Published UK dental practice prices, October 2026.
Teeth whitening is cosmetic, so it's generally only available privately.
| Band | You pay | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Band 1 | £27.90 | Examination, diagnosis, X-rays, scale and polish if needed, and advice. |
| Band 2 | £76.60 | Everything in Band 1 plus fillings, root canal treatment and extractions. |
| Band 3 | £332.10 | Everything in Bands 1 and 2 plus crowns, dentures, bridges and other lab work. |
| Urgent treatment | £27.90 | Urgent assessment and specific urgent care, such as pain relief or a temporary filling. |
You pay one band charge per course of treatment. Some people get free NHS dental care, for example under-18s, pregnant women and people on certain benefits. Source: NHS. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland charge differently: see NHS vs private dental costs.
What's usually included
Home whitening usually includes an assessment, impressions or a scan, custom-made trays and whitening gel. Top-up gel, a check-up or hygiene visit, and in-chair sessions are usually extra.
Example published prices
- mydentist (standard prices): teeth whitening from £329 (source)
- Bupa Dental Care (Worcester St Johns): at home from £495; in practice from £955 (source)
- Bupa Dental Care (Newark): at-home kit from £541 (source)
In the UK, teeth whitening must legally be carried out by, or under the supervision of, a registered dental professional.
Prices are published "from" or guide prices and can change. The clinic, your location and what your treatment involves can all change the final cost — always ask for a written, all-inclusive quote.
Will insurance help pay?
Private medical insurance doesn't usually pay for teeth whitening, so most people pay for it themselves. Many clinics offer finance plans; check the interest rate and terms carefully before you agree.
Health insurance is still worth knowing about for other things: it can pay for private diagnosis and treatment of new medical conditions. See what cover costs.
Questions and answers
How much does teeth whitening cost in the UK?
Dentist-supervised home whitening with custom trays usually costs £300 to £600. Whitening in the dental chair costs more, often around £1,000 at larger chains. Prices vary by hospital, consultant and location, so always ask for a written, all-inclusive quote.
What's included in the price of teeth whitening?
Home whitening usually includes an assessment, impressions or a scan, custom-made trays and whitening gel. Top-up gel, a check-up or hygiene visit, and in-chair sessions are usually extra.
Will health insurance pay for teeth whitening?
Private medical insurance doesn't usually pay for teeth whitening, so most people pay for it themselves. Many clinics offer finance plans.
Can I get teeth whitening on the NHS instead?
Teeth whitening is cosmetic, so it's generally only available privately. Contact NHS dental practices directly to ask whether they're taking new NHS patients.
Can I spread the cost of private treatment?
Many private hospitals offer finance or payment plans for self-pay patients. Check the interest rate and terms carefully before agreeing.
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