Is Teeth Whitening Available On The NHS?
Treat dull and discoloured teeth with professional dental teeth whitening treatments - contact us for options, pricing and pay monthly finance.
Teeth whitening is not available on the NHS. The NHS only carries out dental procedures deemed medically necessary and, as it is a cosmetic treatment, teeth whitening is not provided to patients. Therefore, those wishing to achieve a brighter smile need to seek alternative methods elsewhere.
What is teeth whitening?
This extremely popular treatment removes stains caused by smoking, ageing and eating coloured foods such as black coffee, red wine and tomato-based sauces. Boasting the ability to whiten your teeth by up to six shades, teeth whitening can provide a significant confidence boost to those with discolouration. As mentioned earlier, NHS teeth whitening does not exist. So, what are the alternative options?
Alternatives to NHS teeth whitening: Accessible options
A gleaming smile doesn’t need to break the bank - there are many low-cost teeth whitening products available.
Teeth whitening toothpaste
Teeth whitening toothpastes use some type of abrasive ingredient (such as silica) to essentially exfoliate the teeth while you brush. This polishing action is believed to help lift surface stains and make your smile appear brighter over time; however, the transformation will most likely be minimal. We advise using this product alongside other teeth whitening methods to complement their effects.
Teeth whitening strips
Coated in a whitening gel, these thin, sticky pieces of plastic adhere to the teeth and work to rapidly brighten the enamel and lift stains. Something to note with this product is that, if you have quite severe discolouration, this may not be the most effective product to use.
Teeth whitening pens
Teeth whitening pens, much like strips, are a great choice for those looking to refresh their smile in a quick and convenient way. This device is ergonomically designed with a brush-like tip that paints the whitening gel onto the teeth, allowing users to disguise daily stains and yellowness with ease.
Natural whitening methods
Charcoal, turmeric and banana peels are among the ingredients used as an alternative to, or in combination with, professional and over-the-counter whitening treatments. There are risks to be aware of though, for example, some ingredients often do more harm than good. Extremely acidic foods can cause enamel erosion and sensitivity. Additionally, the whitening effect of natural ingredients is questionable.
Alternatives to NHS teeth whitening: Professional options
Professional teeth whitening is widely recognised as the most effective way to rejuvenate the colour of your smile.
In-clinic teeth whitening
This process usually involves painting your teeth with a high-grade bleaching gel and activating it with a special light or laser for an instantly whiter smile. Check that the individual carrying out the treatment is a qualified administrator who is legally able to carry out the procedure – this ensures your safety and maximises your final results.
At-home teeth whitening kit
Refresh the appearance of your teeth from the comfort of home with a teeth whitening kit. It is important that you choose dentist-led treatments, like Yorkshire Dental Suite’s, to safely achieve the desired results. The sets typically include teeth whitening syringes and trays that are designed to be worn continuously.
Alternatives to NHS teeth whitening: Premium options
Patients wishing for a more long-term solution are able to consider alternative dental treatments.
Nanofill Composite Bonding®
Exclusive to Yorkshire Dental Suite, this cosmetic treatment offers an elevated take on dental bonding. The minimally invasive procedure disguises the appearance of discolouration, as well as small gaps, cracks and chips, with an ultra-durable resin. Once this resin is cured with a UV light, you are able to enjoy your beautifully white, uniform smile for up to eight years. The bonus? The treatment is completed in four hours or less!
How much is it to have your teeth whitened?
The price of teeth whitening changes based on the treatment you choose. Let’s do a cost comparison.
Teeth whitening | Average price (UK) |
|---|---|
Toothpaste | £2 - £12 |
Strips | £6 - £80 |
Pens | £2 - £45 |
Natural ingredients | Ingredient dependent |
In-clinic | £300 - £1000 |
At-home kit | £10 - £400 |
Nanofill Composite Bonding® | £495 per tooth |
While prices for teeth whitening on the NHS do not exist, the most accessible options are whitening toothpastes, strips, pens and homeopathic treatments.
Yorkshire Dental Suite teeth whitening
Yorkshire Dental Suite have teamed up with Smile White to create a dentist-led teeth whitening kit that allows you to brighten your smile from the comfort of home. Using custom-made SuperFit™ trays that fit your teeth like a glove, as well as an ultra-potent gel containing 16% carbamide peroxide, the set whitens your teeth with precision and speed. Once your treatment is complete, you can enjoy your new, dazzling smile for up to 12 months. What else is included in the box?
- Cotton swabs: Use to dry teeth before putting on your SuperFit™ trays.
- Syringe heads: Attaches to the syringe to provide a clean, precise application of the gel.
- Case: After use, slip your trays into this case to keep them safe and dry.
- Instruction booklet: Helps to guide your application for effective results.
The full kit is priced at £395. Looking to spread the cost of your teeth whitening treatment? Enquire about our finance options during your initial consultation.
Benefits of teeth whitening
You may find yourself wondering, is teeth whitening worth it? Yes! The confidence boost it provides can be life-changing. It is also more affordable than other cosmetic procedures, such as porcelain veneers, and is widely available to patients. Another benefit is that teeth whitening is minimally invasive, meaning that no drilling or injections are required for your smile transformation. Plus, it is a dental treatment that is generally considered to be very safe. Conclusion: While NHS teeth whitening is not offered to patients, there are many alternative methods that give you the Hollywood smile you have always dreamed of. If you are looking for an at-home kit that delivers quick, ultra-white results, enquire with Yorkshire Dental Suite today. We would be honoured to be a part of your smile journey!