HOW MUCH DOES TEETH WHITENING COST?
14 DEC 2023
"It is the nature of which type of process you opt for which will have the most influence on how much you will be looking to pay."
Whitening
Cost
The Search for a More Radiant Smile
Whether it’s the love of good red wine, that hard-to-kick smoking habit, too many visits to your favourite barista, or simply part of the ageing process, there are many different reasons our teeth aren’t as white as we’d like them.
In search of an ever more radiant smile, more and more of us are turning to products and procedures that can help lighten the shade of our teeth. But which one is the right one for you, and why is there such variation in the cost of teeth whitening?
In this blog, we’re going to look at what your options are and why the cost can vary from as little as £20 to as much as £1000.
In search of an ever more radiant smile, more and more of us are turning to products and procedures that can help lighten the shade of our teeth. But which one is the right one for you, and why is there such variation in the cost of teeth whitening?
In this blog, we’re going to look at what your options are and why the cost can vary from as little as £20 to as much as £1000.
Factors Influencing Costs
Teeth whitening procedures and products fall into one of three categories. It is the nature of which type of process you opt for which will have the most influence on how much you will be looking to pay.
Professional In-Office Treatments
Teeth whitening as prescribed by a registered dentist. The procedure takes place in a dental practice and is administered by a dentist, dental hygienist, or dental therapist.
At-Home Kits
Teeth whitening kits that contain mouth trays, teeth whitening gels and, in some cases, a ‘blue’ light. Administered in the comfort of your own home.
Over The Counter
Teeth whitening products purchased online or over the counter, such as whitening toothpaste, strips, and gels. These tend to be the cheapest products available, and their effectiveness is questionable when compared to the professional options.
Professional In-Office Treatments
Teeth whitening as prescribed by a registered dentist. The procedure takes place in a dental practice and is administered by a dentist, dental hygienist, or dental therapist.
At-Home Kits
Teeth whitening kits that contain mouth trays, teeth whitening gels and, in some cases, a ‘blue’ light. Administered in the comfort of your own home.
Over The Counter
Teeth whitening products purchased online or over the counter, such as whitening toothpaste, strips, and gels. These tend to be the cheapest products available, and their effectiveness is questionable when compared to the professional options.
Professional In-Office Treatments
Only a qualified dentist can issue prescription-grade whitener. That is a gel that is as strong as those used in dental surgeries. This is a major factor in differing price points as any other product simply won’t be as strong and, therefore not as effective.
What is commonly referred to as in-house procedures are carried out within a dental practice. Full-strength gels are used which are applied to a customised mouth tray constructed from a mould of your teeth and gums, ensuring the best fit for the best possible results.
It will come as no surprise that this will be your most expensive option. Paying not only for the highest grade of teeth whitener but also for the dentist's expertise, experience, and time. Multiple visits to the surgery may also be required, depending on the whitening process prescribed.
Of course, a qualified dentist will assess your teeth to ensure they are suitable for whitening. Prescribing the treatment that is right for you. They will advise on any sensitivity you may experience and prescribe gels and toothpaste to help alleviate any discomfort.
Your dental surgery may also use a UV teeth whitening light that helps accelerate the whitening process of the gel. These should not be confused with the blue LED lights that some home kits include, the effectiveness of which is still much contested.
What is commonly referred to as in-house procedures are carried out within a dental practice. Full-strength gels are used which are applied to a customised mouth tray constructed from a mould of your teeth and gums, ensuring the best fit for the best possible results.
It will come as no surprise that this will be your most expensive option. Paying not only for the highest grade of teeth whitener but also for the dentist's expertise, experience, and time. Multiple visits to the surgery may also be required, depending on the whitening process prescribed.
Of course, a qualified dentist will assess your teeth to ensure they are suitable for whitening. Prescribing the treatment that is right for you. They will advise on any sensitivity you may experience and prescribe gels and toothpaste to help alleviate any discomfort.
Your dental surgery may also use a UV teeth whitening light that helps accelerate the whitening process of the gel. These should not be confused with the blue LED lights that some home kits include, the effectiveness of which is still much contested.
At-Home Kits
There is a huge disparity in the cost of home kits. Kits prescribed and supplied by your dentist will be more expensive but are going to carry less risk and prove to be more effective.
Kits that are not prescribed by a registered dentist will be of a lower-grade whitening agent. The price will vary depending on the brand, quality and effectiveness of the kit, number of gels provided, whether desensitising gels are included, and type of mouth tray provided. Some can be shaped a little to fit your mouth better, whilst others are a standard issue, one size fits all.
Whilst many patients do not experience any discomfort, those with sensitive teeth may. Some of the cheaper products claim they are pain-free. However, this is most likely due to the weakness of the whitening agent.
Kits that are not prescribed by a registered dentist will be of a lower-grade whitening agent. The price will vary depending on the brand, quality and effectiveness of the kit, number of gels provided, whether desensitising gels are included, and type of mouth tray provided. Some can be shaped a little to fit your mouth better, whilst others are a standard issue, one size fits all.
Whilst many patients do not experience any discomfort, those with sensitive teeth may. Some of the cheaper products claim they are pain-free. However, this is most likely due to the weakness of the whitening agent.
Over-The-Counter Products
Today, whitening toothpaste, strips, and gels are widely available on the high street or online. Prices range from £20 - £100 depending on the product and brand. These options are substantially cheaper than in-office or at-home whitening but are unlikely to whiten the enamel truly. The efficiency of these products tends to rely on covering up the stains on your teeth, which last only for as long as the product is in place. Gone as soon as you eat or drink.
Others rely on a mild abrasive, which, over time, can lead to permanent damage to your teeth, making them less white as the white enamel is slowly removed across multiple applications.
These products are not designed for long-term whitening and over time, may prove more expensive than other options that have a higher initial cost but last for much longer.
Others rely on a mild abrasive, which, over time, can lead to permanent damage to your teeth, making them less white as the white enamel is slowly removed across multiple applications.
These products are not designed for long-term whitening and over time, may prove more expensive than other options that have a higher initial cost but last for much longer.
What is Truly Effective and Long-lasting?
At-home kits are substantially cheaper, but the efficacy of these products is questionable. Unless they are prescribed by a registered dentist, they will not consist of the same strength gels as used by dental surgeries.
Over-the-counter options are by far the cheapest but are the least likely to offer any actual whitening of the teeth’s enamel. And may cause permanent damage to your teeth.
In conclusion, only teeth whitener prescribed by a qualified dentist will be truly effective and long-lasting.
Pro Smile® is founded and developed by dentists. We can assess, prescribe, and supply prescription-strength whiteners with customised mouth trays for less than a traditional dentist. All without ever having to leave the comfort of your home. We’ll even supply top-up gels, desensitising gels, and a tube of BioMin desensitising toothpaste.
Now, that really is something to smile about.
Over-the-counter options are by far the cheapest but are the least likely to offer any actual whitening of the teeth’s enamel. And may cause permanent damage to your teeth.
In conclusion, only teeth whitener prescribed by a qualified dentist will be truly effective and long-lasting.
Pro Smile® is founded and developed by dentists. We can assess, prescribe, and supply prescription-strength whiteners with customised mouth trays for less than a traditional dentist. All without ever having to leave the comfort of your home. We’ll even supply top-up gels, desensitising gels, and a tube of BioMin desensitising toothpaste.
Now, that really is something to smile about.
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