Top 5 Types of Teeth Whitening: UK Costs, Pros & Cons

Thinking about brightening your smile but unsure which route to take? Between clinic “laser” sessions, dentist-made trays, shop-bought strips, whitening toothpastes and even treatments for a single dark tooth, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Add questions about safety, tooth sensitivity, how long results last, whether crowns or fillings will change colour, and what’s actually legal in the UK, and choosing becomes even harder — especially when prices vary wildly.

This guide cuts through the noise. We compare the top five types of teeth whitening you’ll find in the UK — including professional in-surgery whitening at Wigmore Smiles in Luton, dentist-prescribed home trays, over-the-counter kits and strips, whitening toothpastes and pens, and internal whitening for one discoloured tooth. For each, you’ll see how it works, the pros and cons, typical UK costs, who it suits best, and the key safety and legal points to know before you start. By the end, you’ll have a clear, confident path to the right option for your smile, budget and timeline. Let’s start with professional in-surgery whitening.

1. Professional in-surgery whitening (at Wigmore Smiles, Luton)

If you want noticeable results fast and the reassurance of dentist supervision, in-surgery whitening is the gold standard. At Wigmore Smiles, treatment is carried out in the dental chair using professional gels, gum protection and, in many cases, a light to speed things up — all designed to maximise results while protecting your teeth and gums.

How it works

Your dentist first checks your teeth and gums are healthy, then isolates your gums with a soft shield or paste. A whitening gel (usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide) is applied in short cycles and may be activated with a special light or “laser”. Appointments typically take around 1 to 2 hours and can brighten teeth by several shades in a single visit.

Pros

You’ll see why many people choose this for weddings, interviews or last‑minute events — it’s fast and closely monitored.

• Fast results: Often completed in one appointment.

• Clinically controlled: Gum barriers and precise application reduce risk of irritation.

• Effective: Can lift teeth several shades.

• Structured aftercare: Many dentists provide guidance or top-up plans to maintain results.

Cons

Like any whitening that uses strong gels, short‑term sensitivity is common, and upkeep matters.

• Higher cost than at‑home options.

• Temporary sensitivity to cold or sweet foods/drinks.

• Not permanent: Colour can regress without maintenance and stain control.

• Doesn’t change restorations: Crowns, fillings and veneers won’t lighten.

Typical UK costs

Professional whitening is a private treatment; fees vary by practice, location and whether top‑ups are included. Expect it to cost more than dentist‑prescribed home kits. Flexible 0% finance is often available to spread payments.

Best for

Great when timing and predictability matter, or when you prefer a dentist to manage every step.

• Quick turnarounds before a big event.

• Tea/coffee, red wine or smoking stains.

• Patients who want maximum oversight and tailored aftercare.

Safety and legal notes (UK)

Whitening should be carried out by a dental professional — it’s illegal for beauty salons to provide it. Professional gels may be used up to 6% hydrogen peroxide under a dentist’s care. It’s not suitable if you’re under 18, or if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, and only natural teeth will whiten. Your dentist will confirm your mouth is healthy beforehand and advise on managing sensitivity.

2. Dentist-prescribed home whitening (custom trays)

Prefer whitening on your own schedule with dentist oversight? Custom trays prescribed by your dentist are one of the safest, most reliable types of teeth whitening you can do at home. You get professional gels, snug trays made to your teeth, and guidance to protect your gums and manage sensitivity.

How it works

After checking your teeth and gums are healthy, your dentist takes impressions or scans to make close‑fitting trays. You’ll be shown how to load a peroxide‑based gel (hydrogen or carbamide peroxide), how often to wear the trays, and how to protect your gums. Results build gradually over 2 to 6 weeks.

Pros

You get steady, controllable whitening with fewer surprises.

• Dentist‑supervised: Correct gel strength and clear instructions.

• Custom fit: Better seal, less gel leakage onto gums.

• Gradual change: Easier to stop or pause if sensitivity occurs.

• Long‑term plan: Easy to maintain results with top‑ups advised by your dentist.

Cons

You’ll need consistency to see the payoff.

• Slower than in‑surgery (weeks, not hours).

• Requires daily commitment to wear time.

• Temporary sensitivity can occur.

• Won’t lighten restorations like crowns, fillings or veneers.

Typical UK costs

This is a private treatment and generally costs less than in‑surgery whitening. Fees vary by practice, location and what’s included (number of gel syringes, reviews, top‑ups). Many clinics offer 0% finance to spread payments.

Best for

• Patients wanting steady, predictable change.

• Those prone to sensitivity who prefer a gradual approach.

• Busy schedules needing at‑home flexibility.

• Maintaining results after an in‑surgery session.

Safety and legal notes (UK)

Only dental professionals can provide whitening legally. Dentist‑dispensed gels can be used up to 6% hydrogen peroxide under prescription; shop kits are limited to far lower levels. Not suitable if you’re under 18, pregnant or breastfeeding. Only natural teeth whiten. Expect short‑term sensitivity or mild gum irritation; report any bothersome effects to your dentist promptly.

3. Over-the-counter whitening kits and strips

High-street kits and strips are the most accessible types of teeth whitening and can be handy for mild surface staining. They’re convenient and cheaper upfront than dental options, but results are usually more modest and take longer. It’s important to use them exactly as instructed to minimise sensitivity or gum irritation.

