Active ingredients: For optimal teeth whitening results at home, "look for the active lightening ingredients hydrogen or carbamide peroxide," advises Sharon Huang, D.D.S., MICOI, a cosmetic dentist and founder of Les Belles NYC in New York City. Note that although hydrogen peroxide produces excellent whitening effects, it can sometimes result in temporary tooth sensitivity, Dr. Gonchar says.

You can also buy DIY home teeth whitening kits but these may also carry risks. What happens during teeth whitening?Don't be afraid to ask simple questions about the types of whitening treatment available, what results you can expect and how long they are likely to last. 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. If you are not happy with the results, speak to the dental professional who carried out your treatment to ask for advice. Teeth whitening carried out in beauty salons by untrained staff or staff without dental qualifications puts your oral health at risk and is also illegal. Will I pay for teeth whitening privately? Only go to a registered dental professional for teeth whitening because whitening by people who aren't qualified, for example in beauty salons, is illegal.

You may also want to ask them whether there are any risks involved – for example, increasing the sensitivity of your teeth. Home kits also carry risks. Talk to your dentist first, before using a home kit. What are the risks of home kits and salon teeth whitening? Sensitivity-friendly ingredients: If you have sensitive teeth, "carbamide peroxide is less sensitizing than hydrogen peroxide because it takes more time for the whitening action to occur," Dr. Huang explains. For extremely sensitive teeth, there are also products that don’t contain peroxide, and instead are made with ingredients like aloe vera and coconut oil, which have natural whitening effects that pull stains from the teeth, she says. "They're not as effective as peroxide, but are a good natural option that’s gentler on the teeth," Dr. Huang notes. 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? There are four main types of at-home teeth whitenining products: whitening strips and trays, LED light devices, pens or gels and toothpastes. "The effectiveness of at-home teeth whitening products can vary from person to person, and what works best for one individual may not yield the same results for another," Dr. Katz notes. Here's a guide to what differentiates each of the options and how they function so you can choose the right form for you, according to the dental experts:What you eat and drink and whether you smoke also contribute to the longevity of teeth whitening effects. "If you’re meticulous at avoiding anything that will stain teeth and upkeep with whitening touch-up products, results will last longer," she explains. "Some of the most teeth-staining foods and drinks are tea (which actually stains more than coffee!), tobacco and red wine, then dark foods and juices like turmeric, beets, curry and blueberries." Teeth whitening isn't permanent. It can last from a few months to up to 3 years – it varies from person to person. 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.

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." The whitening effect won't last as long if you smoke or drink red wine, tea or coffee, which can all stain your teeth. Will teeth whitening work on false teeth? It depends on whether you go pro and your lifestyle habits. "Professional whitening will provide results that last longer — people usually get touch-ups every six months to a year," Dr. Huang says, but "with at-home products like teeth whitening strips, you may need a touch-up every month to take the superficial stains off and keep teeth white over time."

Miles of Smiles

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 doesn't work on dentures, crowns, fillings or veneers. What are the risks of teeth whitening? verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ Whitening pens or gels: These formulas contain the active teeth lightening ingredient hydrogen peroxide in a pen or gel form that you glide over your teeth to whiten them. Some are left on teeth (even created to be left on overnight), while others are meant to be rinsed off. Because the ingredients can be diluted or washed away in your mouth over time, the whitening results are generally more moderate. More and more people are paying for brighter, whiter teeth. But does teeth whitening work and is it safe? Here are the answers to common questions about the treatment. What is teeth whitening?

The dentist will take an impression of your teeth to make a mouthguard and tell you how to use it with a bleaching gel. Then, using your mouthguard at home, you regularly apply the gel for a specified period of time over a few weeks. Some whitening gels can be left on for up to 8 hours at a time, which can shorten the treatment period. Laser whitening, also known as power whitening, is another type of teeth whitening system that a dentist can provide. A bleaching product is painted onto your teeth and then a light or laser is shone on them to activate the whitening. Laser whitening takes about an hour. Can any dentist whiten teeth? 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. 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-home teeth whitening kits are a more accessible alternative to professional whitening treatments, which can deliver instant and more dramatic results but at a higher price. DIY teeth whiteners can include whitening strips, trays, gels, pens, toothpastes, mouthwashes and LED lights as accelerators, which can provide noticeable effects both immediately and with use over time. "They use various chemical or abrasive agents to lighten or remove stains on your teeth to make them appear whiter," explains Marina Gonchar, DMD, orthodontist and owner of Skin to Smile in Morristown, New Jersey. Find out which dental treatments are available on the NHS How do I find out about getting my teeth whitened?