What is the cost of teeth whitening in Turkey?
The cost of teeth whitening in Turkey ranges between £130 and £520, compared to £520 in the UK. Without anaesthesia, the procedure takes 1 to 2 hours on an outpatient basis, no overnight stay required. This price includes LED or Laser technology and your stay in Istanbul or Antalya.
📊 Price Table 2026
| Type of treatment | Price in Turkey | Price in the UK |
|---|---|---|
| In-chair LED whitening | £130 - £220 | £350 - £520 |
| Laser whitening (Zoom) | £220 - £350 | £520 - £780 |
| Scaling and polish + LED whitening | £170 - £260 | £430 - £700 |
| At-home whitening kit | £90 - £170 | £260 - £430 |
How much does teeth whitening cost in the UK?
In the UK, in-chair whitening costs between £350 and £700 depending on the technique and the number of arches treated, compared to £130 to £520 in Turkey. The difference comes down to the hourly cost of the practice, not the product: the peroxide gel is the same on both sides, and it follows the same EU regulations.
What is teeth whitening?
Do you want a brighter, more attractive smile? If so, the best way to achieve that may be to make your teeth whiter in Turkey.
Most of us want beautiful, pearly white teeth. Of course, most people rely on over-the-counter teeth whitening products to eliminate natural yellowing or stains. Unfortunately, these products are rarely effective. Professional teeth whitening in Turkey, on the other hand, provides a significantly more pronounced brightening, under the supervision of a practitioner.
Would professional teeth whitening meet your needs? Read on to learn more about the procedure and potential risks.
Who is a candidate for teeth whitening in Turkey?
Our teeth are not perfectly white, despite what whitening toothpaste ads might tell you. Some yellowing is natural. However, some people may have significant yellowing. Your teeth may actually become stained due to what you eat and drink.
In some cases, teeth may naturally be dark yellow. Your genetics and age also play a role in how your teeth look.
Here are some factors that can lead to severe tooth discolouration:
- Poor oral hygiene (not brushing your teeth regularly)
- Constantly drinking beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine that can stain teeth. Some fruits like berries can also stain your teeth.
- Smoking tobacco
- Certain medications
- Nerve damage in the roots
Good oral hygiene can prevent tooth discolouration. But if your teeth are already discoloured, you can improve their appearance by getting them professionally whitened. This is a simple procedure performed by a dentist that whitens the enamel of your teeth to make them look whiter.
Professional teeth whitening is not suitable for everyone. For example, if a tooth is damaged by a nerve and becomes discoloured, a whitening procedure may not help. Additionally, if you whiten your teeth and continue smoking, the positive effects will not last.
In the majority of cases, teeth whitening in Turkey, in Istanbul by a well-known and respected dentist can help you regain the pearly white smile you have always dreamed of. You can also get rid of uneven tooth colours that ruin your smile with this procedure.
What is the difference between professional whitening and at-home whitening?
When there are countless teeth whitening products you can buy at a local store, why pay a dentist to do it? That is a fair question. The main reason is that professional teeth whitening abroad, especially in Turkey, is significantly more effective.
The teeth whitening procedure is essentially a bleaching process. Over-the-counter teeth whitening products contain hydrogen peroxide, a bleaching agent that helps remove stains from teeth.
Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful oxidant. It can damage enamel and gums if used at high concentrations.
That is why over-the-counter teeth whitening products contain very low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. EU regulations restrict the first use of products containing between 0.1% and 6% to dentists, for adults only, and higher concentration products have been withdrawn from the market[1]. These products will not damage your gums, but they will not do much to lighten yellow teeth either.
Dentists are allowed to use higher concentrations of whitening agents to achieve much whiter teeth. Dentists also use special shields to protect your gums during the procedure.
Modern protocols always rely on a peroxide gel. Laser and LED light do not replace it: they are used to activate it.
Please note that it is impossible to whiten dental implants.
The laser whitening process involves using a type of laser to remove stains from teeth after applying a bleaching agent. This activation shortens the session, but an umbrella review of ten systematic reviews shows no gain in effectiveness compared to a protocol without a light[2]. Laser teeth whitening cannot be done at home.
Only a dentist can perform it. The final price depends on the technique chosen and the condition of your teeth, which can only be determined after an examination.
