Best Teeth Whitening Dentists in London

How much does teeth whitening cost?

We believe in transparent pricing so you know exactly what to expect before starting treatment. At Wimpole Street Dental Clinic, our current fees for whitening are:

• Home whitening trays and gel – £550
  This includes a full consultation, the creation of bespoke impressions, custom whitening trays, professional-strength bleaching gel and detailed instructions for safe use at home.
• Zoom teeth whitening including home kit – £900
  This combines a two-hour in-office whitening session using advanced Zoom technology with a home kit for top-up treatment, giving you the benefit of both immediate and long-lasting results.

Is teeth whitening safe (Are there any side effects)?

Yes. Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental treatment that should only ever be carried out by a dentist or regulated dental professional. The NHS, the General Dental Council and the American Dental Association all advise that whitening should not be performed by unqualified practitioners.

Our treatments use carefully regulated bleaching gels that contain a safe concentration of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. When applied with a custom-made mouthguard, these agents brighten teeth while minimising the risk of irritation. Under professional supervision, tooth and gum sensitivity is rare, short-lived and fully manageable.

How do you whiten teeth at home?

There are many whitening kits and whitening toothpastes available in shops, but these products often provide limited results. They may also carry risks if used incorrectly, particularly for people with sensitive teeth or thinning enamel.

At Wimpole Street Dental Clinic, our home whitening system uses custom-fitted trays and professional whitening gel prescribed by your dentist. These trays ensure the gel sits evenly across the teeth and avoids your gums, delivering safer and more predictable results than anything bought over-the-counter.

Does teeth whitening work?

Professional whitening treatments are clinically proven to work. Most patients achieve results that are two to three shades whiter, with some noticing an even greater improvement depending on the starting colour of their teeth.

Results typically last three to five years, although this varies depending on diet, oral care routine and lifestyle choices such as smoking or coffee consumption. During your consultation, we can show you before-and-after photographs of our patients so you can see the realistic results achieved at our clinic.

How long does teeth whitening last? Is it permanent?

Whitening is not permanent, but it can last for years if looked after properly. On average, results remain visible for three to five years. However, teeth can gradually become discoloured again due to certain foods and drinks (such as red wine, tea, coffee or cola) as well as habits like smoking.

Maintaining a thorough oral care routine, including brushing, flossing and regular dental check-ups, will help prolong results. Some patients choose top-up whitening every few years to keep their smile bright.

Do baking soda or whitening strips or kits work?

Baking soda, often found in toothpaste, may help lift very light surface stains but cannot change the natural colour of your tooth enamel. Whitening strips sold in shops can provide limited results, but they are often uneven and may cause gum irritation as they are not customised to your teeth.

For predictable, long-lasting results that are safe for your oral health, professional whitening remains the best option. Your dentist can advise whether whitening alone will achieve your goals or whether veneers or crowns may be more appropriate for more severe discolouration.

How do you whiten teeth instantly?

There is no truly “instant” whitening solution. Brushing thoroughly, flossing and using a fluoride toothpaste will help keep teeth cleaner and brighter. However, for fast cosmetic results, in-office whitening (sometimes called office teeth whitening) is the quickest option. A single appointment can leave you with teeth several shades whiter by the time you leave the dental practice.

How long does treatment take?

The timeframe depends on the type of whitening you choose. Home whitening typically takes one to two weeks, with gradual improvement each day. In-office whitening can be completed in around an hour, making it ideal if you need results quickly. Internal bleaching of single teeth may take a few appointments spread over several weeks.

Does whitening hurt?

Most patients find whitening comfortable, though it is possible to experience temporary sensitivity or mild gum irritation. This usually settles within a few days. If sensitivity persists beyond three days, we recommend contacting the clinic so that one of our dental professionals can review your treatment.

We always tailor treatment to your individual needs—especially if you already suffer from sensitive teeth—so that you can achieve a whiter smile with minimal discomfort.

Can you whiten teeth with braces?

Whitening is not recommended during active orthodontic treatment, as braces or aligners can block the whitening gel and cause uneven results. The best time to whiten is after your orthodontic treatment has finished, when the teeth are properly aligned and free of obstacles. At this stage, whitening can be performed evenly for a consistently bright result.

How do you whiten yellow teeth?

Yellow teeth often respond very well to professional whitening. Our treatments can lift stains and brighten enamel by two to three shades, helping you achieve a fresher, whiter smile.

If the yellowing is caused by worn enamel that exposes the underlying dentin (which is naturally darker), whitening alone may not be sufficient. In these cases, your dentist may suggest veneers, crowns or other cosmetic treatments to restore both colour and strength to the tooth.

How long after whitening can I eat normally?

Immediately after whitening, the teeth are more porous and susceptible to staining. We recommend following a “white diet” for the first three days to two weeks post-treatment, focusing on foods such as chicken, fish, rice, pasta, yoghurt, milk and cauliflower while avoiding pigmented items like berries, curry, coffee, tea, red wine and tomato-based sauces.

After this period, you can gradually return to your normal diet, but it’s wise to limit dark-coloured foods and drinks to keep your results for longer.