Why whiten your teeth? Benefits and options

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^{This article is intended for information purposes only and does not constitute or replace advice from a medical professional.}

Maybe you've always wanted a beautiful white smile, or your teeth have become yellow over time. Or maybe you're just not happy with staining caused by drinking coffee, tea or cola. Whatever your reason for wanting whiter teeth, you're not alone. Just as we all have different hair and skin colour, people also have different tooth colour. Some teeth are more yellow than others, while others may become more yellow with ageing. Read on to find out more about the benefits of teeth whitening and professional teeth whitening vs at-home teeth whitening. We’ll also answer common questions, including “how much does teeth whitening cost?” and “is teeth whitening safe?”

Benefits of teeth whitening

Teeth whitening is a dental procedure that can make your smile brighter and whiter by removing extrinsic and intrinsic stains – this means stains that are both above and below your tooth enamel. It’s one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments, and there are many reasons it’s so in demand! Here are some of the benefits of teeth whitening:

It enhances your smile – Your teeth can become discoloured over time because of the foods you eat and the things you drink. Coffee, tea, red wine and fizzy drinks can all have a negative impact on your teeth over the years, resulting in teeth that are yellow or stained. Teeth whitening can help to restore the natural colour of your smile, or make it even brighter!
It’s affordable – Depending on which kind of treatment you choose, teeth whitening can be very affordable. There are lots of at-home teeth whitening products to choose from, or you can pay a bit more and get a professional teeth whitening treatment at the dentist.
It’s safe and effective – Many people wonder, “Is teeth whitening safe?”. As long as you get a treatment through your dentist or follow the instructions on an at-home teeth whitening product, it's a perfectly safe way to get a more dazzling smile.
It can give you long-lasting results – If you look after your teeth, you may be able to keep your teeth whitening results for up to two years! This is more likely if you brush your teeth twice a day with a teeth whitening toothpaste and avoid foods and drinks that are known to cause stains.
It can boost your confidence – Who wouldn’t feel more confident with a bright white smile? Teeth whitening can help restore your confidence and make you smile more often!

What causes tooth discolouration?

Surface stains and discolouration under your tooth enamel can be caused by:

Dark coloured food and drinks that stain the surface of your teeth over time, like tea, coffee, red wine and berries.
Smoking and other tobacco products.
Poor oral hygiene.
Too much fluoride.
Ageing and genetics.
Trauma from an injury can cause discolouration.
Dental treatments, for example, if your dentist uses a metal filling, you may notice some discolouration on the surface of your tooth.
Some medications or medical conditions.

Professional teeth whitening options

Professional teeth whitening tends to offer faster and better results, plus you’re in the safe hands of your dentist. Most professional teeth whitening treatments use the active ingredients hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to penetrate your tooth enamel and gently lift stains, leaving them looking brighter and whiter. Here are some teeth whitening options available at the dentist.

In-office laser teeth whitening

In-office laser teeth whitening is the most effective method, delivering great results in the shortest time; however, it’s also the most expensive teeth whitening option. Your dentist will protect your gums and apply the whitening gel to your teeth before using an LED light or laser to accelerate the process. Laser teeth whitening typically lasts around 60 minutes, and you should notice a noticeable difference after just one session.

Custom professional teeth whitening kit

Another popular professional teeth whitening treatment is to have your dentist take impressions of your teeth to make custom-fit trays. You can then take the trays home, along with whitening gel, and use them a few times a week until you achieve your desired result. The whitening gel provided by a dentist is stronger than any product available over the counter, so this method is effective; however, it takes longer to see results compared to using laser teeth whitening.

At-home teeth whitening options

Alternatively, you may want to try at-home teeth whitening to brighten your smile. In the UK, over-the-counter teeth whitening products can only legally contain 0.1% hydrogen peroxide (compared to around 6% in whitening gel from your dentist); however, they can still be effective, especially for keeping recently whitened teeth looking bright. Here are some at-home teeth whitening options.

LED teeth whitening kit

LED whitening kits mimic laser teeth whitening at the dentist and are easy to use at home. When using our Colgate Max White LED Kit, use the teeth whitening pen to apply the solution to your teeth, then place the mouthpiece in your mouth, gently bite down and turn on the LED light. After 10 minutes, remove the LED and rinse your mouth thoroughly.

Teeth whitening pen

You can also whiten your teeth while you sleep with our Colgate Max White Teeth Whitening Pen. Use the precision brush to paint the serum onto the surface of your teeth, making sure to avoid your gums. Allow the serum to dry into an invisible film and leave it to work overnight while you sleep, then wake up with a brighter smile!

Whitening toothpaste and mouthwash

Using a whitening toothpaste and mouthwash every day is an easy way to keep your smile looking clean and bright and prevent surface stains from setting in. Colgate Max White Ultimate Radiance is our most advanced whitening toothpaste that deeply whitens for 10x whiter teeth in just 3 days*. Use it in combination with our Max White Expert Whitening Mouthwash for optimal results.

How to choose the right whitening method

Choosing the right whitening method depends on several factors like affordability, time and lifestyle. Your dentist will be able to tell you if you’re a good candidate for professional teeth whitening or if there are reasons it may not be suitable for you. For example, if you want a brilliant white Hollywood smile, veneers may be a better option for you. It’s worth remembering that whitening only works on natural teeth, so if you already have bonding, fillings or crowns, these will remain the same colour. Your teeth and gums will also need to be healthy with no tooth decay or gum disease.

How to keep teeth white

We know that a bright white smile is your goal, so the first thing to consider is proper dental hygiene. It’s useful to understand what to avoid after teeth whitening, so here are some tips for keeping your smile white:

Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day to prevent plaque buildup and surface stains.
Use a whitening toothpaste a few days after your treatment.
Avoid foods and drinks that are known to stain your teeth, this includes things like tea, coffee, red wine and curry sauce. This is especially important in the first 24-48 hours after a teeth whitening treatment.
Drink water or rinse your mouth with mouthwash after eating. This helps to remove residue from the surface of your teeth that can cause stains.
Use a straw when drinking anything that isn’t water to avoid liquids from coming into contact with your teeth.
Avoid smoking or using other tobacco products.
Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleaning from a dental hygienist.

Is teeth whitening safe?

Teeth whitening is a very popular treatment, and it’s safe as long as it’s carried out by a professional dentist. At-home teeth whitening products are also safe, as long as you follow the directions on the packaging and don’t whiten for too long or too often. However, even when done correctly, teeth whitening can cause temporary sensitivity, and there is also a risk of getting the product on your gums, which can burn or cause irritation.

FAQs

Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about the benefits of teeth whitening:

Teeth whitening prices at a UK dentist will vary depending on where your dentist is based and whether you choose a professional teeth whitening treatment or an at-home teeth whitening kit. In the UK, teeth whitening may cost anything between £350-£1000. Speak to your dentist to learn what treatments are available near you.

Yes, teeth whitening strips can whiten your teeth. They contain hydrogen peroxide and are quick and easy to use. Simply dry any excess saliva from your teeth and place the adhesive strips over the surface, taking care to avoid your gums. Wear the strips for the instructed time (usually 30 minutes), then peel off and wipe any residue from your teeth.

The benefits of teeth whitening are, it’s safe and effective, it can help boost your confidence, and there are lots of options to choose from. The cons are linked to misuse or overuse of products. If you whiten your teeth too often, you can damage your tooth enamel or gums, leaving you with sensitivity or discomfort.