What Is The Best Way To Whiten Teeth?

There are so many teeth whitening options on the market that it’s hard to know which is the most effective. Whether it’s by visiting a dental clinic near you or with an at-home kit, the choices are endless. Read on to learn about the different teeth whitening services you can choose from to achieve a brighter smile. Skip to:
- In-clinic teeth whitening with a dental professional
- At-home teeth whitening kit
- Teeth whitening pens & teeth whitening strips
- Teeth whitening toothpaste
- Natural teeth whitening ingredients
- What is the best way to whiten teeth?
- How do you get white teeth quickly?
In-clinic teeth whitening with a dental professional
When discussing teeth whitening, the best method is commonly thought to be in-clinic treatments, thanks to their speedy, long-lasting results. The process includes painting your teeth with a high-grade bleaching gel and activating it with a special light or laser for an instantly whiter smile. It is important that you choose a qualified administrator who is legally able to carry out the procedure to not only ensure your safety, but also maximise your results. Prices can vary from £300 to £1000 in the UK.
At-home teeth whitening kit
For those looking to refresh the colour of their teeth from the comfort of home, whitening kits are the perfect option. Our kit utilises a potent 16% concentration of carbamide peroxide and SuperFit™ trays to provide effective whitening that offers a gleaming smile in as little as 72 hours. Costing £395 with Yorkshire Dental Suite, at-home whitening kits are generally more cost-effective than in-clinic procedures; but, they rely heavily on the patient’s skill and commitment to the treatment. These are factors to take into consideration.
Teeth whitening pens & teeth whitening strips
Let’s start with teeth whitening pens. These special pens are a great choice for those looking to refresh their smile in a quick and convenient way. Equipped with a brush-like tip, users are able to disguise daily stains by painting the whitening ingredients onto the desired teeth. What about teeth whitening strips? Are they a good whitening technique? These thin, sticky pieces of plastic are coated in a gel which, when applied to the teeth, helps to whiten the enamel and lift stains. This is thanks to the whitening agents blended into the gel. Seeing results with this technique depends on the existing condition of your smile, and how much discolouration you have. Teeth whitening pens and strips are often heralded for their ability to deliver rapid results on the go. However, their longevity needs to be called into question, especially when compared to laser-activated treatments and at-home kits. It is also important to do your research on which product you buy in order to avoid abrasive, enamel-harming ingredients such as chlorine dioxide.
Teeth whitening toothpaste
Teeth whitening toothpastes are an extremely popular product. Each formula typically uses some sort of abrasive ingredient (like silica) to polish the teeth while you brush. This polishing action is believed to help lift surface stains caused by things such as tea, coffee and tobacco. So, is it a form of teeth whitening that actually works? It may make your smile appear brighter over time, but the transformation will be very minimal. We advise using this type of product alongside other teeth whitening methods to complement their effects.
Natural teeth whitening ingredients
Natural teeth whitening ingredients are used as an alternative to, or in combination with, professional and over-the-counter treatments. These ingredients are often found in your cupboard at home – think charcoal, turmeric, bicarbonate of soda or even banana peels. Before you start digging through your cupboards, it is important to note that research exploring the whitening effects of such ingredients are very limited. Additionally, some ingredients often do more harm than good; for example, extremely acidic foods like lemon juice can cause enamel erosion and sensitivity. Please proceed with caution if you decide to attempt DIY teeth whitening.
What is the best way to whiten teeth?
We have ranked the aforementioned methods by their price, general availability, effectiveness and safety to help you identify what the best teeth whitener is. For this data, 10 is the best option and 1 is the worst.
Low CostAvailabilityEffectivenessSafety
In-clinic
4/10
4/10
10/10
10/10
At-home kit
8/10
7/10
8/10
6/10
Pens
8/10
9/10
6/10
5/10
Strips
8/10
9/10
5/10
5/10
Toothpaste
10/10
10/10
2/10
10/10
Natural*
9/10
10/10
1/10
4/10
*Ingredient dependent
How do you get white teeth quickly?
How to whiten my teeth quickly is a common query. Alongside certain dental procedures, there are changes you are able to make to your everyday routine to visibly minimise yellowness and discolouration.
- Have a great oral hygiene routine: This is one of the best ways you are able to keep your smile looking fresh and feeling clean. The experts at Yorkshire Dental Suite recommend brushing your teeth with a high-quality toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Do not forget to floss!
- Schedule bi-annual appointments with your hygienist: Deep cleaning treatments like GBT (Guided Biofilm Therapy) effectively removes plaque, tartar, bacteria and surface stains. Many notice that their smile looks immediately brighter after their appointment.
- Consider making changes to your diet: What we eat and drink makes a big impact on the appearance of your smile. If you are able, try to limit your intake of staining foods and drinks such as tea, coffee, red wine, berries and tomato-based sauces.
- Quit smoking and vaping: The nicotine and tar found in both cigarettes and vapes is recognised to discolour your teeth at a rapid rate, while posing several risks to your health. These habits can make your teeth look yellow, brown or even black.
If you want fast or even instant results, teeth whitening kits and in-office treatments are your best options. Consult with your dentist to identify which is the most suitable choice. Conclusion: Looking for the best teeth whitening? UK patients are able to rejuvenate their smile with a variety of dental treatments, including Yorkshire Dental Suite’s pioneering teeth whitening kit. Enquire today to kickstart your journey to a more confident smile!