Teeth whitening cost in Switzerland and Zurich: the process at the dentist
In Switzerland, the cost of teeth whitening follows the dental tariff. That is true in Zurich as in Küsnacht. This page explains how the amount is calculated, how Zahnklinik Küsnacht approaches whitening and how long the result lasts.
- Cost: set by the dental tariff, no fixed price.
- Insurance: Swiss basic health insurance (Grundversicherung) does not pay for whitening.
- Treatment: professional cleaning first, then whitening with a power light.
- Result: up to eight shades lighter, depending on your starting shade.
- How long it lasts: one to three years, depending on lifestyle.
How much does teeth whitening cost in Switzerland?
We do not publish a fixed price for teeth whitening. The amount follows the Swiss dental tariff and depends on your situation.
How the Swiss dental tariff sets the price
Swiss dentists bill under the Dentotar tariff. In this tariff, the Swiss Dental Association (SSO) sets the number of tax points (Taxpunkte) per treatment. The tax point value (Taxpunktwert) times that number gives the amount in francs.
Each practice sets its own tax point value, up to CHF 1.70. So the same treatment does not cost the same everywhere. We bill transparently under the Dentotar tariff, with our tax point value of CHF 1.13, and give you open advice on costs.
What the cost of whitening depends on
You pay for more than the whitening itself. The final cost depends on these points:
- examination and advice beforehand
- professional cleaning before whitening
- the number of sessions needed
- treating tooth decay or leaking fillings first
- matching visible fillings to the new tooth colour later
Published price ranges for teeth whitening in Switzerland
A July 2025 guide by the insurance broker Grenzgängerzentrum gives around CHF 295 to 800 for whitening at a dental practice. The figures come from individual providers' offers. These are not Zahnklinik Küsnacht's own prices.
After the examination, we tell you what your whitening will cost. You can ask about the cost of your whitening by requesting a consultation.
Comparing teeth whitening prices in Zurich
Many people look for teeth whitening or teeth bleaching in Zurich at a good price. The same dental tariff applies across Switzerland, in the city of Zurich as in Küsnacht. Prices differ because of the tax point value and what an offer covers. So when you compare prices, first check what a price includes.
Why whitening prices are hard to compare
A low starting price says little if you do not know what it covers. Some offers include no examination or cleaning. It also matters who applies the product. Beauty salons and drugstores (Drogerien) may only offer products much weaker than those in a dental practice. Our guide explains what whitening products from drugstores and beauty salons can do.
Five questions to ask about any whitening offer
We answer these questions for our own offer too.
- Are your teeth and gums examined before whitening?
- Is the cleaning included in the price?
- Who carries out the treatment?
- How many sessions are included?
- What happens if your teeth are sensitive afterwards?
Professional teeth whitening in three steps
This is how teeth whitening at the dentist usually works.
Examination and advice
Your teeth and gums need to be healthy before whitening. Tooth decay, leaking fillings or inflamed gums are treated first. That is why the process usually starts with a dental examination before whitening, where we check whether whitening suits you.
Professional cleaning first
Next, we clean your teeth. The professional teeth cleaning before whitening uses ultrasonic instruments to loosen plaque and tartar. AirFlow removes surface stains. Cleaning does not change the natural colour of your teeth. Only whitening does that.
Whitening with a power light
Finally, we whiten your teeth with a power light. Usually, the gums are covered first. Then a gel containing hydrogen peroxide is applied and exposed to light.
Research is divided on the role of the light. A 2018 systematic review found no clear advantage over the same gel without light. The whitening itself comes from the active ingredient in the gel.
How many shades whiter can your teeth get?
With a power light, teeth can be whitened by up to eight shades on a shade guide. This is an upper limit, not a promise. How much lighter your teeth get depends on their starting shade and the type of staining. The aim is a natural-looking tooth colour.
Why results vary from person to person
Over the years, coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco leave pigments in the enamel. These stains often lighten well. Yellowish tones usually respond better than greyish ones. Discolouration inside the tooth, for example after an accident or root canal treatment, often lightens less or unevenly.
How long teeth whitening takes and how long it lasts
How long the treatment takes
Our treatment itself has two steps: cleaning and whitening. At the consultation, we tell you how long your session takes and whether both steps happen at the same appointment.
