Teeth whitening: everything you need to know

The main options are professional in-chair whitening (done at a dental practice), home whitening with custom trays made by a dentist, and over-the-counter at-home products including strips and whitening toothpaste.

Professional whitening typically costs between £300 and £700 for in-chair treatment. Dentist-supervised home whitening trays usually cost £200 to £450. Over-the-counter products range from a few pounds to over £100.

Professional teeth whitening supervised by a regulated dental professional is considered safe for most patients. Over-the-counter products with very low peroxide concentrations are also generally safe but produce more limited results.

Only regulated dental professionals (dentists, dental hygienists, and dental therapists working under a dentist's prescription) can legally apply whitening products containing more than 0.1% hydrogen peroxide in the UK.

Results from professional whitening typically last 12 to 24 months depending on lifestyle factors such as coffee, tea, red wine, and smoking. Top-up treatments or occasional use of maintenance trays can extend results.

Sensitivity during or after whitening is common, particularly with higher-concentration professional treatments. It is usually temporary and resolves within a few days. Your dentist can advise on management options.

Yes. Whitening after braces is a common combination treatment. It is generally recommended to wait at least a month after brace removal to allow any sensitivity to settle and for the enamel to restabilise.

No. Whitening products only work on natural tooth enamel. Crowns, veneers, bridges, and composite bonding will not change colour. If you have restorations, discuss this with your dentist before whitening.

Laser (or light-activated) whitening uses an intense light to accelerate the whitening gel reaction in a single in-chair session. Results are immediate but the treatment is more expensive than home whitening and results can be similar to longer home whitening courses.

Dentist-supervised home whitening involves custom-made trays that fit over your teeth precisely. You apply a whitening gel to the trays and wear them for a set time each day. The trays can be reused for future top-up treatments.

Whitening toothpastes can remove surface stains through mild abrasion, but they cannot alter the intrinsic colour of teeth. They are best used as maintenance after professional whitening rather than as a standalone treatment.

Teeth whitening is not available on the NHS as it is considered a cosmetic treatment. All whitening is privately funded.