My dedication to achieving pearly whites is so great that the photographer recently had to make my teeth more yellow in post-production during a photo shoot. Real.
Why am I obsessed? Because of all the beautification projects I’ve undertaken, getting my teeth sorted has been the most long-term satisfaction.
While most adjustments have a downside, i.e. looking a little freaky, enhancing your grin is an all-natural way to look prettier, younger, and healthier. (As long as you don’t choose the Katie Price-style “turkey teeth” veneer option, that is.)
If you need even more convincing, new research from Hismile found that 63 percent of us say a smile is the first thing you notice when meeting someone new.
Many people are put off from improving their smile by concerns about cost, time or fear of the dentist. But thanks to advancements in this category, there is a range of products and techniques for all budgets and levels of use.
Many people are put off from improving their smile by concerns about cost, time or fear of the dentist
For my smile? I had lingual braces (where the braces are attached to the inside of the teeth) over a decade ago at Dr. Asif Chatoo at The London Lingual Orthodontic Clinic (londonlingualbraces.com).
To keep them white (like I said, I like them on the good side of glare) I made trays from a mold of my teeth and then I use them about every year in combination with a hydrogen peroxide solution (the Philips Zoom System).
Also, during appointments, I ask my dental hygienist for a “pressure cleaning” (see bottom right). 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 works to cancel out yellow undertones. It’s a bit gimmicky, but produces a temporary effect that lasts for a few hours.
Brightener for home
Colgate Max White Ultimate LED Whitening Kit (£100, amazon.co.uk) includes a whitening pen with a smartphone-powered LED whitening lamp.
whitening gel
Spotlight Oral Care Teeth Whitening Accelerator Gel (£29.95, uk.spotlightoralcare.com) has the new whitening ingredient PAP, which has a brightening effect on the teeth.
Invisible braces
Invisalign (from around £2,000, invisalign.co.uk), where a series of clear molds are used to slowly move teeth, is a credible alternative to traditional braces. My teenage daughter had her smile sorted at parklaneorthodontics.co.uk without putting up with a mouth full of metal.
Teeth 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 treatment involves reshaping your teeth (by gently shaving them) to create a more symmetrical look. It is essential that you go to a reliable dentist as it is not reversible. The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (bacd.com) is a good place to start your research.
Wash vigorously
Traditional tarnish and polish will only remove so much, so hygienists now offer high-pressure air cleaning (often called airflow or air polishing) to remove coffee, tea, and cigarette stains.
My pearly perfecter kit
Parla mouthwash tablets, from £6.95, parlatoothpastetabs.com
Parla mouthwash tablets, 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 one you have when you’re 44′ Sarah Jessica Parker, 58
Keep the holiday glow
Sun-tanned skin Westman Atelier Liquid Super Loaded Illuminator, £53, cultbeauty.co.uk. Use as a highlighter or mix with your foundation for a mature glow
Westman Atelier Liquid Super Loaded Illuminator, £53, cultbeauty.co.uk. Use as a highlighter or mix with your foundation for a mature glow
Sultry lips 3 Ina The Color Lip Glow, £16, superdrug.com. An ultra-moisturizing balm/lipstick that adds a juicy touch of sheer color
3 Ina The Color Lip Glow, £16, superdrug.com. An ultra-moisturizing balm/lipstick that adds a juicy touch of sheer color
Fresh face Elemis Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator, £55, uk.elemis.com. This great-smelling scrub combines eco-friendly cellulose spheres with elderberry oil for next-level radiance.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator, £55, uk.elemis.com. This great-smelling scrub combines eco-friendly cellulose spheres with elderberry oil for next-level radiance
Less than £10
Sticky nails may sound like teen territory, but my chic boyfriend swears by them for a decent-looking mani in minutes. £3.75, holygrailnail.co.uk
Sticky nails may sound like teen territory, but my chic boyfriend swears by them for a decent-looking mani in minutes. £3.75, holygrailnail.co.uk