No matter what treatment you use, there's a chance your gums will be sensitive to the chemicals used in teeth whitening, particularly if you already have sensitive teeth. There's also a chance of burns to gums and some of the whitening kits used at home can harm tooth enamel. What if I'm not happy with the results? Leading New York City cosmetic dentist, Dr. Stephanie Dumanian, highly recommends this kit by GLO. “GLO products are top of the line. Their take-home whitening kit provides fast whitening results without being abrasive to your teeth or gum. The advanced technology GLO’s kit offers can help to amplify whitening results received in-office and help maintain those results over time.” Mind you, Dr. Dumanian is the reason behind the popular glimmering smiles of celebs like Busy Philipps and Ashley Park, so you know she'll only suggest the best of the best. We spoke to Dr Ahmed Hussain, Principle Dentist at Harrow on the Hill Dental Practice about the best teeth whitening tips: Try to talk to other people who've had the same treatment or visit another dentist for a second opinion until you feel confident. Always ask for a written treatment plan and price estimate before going ahead. Is teeth whitening permanent?

Concerned about the colour of your teeth and considering your whitening options? If your teeth are less than pearly white and you long for a dazzling Hollywood smile, you might have considered purchasing a teeth whitening kit online. But DIY teeth whitening does come with a number of risks so it's always best to opt for a procedure carried out by a dentist. You may also want to ask them whether there are any risks involved – for example, increasing the sensitivity of your teeth.

The best teeth whitening kits for 2023 are:

Teeth whitening is a form of dentistry and should only be carried out by a dentist or another regulated dental professional, such as a dental hygienist or dental therapist, on the prescription of a dentist. Teeth whitening isn't permanent. It can last from a few months to up to 3 years – it varies from person to person.

Potency level: The maximum percentage of active teeth lightening ingredients is 10% for over-the-counter products, Dr. Huang says. "Higher concentrations will result in faster and better results, yet may cause tooth sensitivity," Dr. Gonchar explains. "Lower-concentration products will take longer to achieve the desired results, but may be more appropriate for those with sensitive teeth or other dental needs." Some home kits don't contain enough whitening product to be effective. Also, if a dental professional isn't doing the whitening, the mouthguard provided may not fit properly so some of the bleaching gel may leak out onto your gums and into your mouth, causing blistering and sensitivity. While there are plenty of duds out there, there are still some home DIY kits that will do a very good job helping you feel more confident smiling, without the need for a celeb budget. You’ll have no problem getting to grips with this easy-to-follow and exceptionally well-presented kit, provided you follow the straightforward instructions. The non-peroxide gel has been clinically tested and it doesn’t feel or smell as though you might be doing your mouth harm, which can be the case with some kits at this price range. That makes it a good option for those with sensitive teeth (although don’t use it if you haven’t gone to the dentist in a long time). In fact, it has a surprisingly pleasant aroma and you can see it taking effect after just one week, provided you use it daily. But you’ll need to avoid the likes of coffee, tea, curry and smoking during that time.

The verdict: Teeth whitening kits

Your dentist will advise you whether whitening is right for you. It may be that teeth whitening isn't suitable, for example if you have gum disease or crowns. Custom lightening trays: This is the type of kit that dentists are most likely to recommend, but you will need to work with them so they can mould your tray specifically for your teeth and show you how to apply the gel and tray at home. If you want to work with a professional and are prepared to spend a bit more, but can’t afford laser or LED treatment, this will get you the best results of all the kits listed here. If you decide to get your teeth whitened, during the procedure at your chosen dental clinic you can expect the following to occur:

The mere mention of teeth whitening can produce fear in man,y though, as they imagine cheap, ineffective treatments that do little more than increase sensitivity. The other side of it is exorbitantly expensive surgical treatments that only the likes of Simon Cowell can afford.LED gel kit: The LED teeth whitening light won’t make your teeth whiter, but it will accelerate the teeth whitening gel and make it more effective at breaking down tough stains. If you don’t have the custom-made tray created to your exact mouth shape, the LED light is good for reducing the amount of time the gel has to stay in your mouth.

Find out which dental treatments are available on the NHS How do I find out about getting my teeth whitened?Any dentist can whiten teeth as long as they're registered with the General Dental Council. Registered dental therapists and dental hygienists can also carry out teeth whitening on the prescription of a dentist. At the start of an in-clinic whitening treatment, your dentist will take a mould of your teeth, using either putty impressions or a 3D digital scanner. This mould will be used to create a set of custom plastic trays for your teeth, which will fit over your teeth perfectly. These will be given to you to use at home with specially prescribed tooth whitening gel. Teeth whitening by a dentist or other dental professional can generally only be done privately because it's considered to be a cosmetic treatment. Costs vary and laser whitening is more expensive than professional bleaching.