In summary, professional teeth whitening compared to at-home whitening is safer and noticeably more effective. The procedure does not take much time either. You can have your teeth whitened in a single visit to the dentist.
Teeth whitening in Istanbul
Here are the basic steps of the professional teeth whitening procedure in Istanbul, Turkey.
Examination and screening
Before starting the procedure, the dentist will examine your teeth and gums. If you have gum disease or tooth decay, the dentist will recommend postponing the treatment until serious issues are resolved.
The dentist will also check whether you are suitable for the procedure. Laser teeth whitening is not recommended for pregnant women. This procedure is also generally not performed on adolescents. If you are under 18, the dentist may recommend waiting until you are older.
You also need to have enough exposed tooth enamel to undergo the whitening procedure. If your gum line is uneven, your teeth may not whiten uniformly, which could result in an odd smile.
Additionally, if your gums have receded, exposing the roots of your teeth, the dentist may not recommend whitening. Tooth roots do not respond to whitening, so only certain parts of your teeth would lighten.
Do not panic if you are not a candidate for professional teeth whitening. There are other alternatives you can consider, such as dental veneers in Turkey and lumineers.
A veneer is a thin shell of porcelain that can be bonded to your teeth to change their colour and shape. Lumineers are like veneers, but much thinner. Lumineers are suitable if your teeth are particularly sensitive.
It is rare for a patient not to be eligible. Pregnancy and age under 18 remain the two situations that most often lead to postponing the session. Once you are eligible, the Turkish dentist moves on to the next step as described below.
Pre-treating your teeth
Before laser whitening begins, the dentist will clean your teeth. Usually, a dental hygienist handles this procedure. The hygienist removes any remaining tartar and plaque to fully prepare the enamel for the professional whitening procedure.
The dental hygienist also checks that all cavities are properly filled. The enamel must not be damaged to the point where the whitening agent could penetrate the inside of your teeth. If it is, the whitening solution will damage sensitive tissues and nerves.
Preparation for the procedure
The professional teeth whitening procedure is not painful. You will not need local anaesthesia, as you would for a tooth extraction. However, in some patients, the laser whitening process may cause tooth sensitivity or perhaps minor inflammation.
That is why some dentists prescribe a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) before the procedure begins. You should inform the dentist if you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medications before taking the NSAID. Also let the dentist know about any allergies or sensitivities.
The whitening process
Once all the above steps are completed, you can begin the teeth whitening process. The process is quite fast. You will be asked to lie down on a dental chair. The dentist will use a mouth prop to keep your mouth open and your teeth exposed.
Before the process begins, the dentist will place a protective barrier over your gums. This will prevent the laser or whitening agent from touching the gums.
Next, the dentist applies a whitening solution in gel form to the enamel on the front surface of your teeth. This is usually done with a syringe. The whitening agent stays on your teeth.
Then, the dentist uses the laser. The laser light activates the whitening agent and may cause it to foam. The laser causes the whitening agent to release oxygen ions that remove stains on the enamel. The laser may stay on for up to 15 minutes for the chemical process to take effect.
The dentist turns off the laser and may then leave the whitening agent on your teeth for a few more minutes. The final step is to remove the whitening agent. Dentists typically use a tiny suction device to quickly and effectively remove the stained whitening agent without damaging teeth or gums.
You will then be asked to rinse your mouth. When the dentist removes the gum shield, the procedure is finished.
Overall, the procedure usually lasts between one and two hours. So it is quick, and you will not have to wait long.
After the treatment
The dentist will examine your teeth one last time before you leave. You may experience increased tooth sensitivity after the whitening procedure. Mild to moderate sensitivity is normal. However, some patients may report high levels of sensitivity. The dentist will prescribe medication if sensitivity levels are high.
At this point, your gums should feel normal. If you experience any pain or notice any whiteness in your gums, tell the dentist immediately.
Complications from professional teeth whitening are very rare. You will be ready to hit the road if everything goes well. The dentist will advise you on what to eat and how to protect your teeth after the procedure. You may also schedule a follow-up appointment just in case, but it is not usually necessary.
Risks and complications
The professional teeth whitening procedure is known to be a largely risk-free process. Temporary side effects, mainly sensitivity, are common, while long-lasting or permanent complications are rare. You should be aware of the following side effects of the procedure:
Whitening is not the same as getting crowns
Whitening does not cut into the tooth: it works on the colour of the enamel, and the literature reports no irreversible damage to enamel or pulp[3]. Low-cost offers that promise a perfect smile often rely on dental crowns, which involve shaving down healthy teeth.
