From whitening toothpaste to in-office treatments, here is an honest look at how each option works, what results to expect, and how to keep your teeth comfortable.
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Why teeth change colour
Teeth darken for two main reasons. Surface stains come from coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco, and sit on the outer enamel. Deeper discolouration comes from inside the tooth, through ageing, some medicines, injury or too much fluoride in childhood. Whitening works best on the first kind and less predictably on the second.
Your options compared
- Whitening toothpaste. Removes surface stains with mild polishing agents. It can brighten teeth slightly but will not change their natural shade.
- Over-the-counter strips and gels. Contain a low-strength bleaching agent. Results are gradual and depend on how well the strip fits.
- Dentist-supplied home trays. Custom-made trays and a professional gel worn for a set time each day, usually over two to three weeks. Often the best balance of results, comfort and cost.
- In-office whitening. A stronger gel applied by your dentist in one visit, with the gums protected. The quickest option, and usually the most expensive.
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