How much does teeth whitening cost in Turkey?
The price of teeth whitening in Turkey ranges from £170 to £310, compared to £530 in the UK. The procedure is done in the dentist’s chair, without anaesthetic, on an outpatient basis and without an overnight hospital stay. The fee varies with the technique, LED or laser, and what the package includes, in Istanbul as in Antalya.
📊 Price Table 2026
| Type of treatment | Price Turkey | Price UK |
|---|---|---|
| LED whitening in the chair | £125 - £220 | £310 - £530 |
| Laser whitening (Zoom) | £195 - £335 | £485 - £790 |
| Scaling + LED whitening | £160 - £280 | £395 - £705 |
| Home whitening kit | £80 - £160 | £220 - £395 |
How much does teeth whitening cost in the UK?
In the UK, in-chair whitening costs £350 to £1,050 depending on the technique and the number of arches treated, compared to £170 to £310 in Turkey. Turkey is not part of the European Union: the concentration of the gel used should be checked with the practitioner.
What is teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening lightens the natural shade of teeth using a peroxide gel applied under the supervision of a dentist, either in the surgery or at home with trays. It acts on the colour of the enamel without cutting the tooth, unlike a veneer or a crown.
Most of us want nice pearly white teeth. Of course, most people rely on teeth whitening products sold in pharmacies to remove natural yellowing or stains from teeth. Unfortunately, these products are rarely effective. Professional teeth whitening in Turkey, on the other hand, gives noticeably more marked lightening, under the supervision of a practitioner.
Would professional teeth whitening meet your needs? Read on to learn more about the procedure and the possible risks.
Who is teeth whitening in Turkey for?
Our teeth are not perfectly white, despite what whitening toothpaste adverts tell you. Some yellowing of teeth is natural. However, some people may have significant yellowing. Your teeth can actually become stained because of what you eat or drink.
In some cases, teeth can be naturally dark yellow. Your genetics and your age also play a role in the beauty of your teeth.
Here are some factors that can cause severe discolouration of your teeth:
- poor dental hygiene (not brushing 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 having them whitened by a professional. This is a simple procedure performed by a dentist who whitens the top of your teeth so they look whiter.
Professional teeth whitening is not suitable for everyone. For example, if a tooth is damaged by a nerve and is discolouring, a whitening procedure may not help. Also, if you whiten your teeth and continue smoking, the positive effects will not last.
In most cases, teeth whitening in Turkey, in Istanbul, can lighten teeth yellowed by age, tobacco or drinks. You can also get rid of uneven colours on your teeth 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 shop, why pay a dentist to do it? The question is quite reasonable. The main reason is that professional teeth whitening abroad, and especially in Turkey, is significantly more effective.
The teeth whitening procedure is essentially a bleaching procedure. Teeth whitening products sold in supermarkets contain hydrogen peroxide, a bleaching agent that helps remove stains from teeth.
Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful oxidant. It can irritate the gums if used at high concentrations.
This is why over-the-counter teeth whitening products contain very low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. European regulations reserve the first use of products dosed between 0.1% and 6% to dentists, in adults only, and the withdrawal of more concentrated products has been ordered[1]. These products will not damage your gums, but they will also not remove much of the yellowing of teeth.
Dentists are allowed to use higher concentrations of bleaching agents than those in over-the-counter products. Dentists also use special protections to protect your gums during the procedure.
Modern protocols still rely on a peroxide gel. Laser and LED do not replace it: they activate it.
Note that it is impossible to whiten dental implants.
The laser whitening process involves using a type of laser to activate a bleaching agent applied to the teeth. An umbrella review of ten systematic reviews shows no gain in effectiveness compared to a protocol without a lamp[2]. Laser teeth whitening cannot be done at home.
Only a dentist can perform it. The final fee depends on the technique chosen and the condition of the teeth, which can only be determined after an examination.
In summary, professional teeth whitening acts faster than at-home whitening, whose dentist-supervised version achieves comparable effectiveness[3]. The procedure does not take much time either. You can have your teeth whitened in a single visit to the dentist.
A teeth whitening in Istanbul
Here are the basic steps of the professional teeth whitening procedure in Istanbul, in Turkey.
Examination and screening
Before undertaking the procedure, the dentist will examine your teeth and gums. If you suffer from gum disease or cavities, the dentist will recommend postponing the intervention until the serious problems are treated.
The dentist will also check whether you are fit to undergo the intervention. Laser teeth whitening is not recommended for pregnant women. This procedure is also generally not performed on teenagers. If you are under 18, the dentist may recommend waiting until you are a bit older to undergo the intervention.
You must also have enough exposed tooth enamel to undergo the whitening procedure. If your gum line is irregular, your teeth may not whiten evenly, which can result in a strange smile.
Also, if your gums have receded, exposing the roots of the teeth, the dentist may not recommend whitening. The roots of the teeth do not react to whitening, so only certain parts of your teeth would be whitened.
Do not panic if you are not eligible for professional teeth whitening. There are other alternatives you can consider, such as dental veneers in Turkey and lumineers.
A veneer is a thin porcelain shell 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 benefit. Pregnancy and being under 18 remain the two situations that most often postpone the session. Once you are eligible, the Turkish dentist moves to the next step, as described below.
Pretreating your teeth
Before laser whitening begins, the dentist will clean your teeth. Usually, a dental hygienist takes care of this procedure. The hygienist removes tartar and plaque if any remains, in order to fully prepare the enamel for the professional teeth whitening procedure.
The dental hygienist also checks that all your cavities are properly filled. The enamel should not be damaged to the point of allowing the bleaching agent to penetrate inside your teeth. In that case, the bleaching solution will damage sensitive tissues and nerves.
Preparation for the intervention
Professional teeth whitening is not painful. You do not need local anaesthesia, as is the case for tooth extraction. However, in some patients, the laser whitening process can cause tooth sensitivity or perhaps minor inflammation.
This is why some dentists prescribe a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) before the procedure begins. You must inform the dentist if you are taking other prescription or over-the-counter medications before taking the NSAID. Also inform the dentist of 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 quick. You will be asked to lie down on a dental chair. The dentist will use a retractor 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 bleaching agent from touching the gums.
Next, the dentist applies a bleaching solution in gel form to the enamel of the front surface of the teeth. This is usually done with a syringe. The bleaching agent remains on the teeth.
Then the dentist uses the laser. The laser light activates the bleaching agent and can make it foam. The bleaching agent releases free radicals that break down pigments responsible for stains. The laser stays on for a few minutes, while the chemical process takes effect.
The dentist turns off the laser and may then leave the bleaching agent on your teeth for a few more minutes. The last step is to remove the bleaching agent. Dentists usually use a tiny suction device to quickly and efficiently remove the stained bleaching agent without damaging teeth or gums.
You will then be asked to rinse your mouth. When the dentist removes the gum protector, the procedure is finished.
Overall, the procedure is usually done in a single session. 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 feel increased tooth sensitivity after the whitening procedure. Mild to moderate sensitivity is normal. But 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 feel 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 all goes well. The dentist will tell you how to eat and protect your teeth after the procedure. You can also make a follow-up appointment just in case, but it is not necessarily required.
Risks and complications
Professional teeth whitening is known to be a largely risk-free process. Temporary side effects, mainly sensitivity, are common, while lasting or permanent complications are rare. You should be aware of the following side effects of the procedure:
Do not confuse whitening with crown placement
Whitening does not cut into the tooth: it acts on the colour of the enamel, and the literature reports no irreversible damage to the enamel or pulp[3]. Low-cost offers that promise a perfect smile often rely on dental crowns, which involve cutting 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. This effect should disappear a few days after the intervention.
Some patients may have very high levels of tooth sensitivity. For example, you may feel a slight shock effect when drinking a hot or cold drink. This effect can be treated with medication and should disappear in a few days.
You risk experiencing high tooth sensitivity following a teeth whitening procedure if you whiten your teeth frequently. Tell the dentist if you have recently used a bleaching agent on your teeth to make them look whiter.
If you already have sensitive teeth, the procedure can make the situation worse. Therefore, discuss this complication with the dentist if you are at risk of having sensitive teeth.
Gum irritation
Gum irritation can occur if the bleaching agent and laser penetrate the gums. This should not happen if the gum protector is properly placed. Some gum irritation problems will disappear on their own. In other cases, the dentist in Turkey may prescribe a medication.
Gum inflammation
Although not common, inflammation or swelling of the gums can result from the intervention. This is why some dentists prescribe anti-inflammatory medications before the intervention begins.
Nerve damage
In rare cases, the use of the laser can cause nerve damage in the teeth. You may feel this as more lasting tooth sensitivity than in the days after the session. Some high-temperature lasers can increase the risk of nerve damage. This complication is rare, but you can discuss it with the dentist before undergoing the intervention.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions
How much does teeth whitening cost in Turkey?
Count £170 to £310 depending on the technique and the number of arches treated, compared to £350 to £1,050 in the UK. Chair LED is at the lower end of the range, full laser protocol at the higher end. Pre-scaling is often charged separately.
Is teeth whitening reimbursed?
No. The list of dental treatments covered by the NHS does not include whitening[4]. Some private dental plans offer a cosmetic allowance, to be checked in the contract. It is best to ask your NHS dentist about what applies in your situation.
How many days do you need to stay in Istanbul?
A randomised trial on 47 patients, 35% gel, shows that two chair sessions spaced two days apart give the same result at one month and the same sensitivity as a one-week interval[5]. Three days on site are therefore enough for a complete protocol.
How long does the effect last?
A clinical trial on 62 patients followed for 4.5 years shows that the lightening remains noticeable at that term, despite a slight return of shade[6]. Tobacco, coffee and tea accelerate this return; regular scaling slows it down.
Turkey or Hungary for teeth whitening?
Turkey ranges from £170 to £310, Hungary from £135 to £310 for a teeth whitening in Hungary. Hungary is in the European Union, which simplifies follow-up; Turkey offers more direct flights from the UK.
How many shades can you gain?
No study guarantees a number of shades. The gain depends on the starting shade, the cause of the discolouration and the protocol followed. Clinical reviews measure significant and visible lightening, without promising a number[3].
What can you eat after whitening?
In the days after the session, the enamel is more porous: coffee, tea, red wine, tomato sauces and tobacco easily re-stain teeth. A light diet, based on non-colouring foods, protects the result obtained.
Sources & References
- ANSM. Produits de blanchiment et/ou d’éclaircissement dentaire : mise en conformité avec la réglementation. 2013. Consulter la 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. Consulter la 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. Consulter la source
- Assurance Maladie. Consultations et soins dentaires : vos remboursements. 2026. Consulter la 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. Consulter la 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. Consulter la source
