and more useful. Bring details of your medical history, current meds and any dental work (crowns, fillings, implants). Think about your ideal shade and lifestyle so your dentist can tailor the best option, timings and budget.

• Suitability: Am I a good candidate?

• Options: At-home trays or in-surgery?

• Sensitivity: How to prevent/manage?

• Costs: Full fees and finance?

Aftercare and maintenance to keep teeth whiter for longer

Good aftercare locks in your new shade and keeps sensitivity low. Be consistent with daily care, reduce staining habits, and use dentist‑approved top‑ups when colour softens. Your consultation includes a tailored plan; use this checklist day to day.

• Brush twice daily: with fluoride whitening toothpaste; clean between teeth.

• See the hygienist: schedule visits for professional stain removal.

• Tackle stains: cut back on smoking, coffee, tea and red wine; rinse after.

• Top‑ups: use dentist‑prescribed gels with your custom trays only as advised.

Alternatives if whitening isn't suitable

If whitening isn’t suitable, your dentist can still improve the colour and consistency of your smile safely. The right choice depends on whether the issue is surface stain, white spots, ageing wear or deeper intrinsic discolouration.

• Professional hygiene and stain removal: scale and polish to lift external staining.

• Replace restorations: swap visible fillings or crowns to match a brighter shade.

• Composite bonding: camouflages local discolouration and refines tooth shape.

• ICON resin infiltration: helps reduce the appearance of white spot decalcifications.

• Porcelain veneers: for severely stained teeth where whitening results are unpredictable.

Timeline: how long from consultation to a whiter smile

On consultation day, your dentist confirms suitability. For at‑home whitening, impressions/scans are taken; once your custom trays are fitted, you wear gel for around 2–6 weeks and shade builds gradually. If you choose in‑surgery whitening, treatment is typically completed in a single 1–2 hour appointment with immediate visible results, followed by maintenance top‑ups as advised.

How to book a teeth whitening consultation in Luton with Wigmore Smiles & Aesthetics

Ready to brighten your smile? Book a teeth whitening consultation in Luton with Wigmore Smiles & Aesthetics. Choose online booking or call our friendly team. We’ll assess suitability, take digital iTero scans if needed, explain at‑home vs in‑surgery options, costs and 0% finance. Our clinic is wheelchair friendly with disabled parking—and we welcome nervous patients.

FAQs about teeth whitening consultations

Got questions before booking a teeth whitening consultation? Here are clear, UK‑specific answers to help you decide confidently, prepare well and avoid common pitfalls. If you still need help, ask your dentist during the appointment.

• Who can provide whitening? Only GDC‑registered dental professionals; avoid salons or DIY.

• Do I need a check first? Yes—dentist confirms healthy teeth and gums.

• Am I eligible under 18 or if pregnant/breastfeeding? No, not suitable.

• Will restorations whiten? No—crowns, veneers, dentures and implants don’t change colour.

• How long does treatment take? At‑home 2–6 weeks; in‑surgery about 1–2 hours.

• What side effects are common? Temporary sensitivity, sore gums/throat, or white gum patches.

• Is it available on the NHS? No—whitening is a private cosmetic treatment.

Key takeaways

A safer, brighter smile starts with a proper assessment. Your consultation confirms suitability, sets realistic shade goals, and maps costs, timings and aftercare. Choose custom at‑home trays (2–6 weeks) or a faster 1–2 hour in‑surgery option under professional supervision.

• Private treatment: Not NHS; prices vary; finance available.

• Eligibility: 18+, healthy mouth; restorations don’t whiten.

• Safety: Only GDC‑registered professionals; avoid salons/DIY.

• Longevity: Several shades lighter; results can last about 3 years.

Ready to start? Book with Wigmore Smiles & Aesthetics for expert whitening care in Luton.