Whether we are American television stars are not, most of us would admit that we’d like whiter teeth. Brilliant white teeth don’t tend to come naturally and in fact most of us have teeth of varying colour.

Even the whitest of teeth can become dull over the years through staining from red wine, tea, coffee and smoking so getting them whitened can make a noticeable difference to your smile.

How it works: there are two main ways to whiten teeth, both involving the use of hydrogen peroxide. One system can be carried out at home, the other in the surgery and the choice is really of matter of time and patience.

FAQs

Q: How long does it last?
A: 2-3 years depending on your lifestyle, but whitening can be repeated.

Q: Will it damage my teeth?
A: Not at all.

Q: Are sensitive teeth a problem?
A: Some sensitivity is normal but it is best to chat to the dentist about this.

Q: Will my crowns and fillings whiten too?
A: Unfortunately not. Your crowns and veneers may need to be changed to match the new shade of your natural teeth.