A bright, white smile can do wonders for your confidence and self-esteem. Whether you have a big event coming up or simply want to refresh your smile, teeth whitening can be an effective way to achieve a brighter, more vibrant smile.
There are so many teeth whitening options on the market that it is no longer a procedure only done in a dentists office, instead you can whiten your teeth in the comfort of your own home.
What is teeth whitening and how does it work?
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure aimed at removing stains and discolorations from teeth to improve their appearance. It involves the use of various products and techniques to lighten the colour of teeth and make them appear brighter and whiter.
There are several methods of teeth whitening, which include: in-office treatment, at-home bleaching, whitening toothpaste, and whitening strips.
Teeth whitening works by using a bleaching agent, usually a peroxide, which breaks down into oxygen molecules that penetrate the tooth enamel to bleach stains and discolouration. Having a teeth whitening procedure done in a dentists office will typically involve a higher concentration of bleaching agent than the at-home options.
How long do teeth whitening products last?
How long your teeth stay white can depend on a number of factors, including the type of treatment used, the severity of the stains, and your own lifestyle habits, so if you drink multiple cups of black coffee, the results probably won’t last that long.
Getting teeth whitening done at the dentist will probably produce more immediate and dramatic results that can last for up to a year than the at-home solutions which are more gradual but with proper maintenance can last up to 6 months.
Can I extend the results of my teeth whitening?
Absolutely! Make sure to practise good oral hygiene, brushing twice a day, flossing daily and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash. Avoiding foods and drinks that can stain teeth like coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco can also help maintain the whiteness of your teeth.
The best at-home teeth whitening products for a sparkling smile
Smilie Teeth Whitening Kit, $99 at Smilie
Developed by dentists the Smilie Teeth Whitening Kit delivers a professional-level whitening experience at home while being gentle on enamel for those with sensitive teeth and gum.
Hismile VIO405 Teeth Whitening Kit, $209 at Adore Beauty
This handy little kit works in just 10 minutes to give you a brighter smile, without the use of harsh bleach. Utilising violet light technology and a hydrogen-free PAP formula for brighter, whiter smile at home.
Mr Bright Whitening Strips, $40.19 at Adore Beauty
Mr Bright’s Whitening Strips are hydrogen peroxide free and use more natural and less irritating ingredients to brighten your smile.
WhiteBlanc Teeth Whitening Strips, $49.99 at Chemist Warehouse
For a more gradual teeth whitening process, try out these WhiteBlanc Teeth Whitening Strips that work over 7 days to leave your teeth whiter and smile brighter.
Colgate Optic White LED Accelerator Light Whitening Kit, $159.99 at Chemist Warehouse
The Colgate Optic White LED Accelerator Light Whitening Kit uses an LED violet light which has a higher energy light that amplifies the power of the Colgate teeth whitening serum pen and make the tooth stains more receptive to the bleaching power of hydrogen peroxide to leave you with a brighter smile in just 10 minutes.
Hismile V34 Colour Corrector Serum, $39 at Life Pharmacy
The Hismile V34 Colour Corrector Serum works to brighten your smile using colour correcting technology, by counter-balancing the different hues in your teeth. Formulated with two violet dyes V34 conceals stains and improves brightness without the invasiveness of traditional teeth brightening methods.
Oral B 3D Whitening Strips, $42.99 at Life Pharmacy
Using the same enamel-safe whitening ingredient used by dentists, the Oral B 3D Whitening Strips are thin, flexible strips that are coated with a tooth whitening gel that can remove up to 10 years of stain build-up.
Hismile Id Stain Eraser Set, $52 at Sephora
The Hismile Id Stain Eraser Set is a 2-in-1 treatment that works by identifying stains and then removing them in just 2 easy steps. First the Stain Identifier highlights in red areas on the tooths surface where stains are beginning to build up. Then the Stain Eraser, a polishing paste, efficiently removes everyday stains while maintaining enamel health.