How long the results last
Depending on your lifestyle, the result lasts one to three years. With regular dental hygiene, it lasts longer.
Keeping the colour for longer
- Drink coffee, tea and red wine in moderation, then rinse your mouth with water.
- Avoid smoking, as tobacco quickly stains teeth again.
- Have your teeth professionally cleaned regularly.
- Come for check-ups so we can spot changes early.
Is teeth whitening at the dentist safe?
Teeth whitening at the dentist requires healthy teeth and gums. Side effects can still occur, but they are usually temporary.
Sensitive teeth after whitening
After whitening, your teeth may be sensitive for a short time, especially to cold. Your gums may also be irritated. Both usually settle within a few days. If the discomfort continues, please contact us.
When teeth whitening is not suitable
In these cases, whitening is usually not advisable or has to wait:
- untreated tooth decay
- leaking fillings
- exposed root surfaces
- pregnancy and breastfeeding
- being under 18
What Swiss law says about whitening products
In Switzerland, the Ordinance on Cosmetic Products (VKos) of the Federal Department of Home Affairs regulates tooth whitening products. Products with 0.1% hydrogen peroxide or more may only be supplied to dentists and to dental hygienists with a diploma. These professionals must carry out the first application in each cycle or supervise it directly. The products must not be used on anyone under 18. Our guide lists the hydrogen peroxide limits in detail.
When whitening is not enough
Whitening changes the colour of your teeth, not their shape. With chipped edges, uneven teeth or strong discolouration inside the tooth, whitening alone is often not enough. Ceramic may then be an option. Ceramic veneers are thin shells bonded to the front of the teeth. They can change both colour and shape. Our CEREC page shows how we make ceramic veneers and crowns at the clinic. The decision guide on veneers and whitening compares both options. After the examination, we discuss which option suits your teeth.
Teeth whitening in Küsnacht near Goldbach station
Küsnacht is not far from Zurich. Zahnklinik Küsnacht is at Goldbacherstrasse 3a, in central Küsnacht-Goldbach near the station. From Zurich main station (Zürich HB), the S6 and S16 run direct to Küsnacht Goldbach. According to the timetable, the journey takes 10 to 11 minutes.
Parking is available, and the clinic is wheelchair and rollator accessible. Our dentist Küsnacht Goldbach page describes the location. For the route by S-Bahn or car, see directions to Zahnklinik Küsnacht. If you have questions, call us on +41 44 915 17 77.
Frequently asked questions about teeth whitening
Is your question not listed? Call us or send us an email.
+41 44 915 17 77Does health insurance cover teeth whitening in Switzerland?
No, basic health insurance does not cover it. Dental treatment is generally not a compulsory benefit. The narrow exceptions concern serious illness and accidents. Whether supplementary insurance (Zusatzversicherung) pays anything depends on your policy.
Does teeth whitening hurt at the dentist?
Whitening involves no drilling, so an anaesthetic injection is usually not needed. Your teeth may, however, be sensitive to cold for a while.
Can I drink coffee after teeth whitening?
Better not in the first 48 hours. We recommend avoiding strongly staining drinks such as coffee, tea and red wine. During this time, your teeth take up pigments more easily.
Does teeth whitening work on fillings and crowns?
No. Fillings, crowns and veneers keep their colour. Only natural teeth become lighter. Visible composite fillings can be matched to the new tooth colour afterwards.
Can you whiten your teeth more than once?
In principle, whitening can be repeated if your teeth and gums are healthy. Only an examination can show whether and when a repeat makes sense.
How is teeth whitening at the dentist different from home products?
At the dentist, stronger products are used. In Switzerland, these may only be supplied to professionals. Your teeth are examined first and your gums are protected. Home products are weaker and can be enough for light stains.
Related pages
- Whitening without a dental visit
What shop-bought products can and cannot do.
- Veneers and whitening compared
When whitening is enough and when ceramic is an option.
- How dental hygiene works
What the cleaning before whitening involves.
Request a teeth whitening consultation
At the consultation, we discuss whether whitening suits you, how it works and what it costs. If it is urgent, please call us.