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. 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. 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. Find out which dental treatments are available on the NHS How do I find out about getting my teeth whitened?

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? 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. 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.

The best teeth whitening kits for 2023 are:

If you are not happy with the results, speak to the dental professional who carried out your treatment to ask for advice. 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. 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. 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." 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. 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: 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?

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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? 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?