Teeth Whitening Cost London

How the Boutique whitening process works

The treatment begins with a short appointment at our City of London clinic. Your dentist carries out a clinical check to confirm that your teeth and gums are healthy enough for whitening. If active decay or gum disease is present, this must be addressed first — your clinician will explain any additional steps and costs clearly before proceeding.

A digital scan of your teeth is taken (no messy impression trays) and sent to a UK laboratory, where custom whitening trays are fabricated to fit your dental arch precisely. You collect the trays at a second short visit and receive the Boutique whitening gel along with clear written instructions for home use.

Over approximately one to two weeks you apply the gel to the trays and wear them at home — typically overnight or for a set number of hours during the day, depending on the gel formulation your dentist selects. The custom fit keeps gel in contact with tooth enamel evenly while protecting the gums from unnecessary exposure.

What affects the cost of teeth whitening?

The cost of professional teeth whitening varies between clinics depending on the system used, the clinical time involved, and the level of aftercare provided. At St Paul's Medical & Dental, the £199 fee covers the complete Boutique home whitening package. Some clinics charge separately for the initial consultation, the trays, and the gel — we include everything in one clear fee so there are no surprises.

In-surgery whitening (sometimes called "laser" or "power" whitening) tends to cost more — often £400–£800 per session in London — because it requires longer chair-time and specialist equipment. Clinical evidence suggests that home whitening with custom trays achieves comparable long-term results at a lower cost, which is why our dental team favours the Boutique home system.

Are there any additional costs?

The £199 fee covers the full whitening package described above. If your dentist identifies that preparatory treatment is needed — for example a professional hygiene appointment (£89, or £44.50 for members) or a filling to address active decay — these costs are separate and will be discussed with you before any work begins. There are no hidden fees.

Who is suitable for teeth whitening?

Most adults with healthy teeth and gums are suitable candidates for professional whitening. However, whitening is not recommended for patients under 18, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or individuals with untreated gum disease or active tooth decay. Patients with extensive restorations (crowns, veneers, large fillings) on their front teeth should be aware that these will not change colour — your dentist will discuss this at the assessment.

Intrinsic staining caused by tetracycline antibiotics or fluorosis may respond less predictably to whitening. In such cases, your clinician may recommend alternative or complementary cosmetic treatments such as composite bonding or veneers.

Professional whitening vs shop-bought kits

Over-the-counter whitening strips and generic trays are widely available, but there are important differences. Shop-bought products in the UK are limited by law to 0.1% hydrogen peroxide — a concentration that produces minimal shade change. Dental professionals can legally use gels containing up to 6% hydrogen peroxide (or equivalent carbamide peroxide), which is significantly more effective.

Custom trays made from a precise scan of your teeth also distribute gel evenly and reduce the risk of gum irritation, whereas one-size-fits-all trays often fit poorly. For these reasons, professionally supervised whitening delivers noticeably better results and is considered safer than DIY alternatives.

Maintaining your results

After completing the whitening course, you can help preserve your new shade by limiting consumption of heavily pigmented food and drink — particularly coffee, tea, red wine, and curry — especially in the first 48 hours. Avoiding smoking also makes a significant difference to long-term whitening longevity.

Regular professional hygiene appointments (we recommend every six months) remove surface staining and help keep teeth looking bright. Many patients choose to do a brief top-up whitening every 12–18 months using their existing trays with a fresh gel syringe, which is a cost-effective way to maintain results.

How teeth whitening cost compares to other cosmetic treatments

Whitening is one of the most affordable ways to improve the appearance of your smile. For context, here is how it compares to other cosmetic options at our clinic: