Teeth Whitening

In-chair and take-home whitening to lift staining and lighten the natural shade of the teeth.

Price rangeCNY 470 – CNY 2,900service fee only: internal bleaching 470 per tooth, full-mouth bleaching 2900 per session.

Teeth whitening lightens the colour of the teeth. In-chair whitening uses a concentrated gel, often activated by light, and is done in a single appointment of about an hour. Take-home whitening uses custom trays made from a scan of your teeth, worn over one to two weeks.

Whitening works on natural teeth only, so crowns, veneers and fillings keep their original colour. The dentist should check the gums and look for decay first, and you should expect some short-lived sensitivity afterwards.

Why it is priced so low

This is a routine cosmetic procedure rather than a surgical one, which is why it costs a fraction of what implants or crowns do — from CNY 470 per tooth for internal bleaching, or 2,900 for a full-mouth session. Because it is inexpensive and available everywhere, whitening is one of the few treatments where travelling is usually not the cheapest option; it makes more sense to have it done at home.

What to do about veneers and crowns

Whitening does not change the colour of porcelain or composite, so if you are planning veneers or crowns, whiten first and have the restorations matched to the lighter shade afterwards. The reverse order leaves you with a permanent mismatch.

If you are having other dental work in China

Whitening is often fitted around a wider course of treatment. Our General Dentistry page covers the check-ups, restorations and hygiene appointments that usually go with it.

Frequently asked questions

How white can my teeth get?

Whitening lightens natural teeth but cannot make them unnaturally white, because enamel has a natural limit. Results depend on the starting shade and on why the teeth discoloured. Teeth darkened by certain antibiotics or by trauma are less responsive, and restorations such as crowns and fillings do not whiten at all.

Is it safe for my gums?

The dentist should check the gums and look for decay before starting, because the gel can irritate exposed dentine and sore gums. Healthy gums, properly protected, are fine. If you have active gum disease, treat that first - it is both a safety issue and, practically, treatment looks better once the gums are healthy.

Will it hurt afterwards?

Some short-lived sensitivity is common, usually settling within a couple of days. It is more likely with in-chair whitening because the gel is more concentrated. A toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth helps. If the sensitivity persists beyond about a week, stop and speak to the dentist.

Why not just do it at home instead of travelling?

This is genuinely one of the few treatments where travelling rarely pays. It is inexpensive, widely available, and needs no surgery or complex planning - from CNY 470 per tooth, or 2,900 for a full-mouth session. Unless you are already in China for other dental work, having it done locally is usually the cheaper and simpler option.

How long does the result last?

It depends on habits. Coffee, tea, red wine and smoking all re-stain the teeth, and top-up sessions are often needed every one to two years for people who keep up their habits. Whitening trays made for you are worth keeping for exactly that reason.

Last reviewed 27 September 2026. Treatment details and prices change — always confirm with the hospital before you commit.

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