So many of us dream of having pearly white gnashers, but with such an array of options available, it can all be very confusing. Not only that, but some options available can do more harm than good to our teeth.
Thankfully, leading Dental Hygienist and founder of London Hygienist, Anna Middleton, sorts fact from fiction and clarifies which treatments are really worth investing in.
There is no denying that everybody wants a whiter, brighter smile.
A great smile makes us feel confident and more attractive – so who wouldn’t want one?! However, with so many whitening options to choose from, it’s hard to know what is effective and what is just a gimmick.
Many companies are jumping on the whitening bandwagon as a way to sell more products, but as consumers, we must do due diligence.
When it comes to teeth whitening, you can’t always look for the cheapest, fastest solution. It usually doesn’t exist. As the old saying goes, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
While there are numerous ways to whiten your teeth (a quick Google search will show you heaps of options), some are more effective than others.
You also have to keep in mind that teeth naturally vary in shade due to your unique genetic makeup. It might be impossible to achieve the shade you want using some of the so-called whitening products out there.
Popular Teeth Whitening Methods Reviewed by Anna Middleton
In-chair Whitening
In-chair whitening involves sitting in the dental chair while a professional applies a whitening agent to the teeth, followed by a light to accelerate the product. Products like Whites Beaconsfield or Philips Zoom! are often used.
- Effectiveness:
Great for immediate results but requires further maintenance, increasing costs due to surgery time and materials. - Speed of results:
In just one hour, teeth are noticeably whiter. Home treatment may be needed to improve efficiency. - Price tag:
£500-£600 - Verdict:
If you have the budget, this is a great way to get white teeth fast.
Home Whitening
Home whitening involves getting two custom-made whitening trays that fit the shape of your teeth. You wear them with the whitening agent during daily activities.
- Effectiveness:
Just as effective as in-chair whitening but at a lower cost. - Speed of results:
Results typically appear within 7-14 days, depending on your teeth’s shade and your desired outcome. - Price tag:
£200-£300 - Verdict:
Home whitening is favoured for its affordability, control, reduced sensitivity, and the fact that the trays can be reused for regular touch-ups.
Whitening Toothpaste
More toothpaste brands now claim whitening properties, including whitening toothpaste and charcoal toothpaste.
- Effectiveness:
Whitening toothpaste doesn’t contain active whitening ingredients and lacks important components like fluoride. Charcoal toothpaste may even worsen staining by embedding particles into cracks or restorations. - Speed of results:
Likely never. While it may remove surface stains, long-term use can damage enamel and make teeth more prone to staining. - Price tag:
£3-£15 - Verdict:
Don’t waste time or money. The long-term damage outweighs the minimal short-term benefit.
Professional Cleaning
If you haven’t had a dental visit in a while, a professional cleaning may suffice. Treatments like EMS ‘Guided Biofilm Therapy’ use a combination of water, air, and fine powder for stain removal.
- Effectiveness:
A great option if your stains are due to missed cleanings, but not enough for those seeking significant whitening. - Speed of results:
Less than 10 minutes. - Price tag:
£65-£150 - Verdict:
A professional clean is recommended before whitening treatments. Consult your hygienist for suitability.
Whitening Kits & Strips
Over-the-counter whitening strips and kits are not custom-made for your teeth and come with risks like gum burns and extreme sensitivity.
- Effectiveness:
Not effective and potentially dangerous. - Speed of results:
None. - Price tag:
£5-£40 - Verdict:
Don’t waste your money. Always consult a dental professional before trying any whitening treatments.