Teeth Whitening in London

Boutique Whitening. The most affordable professional option — custom trays worn at home over two weeks. Low sensitivity (reported by roughly 35–45% of patients, resolving within a day). London price £250–£450.

Philips Zoom. A visible change in a single visit. Gel activated by an LED light in three or four 15-minute cycles. Higher sensitivity (60–75% in the first 24–48 hours), though modern formulas include desensitisers. London price £400–£800.

Enlighten EVO4. The premium route: two weeks of home trays plus a one-hour in-chair session. The only system that guarantees a B1 (whitest natural) shade, with the lowest sensitivity of the three (20–30%). London price £600–£1,200.

Polanight. A gentle carbamide-peroxide home system, often chosen for sensitive teeth. London price £300–£500.

Which system a practice uses reflects its supplier relationships, not a quality ranking. All four are professionally supervised and clinically effective — the right choice depends on your timeline, sensitivity and target shade.

Whitening is not permanent. In-chair results typically last one to three years; professional home whitening six months to two years; shop-bought kits a few months at most. A non-smoker who avoids coffee and keeps up hygiene appointments holds results far longer than the averages suggest.

The main things that shorten results are coffee, tea, red wine, dark sauces, berries and smoking. Acidic food and drink weaken enamel over time, making teeth more prone to re-staining. Most dentists suggest a top-up every 6–12 months — if you keep your trays, that usually means a fresh gel syringe (£30–£80) rather than a full course again.

Teeth whitening is the practice of dentistry under UK law — confirmed by the High Court in GDC v Jamous (2013). Only GDC-registered professionals (dentists, dental hygienists, dental therapists, or clinical dental technicians working to a dentist's prescription) may legally perform it.

On peroxide concentration: products releasing 0.1% or less can be sold to consumers (the strips and kits in shops, largely ineffective); 0.1%–6% is restricted to registered professionals; above 6% is banned outright for cosmetic use. Whitening is not permitted for anyone under 18.

If a non-registered person applies whitening gel to your teeth — a salon, a "whitening bar", a mobile provider — they are breaking the law regardless of the product, and the GDC prosecutes these cases with unlimited fines. A BBC investigation in late 2025 found a 26% year-on-year rise in reports of illegal whitening, with providers buying gel far above the legal limit. Before booking, look your dentist up on the free GDC register at olr.gdc-uk.org.

Ask what's included. A £300 quote covering consultation, trays, gel and follow-up beats a £200 quote that charges separately for impressions and each gel syringe. Get the total in writing first.

Keep your trays. Custom trays last years — for a top-up you only buy fresh gel (£30–£80), far cheaper than a new course.

Order matters with other treatments. Whiten before veneers, bonding or crowns — restorations are colour-matched and won't change shade later. Whiten first, wait two weeks for the shade to settle, then match any restorations. See our veneers cost guide and Invisalign cost guide.