Want to brighten your smile from the comfort of your home? Find the right products for you...
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure that involves lightening teeth to remove stains and discolouration, enhancing their brightness. People choose teeth whitening for various reasons, such as boosting self-confidence and improving their overall appearance.
Maintaining white teeth primarily depends on good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes, twice a day. However, environmental factors can also play a significant role. Habits such as drinking coffee can stain teeth, and certain medications or dental procedures can lead to teeth discolouration. Genetics can also influence tooth colour; some people inherit thicker, whiter enamel, resulting in naturally brighter teeth, while others might require a bit more TLC to achieve gleaming smile status.
If your pearly whites aren’t as bright as they used to be, we’re here to help. From serums to strips, explore our line-up of at-home teeth whitening products.
Different methods for teeth whitening
Teeth whitening methods vary, ranging from professional services offered by dentists to at-home kits, whitening toothpastes and natural remedies. Professional treatments provide immediate and long-lasting results, while at-home kits offer convenience and affordability. These kits often include colour correctors, which contain pigments to counteract the yellow shade of teeth. Since purple is directly opposite yellow on the colour wheel, brushing your teeth with purple toothpaste helps to hide stains, making them appear brighter and whiter.
Natural methods use ingredients like baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to whiten teeth gradually. However, be sure to research the ingredients extensively beforehand, as some methods, such as using strawberries, can be abrasive and damage your teeth.
How effective is teeth whitening?
The effectiveness of teeth whitening depends on factors such as your dental health, the type of stains on your teeth and the method used. Professional teeth whitening is highly effective and can last anywhere from a few months up to three years with proper care. At-home kits have lower concentrations of active ingredients than professional treatments, so you may be required to use them more often to see results. Most at-home kits advertise results within two to four weeks and may last about four to six months with touch-ups. Remember to always follow the instructions on the kit to ensure you’re using the product correctly.
Risks & safety of teeth whitening
No matter what treatment you use, teeth whitening procedures carry certain risks, these can include:
- Gum irritation
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Softening of the tooth enamel
- Over whitening
- Burns and blisters
Always follow safety guidelines provided by dental professionals and avoid overusing whitening products. Using tooth whitening kits for longer than recommended can result in permanent damage to your tooth enamel. If you decide to get your teeth professionally whitened, only go to a registered dental professional, as whitening by unqualified individuals, such as those in beauty salons, is illegal. If you’re unsure about which product to use, ask your dentist for advice first.
Cost & accessibility of teeth whitening
The average cost of teeth whitening varies depending on the method chosen and the provider. Professional teeth whitening treatments performed by dentists are more expensive, ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand pounds, depending on the complexity of the procedure. On the other hand, at-home teeth whitening kits are generally more affordable.
Accessing teeth whitening services and products is relatively easy, with options available at dental clinics, cosmetic dentistry practices and online retailers such as boots.com. Many individuals choose at-home kits for their convenience and affordability, while others prefer the expertise of a dental professional for more immediate and long-lasting results. Do not buy kits online from untrusted sources as they may contain illegal levels of ingredients or mild acids or abrasives, making them unsafe for use.
Maintaining whitened teeth
After undergoing teeth whitening, proper aftercare is essential to maintain the results and prolong the brightness of your pearly whites. This includes practising good oral hygiene habits such as brushing teeth twice a day with a whitening toothpaste and flossing daily to remove plaque and bacteria.
Also, avoid acidic and deeply coloured foods and drinks that could stain teeth, such as:
- Black teas and coffee
- Red and white wine
- Carbonated drinks, such as coca cola
- Chewing tobacco
Now that we’re better informed about teeth whitening, here are some at-home whitening products.
For colour correcting
Try: Hismile V34 Colour Corrector Serum
• Size: 30ml
• Clinically proven instant whitening serum
• Peroxide-free
This instant teeth brightening serum is designed to work exactly like a concealer, but for your teeth. Through colour correcting technology, it conceals yellow tones to improve and enhance the brightness of your smile.
For on-the-go whitening
Try: Boots Expert Dissolvable Teeth Whitening Strips
• 56 strips
• Lightens teeth by up to 5 shades*
• Dissolvable whitening strips
If you’re after a hassle-free teeth whitening experience, choose these fast-dissolving whitening strips. Once applied, the strips start to remove stains such as tea, coffee and red wine. Within 10-15 minutes, the strips dissolve with no residue – perfect for when you need a quick fix!
For removing stains
Try: Oral-B 3D White Clinical Intensive Whitening Radiant White
• Size: 75ml
• Mint flavour
• Clinically proven whiter teeth in 1 day
Get ready to flash a confident smile with Oral-B’s whitening toothpaste. The unique ionic technology loosens stains without scrubbing and protects teeth from future stains. Plus, it’s suitable for sensitive teeth.
For a shining smile in 3 steps
Try: Colgate Max White Ultimate LED Whitening Kit
• Reverses up to 20 years of stains**
• Comes with 1 LED light, 1 whitening pen, storage case and serum
Illuminate your smile with this enamel-safe LED whitening kit. Simply apply the mess-free whitening serum to dry teeth and use the smartphone-powered LED whitening light for 10 minutes, twice a day.
For rapid results
Try: SmileTime Teeth Whitening Kit
• 3 x 3ml gels
• Peroxide-free
• Convenient and easy to use
Designed to deliver teeth whitening results in just 15 minutes, this handy kit is formulated with an advanced active whitening ingredient called PAP that whitens and brightens teeth without pain or sensitivity.
For natural whitening
Try: Arm & Hammer 100% Natural WHITENING Protection Toothpaste
• Size: 75ml
• No artificial colours or preservatives
• Helps remineralise enamel
Enriched with baking soda – a natural cleaning agent gentle on tooth enamel – this toothpaste effectively removes plaque and stains while offering lasting freshness. A win-win!
For sensitive teeth
Try: Sensodyne Clinical White Stain Protector Toothpaste
• Size: 75ml
• Clinically proven whitening ingredients
• Minty fresh flavour
Specifically designed for sensitive teeth, this Sensodyne toothpaste is gentle on teeth and enamel. It provides all the regular benefits of an everyday toothpaste while removing and helping to prevent future stains.
Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic procedure that can lighten teeth and remove stains. There are many safe and effective ways to whiten teeth, but it’s important to understand the potential risks – once your tooth enamel is gone, there is no way to restore it. Whichever method you decide on, seek your dentist’s advice before use and be sure to follow the directions carefully.
