'Shellac for teeth' is the hot new way to get a celebrity smile
Instagram has a lot to answer for. We could just leave that there (whilst prising ourselves away from the cat memes/ex’s avocado brunch) but we’re specifically talking about being bombarded with perfect smiles, every.second.of.the.day. It’s enough to give you tooth dismay.
Once the reserve of the Hollywood elite, immaculate gnashers are now infiltrating our feeds on a daily basis and social media stars and reality stars alike are feeding in to our quest for perfect pearlies (Rapid White attributed their surge in sales this summer to the ‘Love Island’ effect).
But lusting after a dazzling smile isn’t anything new - we’re hard-wired to find straight, unblemished teeth attractive as it denotes greater fertility (gum disease negatively affects chances of conception) as well as a healthy diet. In fact, studies have shown that people with straight teeth are perceived to be more successful, more intelligent and more attractive.
No wonder teeth are big business. Because, let’s face it, anything to do with straighter, whiter teeth is big bucks. So we were pleased to hear that ‘bonding’ (touted as ‘shellac for your teeth’) is the cheaper, quicker solution to costly veneers which average around £600 per tooth or lengthy tooth-straightening programmes. And whilst getting whiter than white ivories is infinitely more affordable, whiteness on crooked teeth is a bit like putting lipstick on your spots.
Award-winning cosmetic dentist, Dr Rhona Eskander, gives us the low-down..
What’s the difference between veneers and bonding?
“Veneers are essentially facades for your teeth traditionally made from porcelain which cover the entire surface to disguise the colour, shape and positioning of your natural teeth. Bonding uses a different material (generally resin) and can either be used over the whole teeth (composite bonding) or more conservatively on the edges of the teeth to shape them or in between teeth to close gaps.”
What does teeth bonding involve?
“Your treatment should always start with a consult where your dentist will smile design the teeth. A dam is then placed in the mouth to isolate the teeth before they’re treated with a mild phosphoric acid and bond. The colours are mixed and the resin is shaped on the teeth before a special light is used to set the resin. The more skilled a dentist is the better as they can shape and add detailed anatomy.”
What are the advantages of dental bonding?
“There is minimal or no drilling involved unlike with veneers where the tooth needs to be chipped down first. As they can be done chair-side they are also a lot quicker and can be done the same day. They are more affordable than porcelain veneers with the benefit that they can be added to and repaired. Done in the right hands they can also have great aesthetic appeal.”
What are the disadvantages of teeth bonding?
“Resin is prone to chipping and staining but chips are easily repaired.”
Does bonding damage your teeth?
“No, but it’s also not entirely irreversible. Removing them is likely to involve some touching of the natural teeth even if it’s just a little.”
How long does tooth bonding last?
“Generally between two and five years but can be longer. It depends on your lifestyle such as whether you smoke, drink wine etc.”
Scroll down for the best teeth whitening kits...
Getty ImagesBest Whitening Toothpastes and Mouthwashes
The method: This off-the-counter option is a budget hero that delivers results over time, but most importantly cares for your dental hygiene. The way toothpastes and mouthwashes work to brighten your smile is by employing polishers and abrasives that will remove surface stains and lighten discolouration (like dark spots), combined with gentle chemical bleaching agents to whiten. The new Colgate Max White Expert Complete Whitening Toothpaste, also contains 'optic brighteners', which reflect blue light to make your teeth look instantly whiter. Kind of like how purple toning shampoo eliminates brassy tones and brightens blonde hair.
The results: Let us stress again: gentle chemical bleaching agents – otherwise you wouldn't be able to use them every day – so a toothpaste and a mouthwash will never get you a Hollywood-white smile. But they will help remove stains, giving the illusion of a whiter smile and keeping your mouth healthy. So it's a good idea to use these as continued treatments before and after other whitening methods.
Product suggestions: Listerine Advanced White, £5.60, Boots; Janina Ultrawhite Whitening Toothpaste, £11.50, Amazon, Colgate Max White Expert Complete Whitening £6, Amazon.
Getty ImagesBest Whitening Lights
The method: Using dentist technology, the blue spectrum light helps to activate whitening gel to accelerate the removal of stains, yellowing and discolouration.
