My commitment to sparkling white teeth is so great that on a recent photo shoot the photographer had to yellow my teeth in post-processing. Really.
Why am I obsessed? Because of all the beautification projects I’ve done, getting my teeth cleaned has been the greatest satisfaction in the long run.
While most tweaks come with a downside, which is looking a bit spooky, enhancing your grin is an all-natural way to look prettier, younger, and healthier. (As long as you don’t opt for the Katie Price-style “turkey teeth” veneers.)
If you need more convincing, a new Hismile study found that 63 percent of us say a smile is the first thing we notice when we meet someone.
Many people shy away from improving their smile because of cost, time, or fear of going to the dentist. However, advances in this category mean there is a range of products and techniques to suit every budget and skill level.
Many people shy away from improving their smile because of cost, time, or fear of going to the dentist
For my smile? Over a decade ago I had seen Dr. Asif Chatoo at the London Lingual Orthodontic Clinic (londonlingualbraces.com) a lingual brace (where the brace is attached to the inside of the teeth).
To keep them white (like I said, I like them just on the right side of the glare) I have splints made from an impression of my teeth and then use them in conjunction with a hydrogen peroxide solution (the Philips Zoom system) about every year . ).
I also ask my dental hygienist for high pressure cleaning (see below right) during appointments. Interested? Here are the innovations you need to know about…
Instant whitening toothpaste
Hismile V34 Color Corrector Serum (see below) is a bright purple product that evens out yellow undertones. It’s a little tricky, but provides a temporary effect that lasts for a few hours.
Brightener for the home
The Colgate Max White Ultimate LED Whitening Kit (£100, amazon.co.uk) includes a whitening pen with a smartphone-powered LED whitening light.
whitening gel
Spotlight Oral Care Teeth Whitening Accelerator Gel (£29.95, uk.spotlightoralcare.com) contains the new whitening ingredient PAP, which has a whitening effect on teeth.
Invisible braces
Invisalign (from around £2,000, invisalign.co.uk), which uses a series of clear molds to slowly move teeth, is a credible alternative to traditional braces. My teenage daughter’s smile was fixed at parklaneorthodontics.co.uk without enduring a mouthful of metal.
tooth contouring
If braces are too time-consuming or expensive for you, consider this technique, which costs from £495. dentist dr Sahil Patel of the Marylebone Smile Clinic explains that the treatment involves reshaping your teeth (through careful grinding) to give them a more symmetrical appearance. It is important that you go to a trusted dentist as this is irreversible. The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (bacd.com) is a good place to start your research.
high pressure cleaning
Only a limited amount can be removed with conventional scale and polish. That’s why dental hygienists are now offering high-pressure air cleaning (often called airflow or air-polishing) to remove coffee, tea, and cigarette stains.
My pearl perfecter set
Parla Mouthwash Tabs, From £6.95, parlatoothpastetabs.com
Parla Mouthwash Tabs, From £6.95, parlatoothpastetabs.com
Waken Sonic Toothbrush, £39, wakencare.com
Waken Sonic Toothbrush, £39, wakencare.com
Dr Uchenna My Smile Whitening Pen, £23.99, druchennasmysmile.com
Hismile V34 Color Corrector Serum, £18.99, superdrug.com
Dr Uchenna My Smile Whitening Pen, £23.99, druchennasmysmile.com
Gem Breath Spray Crisp Mint, £8, boots.com
“I honestly think I missed the facelift. The old-fashioned good you have when you’re 44. Sarah Jessica Parker, 58
Keep the holiday shine
Sun-kissed skin Westman Atelier Liquid Super Loaded Illuminator, £53, cultbeauty.co.uk. Use as a highlighter or mix with your base for a grown-up glow
Westman Atelier Liquid Super Loaded Illuminator, £53, cultbeauty.co.uk. Use as a highlighter or mix with your base for a grown-up glow
Lip Balms 3 Ina The Color Lip Glow, £16, superdrug.com. An ultra-hydrating balm/lipstick that delivers a luscious hint of pure color
3 Ina The Color Lip Glow, £16, superdrug.com. An ultra-hydrating balm/lipstick that delivers a luscious hint of pure color
Fresh Face Elemis Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator, £55, uk.elemis.com. This deliciously scented scrub combines eco-friendly cellulose beads with elderberry oils to give skin a radiance of the highest order.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator, £55, uk.elemis.com. This deliciously scented scrub combines eco-friendly cellulose beads with elderberry oils to give skin a radiance of the highest order
Under £10
Stick-on nails might sound like teenage territory, but my chic girlfriend swears by them for getting a decent-looking mani in minutes. £3.75, Holygrailnail.co.uk
Stick-on nails might sound like teenage territory, but my chic girlfriend swears by them for getting a decent-looking mani in minutes. £3.75, Holygrailnail.co.uk