Hypersensitivity
Most patients who undergo professional teeth whitening complain of increased sensitivity afterwards. This usually means your teeth are sensitive to hot or cold drinks. However, this effect should subside a few days after the procedure.
Some patients may experience very high levels of tooth sensitivity. For example, you might feel a slight shock when drinking a hot or cold beverage. This can be treated with medication and should go away within a few days.
You may experience high tooth sensitivity following a whitening procedure if you whiten your teeth frequently. Tell the dentist if you have recently used a whitening agent on your teeth to make them appear whiter.
If you already have sensitive teeth, the procedure may make them more sensitive. Therefore, discuss this complication with the dentist if you are at risk of having sensitive teeth.
Gum irritation
Gum irritation can occur if the whitening agent and laser come into contact with the gums. This should not happen if the gum shield is properly placed. Some gum irritation issues will resolve on their own. In other cases, the dentist in Turkey may prescribe medication.
Gum inflammation
Although not common, inflammation or swelling of the gums may result from the procedure. This is why dentists prescribe anti-inflammatory medication before starting.
Nerve damage
In rare cases, the use of a laser can lead to nerve damage in the teeth. You might feel it as tooth sensitivity that never goes away. Some high-temperature lasers may increase the risk of nerve damage. This complication is rare, but you can discuss it with the dentist before undergoing the procedure.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions
How much does teeth whitening cost in Turkey?
Expect to pay £130 to £520 depending on the technique and the number of arches treated, compared to £350 to £700 in the UK. In-chair LED whitening falls at the lower end of the range, while a full laser protocol is at the higher end. A pre-treatment scale and polish is often billed separately.
Is teeth whitening covered by insurance?
In the UK, whitening is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not routinely available on the NHS. Some private dental insurance plans may offer partial cover for cosmetic treatments, so check your policy.
How many days do I need to stay in Istanbul?
A randomised trial shows that two in-chair sessions spaced two days apart give the same result and the same sensitivity as two sessions a week apart[5]. Three days on site are therefore enough for a full protocol.
How long do the results last?
A clinical trial followed for 4.5 years shows that the whitening effect remains noticeable at that point, despite a slight regression in shade[6]. Smoking, coffee and tea accelerate this regression; regular scale and polish can slow it down.
Turkey or Hungary for teeth whitening?
Turkey ranges from £130 to £520, while Hungary ranges from £90 to £350 for teeth whitening in Hungary. Turkey offers more direct flights from the UK, whereas Hungary is within the EU, which may simplify follow-up care. Both are popular choices for UK patients.
How many shades can I expect to lighten?
No study guarantees a specific number of shades. The improvement depends on your starting shade, the cause of discolouration, and the protocol followed. Clinical reviews show significant and visible lightening, but without promising a specific number[3].
What can I eat after whitening?
In the first 48 hours, the enamel is more porous: coffee, tea, red wine, tomato sauce and tobacco can easily re-stain your teeth. A “white diet” of non-colouring foods helps protect the result.
Sources & References
- ANSM. Produits de blanchiment et/ou d’éclaircissement dentaire : mise en conformité avec la réglementation. 2013. View source
- Allende JB, Campos-Bijit V, Morales-Gómez C, et al. Do Laser and Light Activation Improve In-Office Dental Bleaching Outcomes? An Umbrella Review of Efficacy, Tooth Sensitivity, and Biological Safety. J Esthet Restor Dent. 2026. View source
- Kosiń K, Liszka W, Polak A, et al. In-office vs at-home tooth bleaching: A narrative review of efficacy and safety. Wiad Lek. 2026. View source
- Assurance Maladie. Consultations et soins dentaires : vos remboursements. 2026. View source
- da Costa SAGF, da Costa Ferreira Silva C, Amado TVS, et al. Influence of tooth sensitivity on shortening the interval between in-office bleaching sessions with acidic pH gel: A randomized clinical trial. J Am Dent Assoc. 2026. View source
- Hortkoff D, Farago PV, Gomes JC, et al. In-office Bleaching After a Desensitizing Protocol: a 4.5-Year Follow-up of a Randomized Controlled Trial. J Dent. 2025. View source
