There are three main ways of getting a whiter smile
Surgery based otherwise known as laser or power whitening
Here, more concentrated gels are applied directly to your teeth and accelerated with heat or light (laser/power). The latest system from USA is called ZAP. It involves placing the gel on your teeth and activating it with an LED light. A 45-minute appointment is needed with the results guaranteed. About £500
Tray based
A peroxide gel is placed in a custom made thin transparent guard which is worn for up to one-hour for 7-10 sessions. Your upper and lower teeth can be treated together or on separate nights. About £250
Whitening strips - Smilestrips
Low cost and simple to use. See a result in just 3 days. Use once a day for 30 minutes for up to 14 days. ONLY available legally in the UK via your dentist. Contains 6% hydrogen peroxide and require an investment of only £45.
See www.smilestrips.co.uk for more details.
Whitening Tooth Paste
There is no evidence that whitening toothpastes can actually whiten your teeth. Some of those bought abroad, can actually harm your teeth as they contain acids/abrasives that can cause permanent damage. However, seek advice from your dentist about the safer toothpastes, which can help stains from forming. We advise their use after you have had your teeth whitened.
Be careful the higher the concentration of the gel the more likely your teeth are sensitive after. Studies showed after 2 weeks no matter which system you used the end result is the same.