Professional teeth whitening at a UK dental practice typically costs between £300 and £700, depending on the system used and the level of whitening required. At Pure Smiles in Fulham, we offer Enlighten Evolution whitening — the only system that guarantees a Vita shade B1 result — at a competitive price for patients across SW6 and South West London.
The cost of professional whitening is higher than home kits, but the results, safety and longevity are significantly better. Below, we compare the two approaches so you can make an informed decision.
The appeal of at-home whitening kits is straightforward: they are cheaper and delivered to your door. However, the differences in effectiveness, safety and results are substantial.
| Factor | Professional Whitening (Dentist) | At-Home Kits (Shop-Bought) |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient strength | Higher concentration (legally regulated, dentist-supervised) | Lower concentration (limited by consumer regulations) |
| Custom fit | Trays moulded precisely to your teeth and gums | One-size-fits-all trays or strips |
| Shade improvement | 6-10+ shades lighter guaranteed | 1-3 shades lighter (variable, not guaranteed) |
| Treatment time | 2-3 weeks (home wear) plus one in-practice session | 2-4 weeks of daily application |
| Gum protection | Custom trays prevent gel contact with gums | Poorly fitting trays can cause gum irritation |
| Supervision | Dentist monitors for sensitivity and adjusts treatment | No professional oversight |
| Longevity | 1-3 years with proper care | Weeks to a few months |
| Cost | £300-£700 | £20-£100 |
Professional whitening is not simply a more expensive version of a home kit. It is a clinically supervised treatment that delivers predictable, longer-lasting results using stronger, prescription-grade formulas. learn more
1. Consultation: Your dentist examines your teeth, discusses your desired shade and checks for any issues (decay, gum disease) that need treating before whitening
2. Impressions: We take moulds of your teeth to create custom-fitted whitening trays that match the exact contours of your mouth
3. Home wear: You fill the trays with professional whitening gel and wear them at home for a prescribed period (usually two to three weeks)
4. In-practice session: A final whitening session at the practice completes the treatment, achieving your target shade
The custom trays are yours to keep. If you want a top-up in the future, you simply purchase more gel — making maintenance far more affordable than repeating the full treatment.
An important consideration: whitening gel only works on natural tooth structure. Crowns, composite bonding, veneers and fillings will not change colour during whitening. If you have visible dental work on your front teeth, your dentist at Pure Smiles will advise on the best approach to achieve a consistent, natural-looking result. This might involve whitening first and then replacing bonding or veneers to match the new shade.
For most patients, professional whitening provides significantly better value than home kits when you consider the factors that matter.
The risks of shop-bought kits include uneven whitening, gum irritation from ill-fitting trays, purchasing from unregulated sellers, and disappointment with the results. While they are cheaper upfront, many patients end up spending more overall after trying multiple kits before seeking professional treatment. learn more
At Pure Smiles, we provide teeth whitening consultations at both our Fulham practices. Dr Ayzaaz Akram (BDS Liverpool 1995, GDC 70996) and the team will assess your suitability, discuss your goals and provide a clear price before you commit.
Contact us on 020 7736 6276 or visit us at 257 New Kings Road, SW6 4RB or 750a Fulham Road, SW6 5SH. learn more
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure and is not available on the NHS. It is a private treatment at all dental practices in the UK. Pure Smiles offers flexible payment options to help spread the cost.
Professional teeth whitening results typically last between one and three years. The longevity depends on your diet, smoking habits and oral hygiene. Avoiding heavy staining from coffee, red wine and tobacco extends the results. Top-up treatments using your custom trays are a cost-effective way to maintain your shade.
Professional teeth whitening supervised by a dentist does not damage tooth enamel. Some patients experience temporary sensitivity during treatment, which resolves once treatment is complete. Your dentist will monitor sensitivity throughout the process and adjust the treatment if needed. Unregulated products purchased online can cause damage, which is why professional supervision is recommended.
