In recent years, I had noticed myself becoming increasingly insecure about my teeth. I knew after watching my poor sister’s toes curl in the dentist’s chair on multiple occasions that I was lucky that I’d never needed braces or fillings but I’d never had sparkling white teeth. The truth is that few people do because real life isn’t like Instagram, especially if, like me, you’re a red wine and black coffee fan.
It’s completely possible that social media, or perhaps more accurately, the fact that a lot of people I met were having their teeth whitened, had influenced my slow burning insecurity but, nonetheless, I wanted to take action. I tried whitening tooth pastes and at home kits from Amazon but nothing quite cut it.
Professional laser teeth whitening is pricey. I wondered whether it was worth it, could it stop me cringing when I saw myself smiling in photos or trying to use my lips to cover my teeth in meetings?
How Does Laser Teeth Whitening Work?
I was lucky enough to go and see Harley Street dentistDr Richard Marques aka ‘The King of Smiles’. On my first visit, he took an impression of my teeth using what felt like cold strawberry flavoured clay and then sent it off to make trays that would fit my teeth perfectly.
On my second visit, when my personal trays were ready, bleaching gel was put inside them and they were placed over my teeth. Then I laid back in the dentist’s chair, normally a terrifying experience but made relaxing by Richard’s special teeth whitening playlist, and the laser was attached to my mouth.
I laid there, trying not to gag which is no mean feat because I have an overactive gag reflex, and the laser worked its magic. The laser works to accelerate or activate the bleaching process.
When I stood up, ever so glamorously removing my saliva covered trays I was apprehensive about the results. As soon as I looked in the mirror I was genuinely overwhelmed by how much happier I was with my teeth and anyone who knows me will testify to the fact that I am not easily impressed. My teeth were the whitest they had ever been.
Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?
Dr Marques explained to me that it would be different for everyone but I might experience some sensitivity. The process didn’t hurt at all, nor did I really experience sensitivity. The only discomfort for me was that I really do struggle not to gag when there’s something in my mouth and sometimes brushing my teeth is a real palaver, so I did have to psych myself up for this.
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My teeth were a little sensitive in the days following the procedure and I did have to drink cold drinks through a straw, but this really didn’t last long
How Does The At Home Teeth Whitening Aftercare Bit Work?
The whole point of the trays is that you take them away with you and use them at home with the bleaching gel for up to two hours at a time (after that the gel deactivates). Dr Marques explained I could do this every few days or spread it out a bit. Every time I used the kit I noticed my teeth get even whiter. Dr Marques did also give me some special enamel protecting toothpaste to help with any sensitivity too.
How Long Does It Take To Show Results?
It’s instant!! Every time you use the gel with the trays at home you'll notice an improvement as well.
How Long Will The Results Last?
Dr Marques explained to me that this also varies from person to person and depends on how white you want your teeth to be. I still wanted mine to look natural so I don’t mind too much that the results will fade over time but should last for a few years. This isn’t a permanent process. Dr Marques also explained it will depend on whether you smoke and advised me to drink milky tea and coffee as well as avoid red wine, fizzy drinks and refined sugar. He also explained that a high-quality electric toothbrush, like a Philips Sonicare or Oral B version, will make a difference.
How much does teeth whitening cost?
The treatment I had costs around £1,000 but I asked around and found dentists who do the gel only for £300 or so.
Should I Buy It?
I’m not going to mislead you, this is not a cheap treatment. I had the Zoom Whitespeed laser treatment with Zoom Daywhite trays and gel at home. Was it worth it? Honestly, yes. I am so so much happier with my teeth, my smile and my appearance and I do feel more confident. So far the results are everything I’d hoped for.
If you are going to get your teeth whitened Dr Marques does recommend seeing a professionally qualified dentist. Some beauty salons might offer teeth whitening treatments but this is actually illegal and could cause permanent damage to your teeth, it must be done by a dentist or regulated dental professional.
Find out more about teeth whitening with Dr Marques at his clinic here or follow him on Instagram @ask_the_dentist
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Follow Vicky on Twitter @Victoria_Spratt
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.