The results: From just the first use, your teeth will apparently start appearing whiter.
Product suggestions: White Glo White Accelerator (Blue Light Technology), £14.99
Getty ImagesBest Whitening Strips
The method: Strips are the next step up from toothpaste, but can still easily be done at home. Strips are pre-coated in a gel that can contain hydrogen peroxide, and should be applied to dry teeth and left for up to an hour. Strips tend to have stronger whitening agents in them than toothpaste, and therefore should only be used every two weeks.
The results: While a whitening toothpaste will produce gradual results, strips have a more noticeable effect with a slight difference before and after use (especially the very first time you use them). When used in conjunction with a whitening toothpaste, you'll see the best results.
Product suggestions: Spotlight Teeth Whitening Strips, £40, Boots. Although only available in America, here's our review of the popular Crest strips.
Getty ImagesBest Professional Whitening
The method: Aaaaah the white glove treatment! Do you really think celebrities use at-home kits every night? No, no they don't. This is a one stop shop (at the dentists office) with a starting price of £500 - yes, you've read that right. Overall, in clinic treatments will always be more effective than at-home ones: "Because the level of whitening agents is greatly reduced in kits like strips and gels. In clinic treatments can be tailored to your needs; if one tooth is significantly darker than others this can be targeted and brought up to a same colour as the others" - says Tim Bradstock-Smith, from The London Smile Clinic. In other words, your smile will be worthy of its price tag.
The results: A-list worthy and what we like most about this one: it's instantaneous! You won't have to wait to see progress or continue with the treatment for weeks. You just have to walk in and walk out of the dentist's office, 30 minutes (to an hour) later.
Product suggestions: The London Smile Clinic's brilliant Philips Zoom Teeth Whitening treatment is £795 at The London Smile Clinic, Ground Floor East, 40-44 Clipstone Street, London W1W 5DW. Call 020 7255 2559 or visit www.londonsmile.co.uk for more information.
Getty ImagesBest Whitening Gels
The method: Now we're crossing into professional territory. Although you might have heard that 'a friend of friend' bought the gel syringes and did it all at home, we strongly advise you to pay a visit to the dentist before trying this method. Here's why: while the whitening strips get great results, the gels can really give you that super white smile. Simply because strips contain 1% to 10% of hydrogen peroxide (the main whitening agent on all these products), while the gels can go up to 35% - yep, quite impressive.
And because just applying the gel onto your teeth, may cause irritation to the gums and unwanted whiter spots, you should have a tray made specifically for you - an online-bought ill-fitting tray can cause the same problems. So visit your dentist, they'll be able to tailor make a tray for you and administrate the gel percentage you should be using.
The results: The closer you'll get to an A-list worthy smile without paying the price of a professional Hollywood whitening treatment at the dentist's office. The treatment is done overnight for about a week or two, and may cause sensitivity. Bonus points for the long-lasting results (we're talking years people, years!).
Product suggestions: It is a known fact that the best whitening gels are not sold wholesale, but you can find products online if you already have your tray and just want a top-up.
Getty ImagesBest Charcoal Teeth Whitening
The method: Charcoal is by far our favourite - and the most trendy - way of whitening teeth. DIY a whitening toothpaste by buying activated charcoal from your local health food store or pharmacy. As it is usually sold in tablets you can grind up one or two, and mix it with enough water to form a dense paste, which you will use to brush your teeth with for at least three minutes. Rinse and then brush your teeth normally with your usual toothpaste. You can also just buy ready-to-use charcoal formulas and toothpastes.
The results: Subtle, but definitely more visible than your regular whitening toothpaste & mouthwash. We love that the results are quick and organic.
Product suggestions: Polished London Charcoal Teeth Whitening Powder, £14.99, Amazon; Teeth Whitening Activated Charcoal Powder 100% Natural, £9.99, Pro Teeth Whitening Co; Ecodenta Extra Black Whitening Toothpaste with Black Charcoal & Teavigo, £4.99, Amazon; Procoal Activated Charcoal Teeth Whitening Powder, £9.99, Amazon
