We Brits have not always had a reputation for sparkling gnashers, but that’s all changed in recent years.
Call it the Zoom effect of being faced with ourselves on endless video calls, but teeth whitening has become a far more pressing concern for many, and the effect goes far beyond the aesthetic. The confidence boost that a perfect smile brings is unrivalled. Yet, in order to achieve this, you need not spend a fortune.
Dr Manrina Rhode, 2022 Dentist of the Year, explains, “It’s more acceptable to want white teeth in the UK now. We tend to follow American cosmetic trends and they have been on the white teeth trend for around 20 years. We don’t necessarily want our teeth super white, but as a population, we are seeing the benefit of a lighter, brighter smile”.
While the most effective method to create that flash-your-gums-worthy look is visiting your dentist for a professional treatment, there are at-home alternatives that are worth noting. Hydrogen peroxide is the star-whitening ingredient and it’s important to understand the difference in quantities of the component. Dr Rhode explains, “In the UK, we are only legally allowed to sell 0.1 per cent hydrogen peroxide products over the counter or online”, whereas in surgeries, “We can go as high as six per cent”. The same rules don’t apply in the USA, which is why you’ll be able to find teeth-whitening solutions with percentages as high as nine.
Over-the-counter options like teeth whitening strips can still get you well on your way to a dazzling smile if you’ve not got the £400+ to get your teeth professionally whitened. It works in much of the same way as you would bleach a stained item of clothing. You apply the strips directly onto the teeth (not the gums), wait for the determined amount of time and not longer as this can cause tooth sensitivity. There are also options free of peroxide, opting instead for natural ingredients that may be kinder on the enamel.
Dr Rhode stresses that teeth whitening strips may not always be the most effective as “some only whiten the front six teeth rather the 10 we like to whiten that show when you smile”, and to ensure optimal safety, consult your dentist in the first instance. “You could see some minimal improvement”, but the concentration of the bleaching ingredient is too low for a transformative effect.
In terms of longevity, the leading professional believes that “Your teeth will probably never go back to their original colour”. She adds, “They will fade with time and the rate will depend on lifestyle e.g. if you’re a tea, coffee or red wine drinker or a smoker”.
For results at home, see below for the best teeth-whitening strips.
MySweetSmile Teeth Whitening Strips
Best for: a confidence boost
Whether you’re an avid coffee drinker who has noticed discolouration or have naturally yellow teeth, you may be looking to do something about it to bring confidence to your smile. This doesn’t have to cause you pain, far from it, in fact. Brands like MySweetSmile have created brightening solutions free from sensitives.
The label removes any harsh ingredients from the whitening process with these strips that require just 30 minutes out of your day to get the pearly white results that you’re looking for. While remaining kind on the enamel and free from peroxide, they are infused with a PAP formula to lift stains. Use the number of strips provided as a 14-day treatment or for top-ups when you need it.
Buy now £19.99, Amazon
PAP+ Whitening Strips
The dentist-backed PAP+ Whitening Strips promise no gum irritation and no tooth sensitivity. They certainly delivered on this part, as post-application there was absolutely no tooth sensitivity or sensory hint of damage. Granted, teeth whitening strips don’t have the best rep when it comes to damaging your enamel, but these strips were no problem to use day after day, with zero negative side effects. They didn’t have a strong taste or require a subsequent brush to rid any excess product, which often occurs when using charcoal strips that blacken your gums.
Upon application, my teeth immediately appeared whiter through the transparent strips. Yet, after 30 minutes of seamless tooth whitening, I removed the strips to find that not much had changed at all.
I repeated this process multiple times throughout the week, using the seven strips provided in the kit. Slowly (very slowly) but somewhat surely, the strips began to lift some discolouration - but it wasn’t nearly as drastic as what the brand’s social media portrays, which left me slightly disappointed.
Now, to ensure this is a fair test, it’s important to note that during my time experimenting with Hismile, I still consumed copious amounts of tea and coffee, which are known for staining teeth. So while this may have hindered results, I was still hoping for a more effective outcome.
Buy now £12.80, HiSmile
Spotlight Oral Care Teeth Whitening Strips
Giving you the teeth whitening package, this set from Spotlight Oral Care has both the strips as well as a daily toothpaste that works in tandem to remove stains and leave you with a dazzling smile. The brand was created by dentists with hydrogen peroxide at the heart of this product to provide a light whitening process that breaks down stains without causing sensitivity or damaging the enamel. Use for an hour for 14 days.
Buy now £29.93, Amazon
Smile Science Professional Teeth Whitening Strips
Smile Science created these teeth whitening strips to be the next best thing to a professional treatment, and at a much more purse-friendly price tag. Consistency is key here and you should see results if you adhere to the 14-day process. These are good for the lighter stains and easy to use compared to other whitening methods that require a moulded tray.
Buy now £16.99, Amazon
Waving Palms Teeth whitening Strips
With over 400 five-star reviews, this is a peroxide-free option that is made to be kinder on the teeth if you have sensitivities. The mild formula ensures that any gum or enamel is protected, all while removing stains caused by the likes of coffee or wine. They also have a minty taste so the application is a relatively pleasant process. Apply for 30 minutes and results in one week.
Buy now £9.80, Amazon
Wisdom Intense White Teeth Whitening Strips 7 Days
If you’re not willing to give up your daily cuppa but you still want a light, bright smile, these strips may just be the answer. Use them before bed so that they aren’t followed by any potential staining factors to get the best results. These aren’t the most immediately visible whitening agents but will help to counteract discolouration.
Buy now £18.21, Amazon
Glo32 Teeth Whitening Strips x28
This brand takes a different approach to its teeth whitening process. Instead of the usual hydrogen peroxide, it formulates its strips with coconut oil in order to give you the smile of your dreams no matter your level of sensitivity. Considering the forgoing of potentially harsh chemicals, the results are impressive, especially as it’s easy to keep them on for the allotted 30 minutes.
Buy now £20.00, Boots
Crest Glamorous White 3D LUXE White Strips
Best for: transformational results
While many teeth whitening strips are created to lift just surface-level stains, these strips go deeper to get at those set-in stains - all while protecting the enamel. These strips are a favourite from Crest and provide a comfortable and effective brightening and lightening experience.
Buy now £16.99, Amazon
Rapid White 5 Minute Dissolving Tooth Whitening Strips
Best for: five minute treatment
Teeth whitening strips have got smart over at Rapid White with an innovative formula where the strips actually dissolve to ensure the optimal treatment that is safe and controlled.
As you’d expect, these strips are super thin and almost transparent in appearance. They don’t contain peroxide or leave gloopy gel remnants, all while sticking well to the teeth, removing stains and freshening your breath with the minty taste.
Buy now £25.00, Boots
Billion Dollar Teeth Whitening Strips
Best for: Tinseltown-worthy teeth
Contrary to what the name suggests, a billion-dollar smile need not cost you an arm and a leg. This brand has got you covered with a Hollywood-worthy set of pearly whites that is actually a pleasant experience. This is mostly down to the fact that the strips have a subtle mint flavouring and only need to be worn for 15-30 minutes to still work effectively.
They don’t include peroxide in the formula but still give immediate results, leaving your teeth significantly whiter especially when used daily for two weeks.
Buy now £23.99, Amazon
