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Whiter teeth – something most of us would love to have.
Alas, so many things get in the way. Coffee, tea, and red and white wine are all culprits. But so are curries, berries and tomato-based pasta. There isn’t anything on this list that we’re ditching anytime soon. This is why tooth whitening is an incredibly popular topic.
Professional treatments are extremely effective, but they can also be costly, time-consuming and painful.
Enter at-home teeth whitening. At its best, at-home teeth whitening fits easily into your routine. We’ve rounded up our favourites.
Smilie
Smilie, Teeth Whitening Kit
Developed by Australian dentist Dr. Daniel Tankard, Smilie is a medically-backed kit that delivers results.
Dr. Tankard developed Smilie, Teeth Whitening Kit ($99) with sensitive teeth in mind, and the formula combines desensitising and soothing ingredients found in professional treatments, along with 6% hydrogen peroxide.
What’s included? In the kit, you’ll find a dual light LED Device, three gel whitening pens and a fun shade guide to help you track your blinding-white-smile progress.
The kit provides 30 uses.
Oral-B
3D White Lux Advanced Seal Whitestrips
Don’t have time for a kit? While LED Kits deliver faster results, teeth whitening strips area an easy option. Oral B’s ‘3D White Lux Advanced Seal Whitestrips ($25) are this beauty writer’s favourites.
Be sure to purchase the Advanced Seal option.
These are rubbery, rather than thin plastic strips that stick to your teeth. You won’t find that distinctive hydrogen peroxide flavour dripping down the back of your throat.
Use once a day for 60 minutes and expect a brighter smile within two weeks.
White Glo
White Glo, Accelerator Teeth Whitening Kit
White Glo, Accelerator Teeth Whitening Kit ($35) promises eight shades lighter in one week.
The formula contains the brand’s proprietary gel, formulate with carbamide peroxide (which also contains 10% hydrogen peroxide) for a double whammy treatment.
What difference does carbamide peroxide offer?
Carbamide peroxide remains active longer than hydrogen peroxide. Think of it as a “slow release” tooth whitener.
Carbamide peroxide also has a slightly longer shelf life so if you… frequently forget your tooth whitening regime, this could be the product for you.
Oral-B
Oral-B, 3D White, Lasting White Enamel Strong Toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste can seem like the best bet when you’re looking to brighten your smile. After all, you’re unlikely to forget to brush your teeth.
However, just like overuse of skincare actives, it can cause paradoxical results — anyone whose broken out from their “anti-acne” skincare regime knows the pain! The same thing can happen with overzealous teeth whitening.
Why? Our enamel is one of the biggest factors that contribute to the whiteness of our teeth. Thick enamel prevents teeth from absorbing the colours in food and beverages — thin enamel lets them in. Some people are born with thicker enamel than others, but strengthening your enamel should be top priority when whitening your teeth.
Oral-B have taken this into consideration with their new toothpaste.
The Oral B, 3D White Lasting Enamel Strong Toothpaste ($9) is designed to remineralise weakened enamel while providing 24-hour stain resistance. It stops stains before they start, while boosting enamel protection. Love.
MECCA
Gem, Whitening Pen
If you’re looking for a more natural option, Gem, Whitening Pen ($20) could be your best bet.
With a close to five star rating on the MECCA website, this pen is formulated with food-grade hydrogen peroxide and natural ingredients like coconut and mint to provide gentle brightening.
Apply, leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse.
Hismile PAP+ Teeth Whitening Kit
This best-selling kit requires only 10 minutes and two uses for whiter teeth.
The Hismile, PAP+ Teeth Whitening Kit, ($149) comes with six treatments, placing it at the pricier end of the teeth whitening spectrum. However, it works faster than most kits out and is clinically proven, making it incredible popular.
Hi-Smile also uses a peroxide-free formula. Instead they use PAP, a gum and enamel safe active, along with nHAp and potassium citrate.
Perfect for a whiter smile, on a crunch.
Sensodyne, Pronamel Toothpaste
As mentioned, your enamel is key when it comes to stain prevention.
If you’re using any of the “active” treatments above and are experiencing tooth or gum sensitivity, a whitening agent free, enamel-strengthening toothpaste is your best insurance against sensitivity and enamel damage.
Sensodyne, Pronamel Toothpaste ($9) is a fluoride-rich toothpaste protects and strengthens your teeth and counteracts the wear and tear caused by acidic foods (from fruit, to wine and coffee).