How it works

Pre-loaded strips or trays apply a low‑strength peroxide gel to the teeth for set times over days to weeks. Because the legally permitted peroxide level in shop-bought products is very low, changes are gradual and limited compared with dentist treatments.

Pros

• Easy access: Buy online or in pharmacies.

• Lower upfront cost: Cheaper than professional whitening.

• DIY convenience: Fit around your routine.

Cons

• Weaker results: Typically lighter and slower changes.

• Sensitivity/irritation: Gel contact with gums can sting.

• Fit issues: One‑size strips/trays can leak gel.

• Enamel risks if misused: Some products can wear enamel or harm gums.

Typical UK costs

Generally cheaper than dentist‑prescribed trays or in‑surgery whitening. Prices vary widely by brand and what’s included.

Best for

• Mild, recent surface stains.

• A budget‑first trial before professional care.

• Topping up between professional treatments (with dentist advice).

Safety and legal notes (UK)

Only dental professionals can provide tooth whitening as a treatment. In the UK, shop-bought kits are legally limited to 0.1% hydrogen peroxide, so they won’t match professional results; misuse can irritate gums or wear enamel. Avoid beauty salon whitening — it’s illegal unless overseen by a dentist.

4. Whitening toothpaste and pens

If you’re after the simplest, lowest‑commitment option, whitening toothpaste and pens can freshen a smile with minimal hassle. These types of teeth whitening work best for surface stains and quick touch‑ups, not dramatic colour changes, so set expectations accordingly.

How it works

Whitening toothpastes mainly lift surface stains using gentle polishing (abrasive) agents and sometimes low‑level bleaching ingredients. Pens apply a small amount of peroxide‑based gel (usually hydrogen or carbamide peroxide) directly to teeth for short periods, helping spot‑treat areas between professional top‑ups.

Pros

• Easy and affordable: Slot into daily brushing; pens are portable.

• Good for surface stains: Helps with tea, coffee and red wine marks.

• Low commitment: No trays or appointments; useful between pro treatments.

Cons

• Subtle results: Won’t match dentist‑led whitening for shade change.

• Temporary sensitivity: Bleaching gels can irritate teeth or gums.

• Technique dependent: Over‑scrubbing or gel on gums can cause problems.

• No change to restorations: Crowns, fillings and veneers won’t lighten.

Typical UK costs

Generally the lowest‑cost whitening route. Toothpastes are priced like standard premium pastes; pens are modestly priced but still far cheaper than professional whitening.

Best for

• Early or mild surface staining.

• Maintenance between dentist treatments.

• First‑timers testing whitening with minimal spend.

Safety and legal notes (UK)

Only dental professionals can legally carry out tooth whitening as a treatment. Over‑the‑counter products are limited to very low peroxide levels, so results are modest. Use as directed to avoid gum irritation; stop if sensitivity persists. Not recommended under 18 or during pregnancy/breastfeeding. As with all whitening, only natural teeth change colour.

5. Internal tooth whitening (non-vital bleaching for a single dark tooth)

When one tooth turns grey or brown after trauma or root canal treatment, internal bleaching targets that single tooth from the inside. It’s a conservative way to blend it back in without placing a veneer or crown, and sits alongside other types of teeth whitening as a dentist‑only procedure.

How it works

Your dentist confirms the tooth is healthy (and any root canal is well sealed), then places a professional peroxide gel inside the tooth’s chamber and closes it with a temporary filling. The shade is reviewed over 1–3 short visits; once it matches its neighbours, a permanent filling seals the access.

Pros

This focused approach aims to restore harmony without removing sound enamel.

• Tooth‑preserving: No external drilling of healthy enamel.

• Targeted: Treats one dark tooth rather than the whole smile.

• Shade control: Can be repeated to fine‑tune the colour.

Cons

Results and suitability depend on the tooth’s condition and history.

• Multiple visits may be needed.

• Variable outcomes: May not perfectly match or can regress over time.

• Not suitable if the tooth is structurally compromised or unrestored decay is present.

• Temporary sensitivity or gum irritation can occur.

Typical UK costs

This is a private, per‑tooth treatment with fees that vary by case complexity and practice. It’s typically more cost‑effective and conservative than opting for a veneer or crown, and some clinics offer 0% finance to spread payments.

Best for

Used when one tooth stands out and you want the least invasive fix.

• Single non‑vital tooth discoloured after trauma or root canal.

• Patients prioritising conservation over restorative options.

• Those happy to attend short review visits to fine‑tune shade.

Safety and legal notes (UK)

Only dental professionals can provide whitening. Your dentist must confirm the tooth is healthy, leakage‑free and suitable before treatment. As with other whitening, only natural tooth structure lightens; it isn’t recommended under 18 or during pregnancy/breastfeeding. Report any pain or persistent sensitivity promptly.

Key takeaways

Choosing the right whitening comes down to stains, timing, sensitivity and budget. In‑surgery gives the quickest lift; dentist‑made trays offer steady, controllable change; over‑the‑counter kits and toothpastes are best for modest refreshes; internal bleaching targets a single dark tooth. Whitening only affects natural teeth, temporary sensitivity is common, and in the UK it must be provided by dental professionals.

• Speed: In‑surgery is fastest.

• Control: Custom trays = predictable, gradual results.

• Budget: OTC/toothpastes suit mild stains.

• One dark tooth: Ask about internal whitening.

• Safety: Dentist‑led care, not salons.

Ready to brighten your smile safely? Book with Wigmore Smiles & Aesthetics.