Teeth Whitening

By Crest

Price: £49.98

Stockist: Crest

Best for: Fast, effective whitening

Crest White strips are individually sealed sachets each containing a bleach strip which is clearly marked for upper or lower teeth. In addition there is a handy mirror attached inside the box for those brave enough to bleach-on-the-go.
Really easy-to-follow instructions are contained within the box-set. All you need to do is perfect getting the strips out of their packet in one piece and then place them along your teeth and try not to speak for half an hour (easier said than done!)  Although the instructions don't mention it, you’ll find it much easier to keep strips in place if you dry your teeth with tissue or a towel before application.
If you have sensitive teeth you could suffer slight discomfort and a little extra sensitivity, but this doesn't last and the white shade achieved is worth it. Be careful to wash bleach off your fingers if it gets onto them as it can irritate.
After just one week you should see a real difference and if you complete the whole box, teeth will be whiter than ever. Try to avoid red wine, coffee and foods which dye - like beetroot - as much as possible during the treatment and after to maintain your pearly smile. (Although a daily cup of tea won’t hurt – it isn't recommended - but it doesn’t seem to make a difference).
Crest recommend that you shouldn't whiten your teeth with this kit too often as it can make them sensitive so save for special annual occasions.

By Brite Smile at The London Smile Clinic

Price: £795 (including top up kit)

Stockist: Brite Smile

Best for: people who want to whiten their teeth quickly.

More urban and contemporary than a traditional dental surgery The London Smile Clinic has glossy magazines, jugs of water and even disposable toothbrushes and toothpaste in the ladies.
Before your consultation you need to fill out a form about general health and dental history which is followed by a chat with the dentist who will check everything from cavities and sensitive teeth to chips and fillings. If you do have chips on your teeth the whitening process can make them stand out more, so make sure to ask your dentist about the risks.
The Brite Smile teeth whitening is a one visit procedure – great news for the time strapped working girls.  The dentist starts by making a mould of your teeth which makes up part of the at-home kit, the lips and gum are then covered with a protective gel and a gum shield is inserted to help keep the lips away from the teeth and to keep the mouth open. Whitening gel is then applied to the teeth, protective glasses are popped on and a UV light is pointed at the teeth. This takes 20 minutes, after which a new layer of whitening gel is applied. There are four sets of 20 minutes of UV light which is a long time, so the dentist has a large selection of DVDs to hand to make the process more bearable.
Side effects
You may notice some sensitivity later the same day, this is uncomfortable but not unbearable. Also, if you have a lot of fluoride or calcium in your teeth the whitening process can leave them patchy, this effect wears off after a while but it is still important to weigh up possible side effects and whether the process is right for you before embarking on professional teeth whitening.
Afterwards teeth will look super white and borderline unnatural but this is normal and will dull after a few days to leave a naturally, bright white smile. If you are whitening teeth for a special occasion like a wedding day for example it is important to consider that teeth will need time to settle.
On departure you are given an at-home kit including the mould and whitening solution so you can give teeth a boost when needed without another trip to the clinic.