Your teeth whitening guide

We all covet a bright Hollywood smile, and for good reason. It’s one of the first things people notice about you. And like your hands, your pearly whites can be a key indicator of ageing: a study conducted by Oral-B found that whiter teeth can make you look up to five years younger, and “people photographed smiling with healthy and aesthetically pleasing teeth were rated higher in attractiveness, social and professional categories”, says Oral-B expert and dentist Dr Christopher Ho.

Showcase a winning smile with these top teeth whitening products.

Teeth whitening trick: one minute

For a brighter beam in seconds, brush with the Colgate Optic White Toothbrush + Built-In Whitening Pen. Polishing bristles and stain removers prep teeth for the gel, which contains the same whitening ingredient used by dentists. The result? A whiter smile in just two days – perfect for last-minute soirees and tooth touch-ups.

Teeth whitening trick: 10 minutes

Four shades lighter teeth in 10 minutes—sans pain? Sounds impressive. Fortunately, the Phillips Zoom! QuickPro lives up to its claims. A 20 per cent hydrogen peroxide formula is applied in the dentist’s chair, then you’re sent home with instructions to brush it off after 30 minutes. There’s no blue light necessary. Brush off the solution and you’re left with a noticeably brighter smile without sensitivity.

Teeth whitening trick: 30 minutes

One for latté lovers: Oral-B 3D White Whitestrips promise to remove up to 10 years of stains in 14 days. The thin, flexible strips are coated with hydrogen peroxide (the gold standard of whitening agents) and mould to teeth for optimum absorption. Use twice daily for best results.

Teeth whitening trick: 60 minutes

Whether you have a special occasion or want a dramatic result, Philips Zoom! Teeth Whitening is a professional in-chair procedure that brightens teeth by up to eight shades. A whitening agent is applied, then a LED light accelerates the lightening process in four 15-minute sessions. One caveat: it can be painful, so those who suffer from sensitivity should pack the paracetamol.

Main image credit: Getty