Having a bright, white smile is something many people strive for. We see celebrities on the red carpet or in movies flashing their pearly whites, and it can leave us wondering how they get their teeth so white. While some are just naturally blessed with great teeth, most celebrities put effort into whitening their smiles. Read on to learn the most common teeth whitening methods used by celebrities.
Professional Whitening Treatments
One of the most popular ways celebrities whiten their teeth is through professional whitening treatments. These are usually done by a dentist, using higher concentration whitening gels along with special lights or lasers to accelerate the whitening. Some common professional whitening options include:
- In-Office Whitening – This is done at the dentist’s office in about 1 hour. The dentist will isolate your teeth and apply a strong peroxide-based gel, then use a special light to activate and expedite the whitening. You can see results of up to 8 shades whiter in one session.
- Custom-Fit Whitening Trays – Your dentist will take impressions of your teeth and have customized trays fabricated. You’re given whitening gel to place in the trays at home daily for a couple weeks. This gradually whitens the teeth over time.
- Laser Whitening – A peroxide gel is applied to the teeth, then a specialized laser light is shined on them to speed up the whitening process. More intense than in-office treatments, laser whitening can whiten teeth up to 10 shades in one visit.
These professional whitening methods used by celebrities deliver dramatic results quickly, but can be quite expensive, ranging from $500 – $1000. The results do not last forever either, usually fading over 1-3 years, so touch-up treatments are needed.
Over-the-Counter Whitening Products
For maintenance between professional treatments, many celebrities use over-the-counter whitening products. These are more affordable and convenient than in-office treatments. Some popular options include:
- Whitening Toothpastes – Contain mild abrasives and low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide that help scrub away stains and gradually whiten teeth over time with regular use.
- Whitening Strips – Thin strips coated with hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide that stick to your teeth. Chemicals penetrate the teeth to lift stains. Brands like Crest Whitestrips can whiten up to 7 shades when used daily for 1-2 weeks.
- Whitening Gels – Perioxide-based gels are applied with custom mouth trays for 15-60 minutes daily. More effective than strips, they can lighten teeth up to 8 shades with 2-3 weeks of consistent use.
- LED Light Devices – Moldable mouthpieces with built-in LED lights enhance the effects of hydrogen peroxide gels. Light speeds up the whitening reaction. Results are seen faster, in just 10 days.
These over-the-counter products range from $10-$100, making them very affordable. The results tend to last up to 6 months-1 year. Celebrities use them to maintain a bright smile between professional treatments.
Other Natural Whitening Methods
In addition to professional and over-the-counter products, celebrities also use some natural teeth whitening methods. These include:
- Baking Soda – Has mild abrasive properties to scrub stains away and may also chemically interact with discolorations. Mixed with water into a paste and brushed onto teeth.
- Hydrogen Peroxide – At concentrations under 10%, hydrogen peroxide can safely whiten teeth. Swished around the mouth for 1-2 minutes, then spit out.
- Fruit – Strawberries contain malic acid which removes discoloration, and pineapples have the enzyme bromelain to whiten. Eating them or rubbing on teeth.
- Activated Charcoal – Absorbs stains from the tooth surface. Mixed with water into a paste and brushed onto teeth.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Contains acetic acid to break up stains. Diluted with water and gargled for 1 minute before rinsing.
These natural teeth whitening remedies are very affordable, ranging from $3-$15. While they may not produce dramatic results on their own, they can be used safely for minor touch-ups and maintenance.
Avoiding Stains
Maintaining a glowing celebrity smile also requires avoiding behaviors that stain teeth. Celebrities are careful about their habits to keep their pearly whites pristine between treatments. Some things they avoid include:
- Coffee & Tea – These popular beverages are high in chromogens that attach to tooth enamel and cause discoloration over time.
- Red Wine – The deep color contains intense pigments that penetrate and stain the dental enamel.
- Dark Berries – Blackberries, blueberries, and dark juices contain pigments that discolor teeth.
- Tobacco – Tar and nicotine in cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and cigars causes extensive brown stains.
- Sauces & Dressings – Soy sauce, ketchup, balsamic vinegar and other condiments can adhere to teeth and leave stains.
By minimizing consumption of staining foods and beverages, celebrities keep their smiles bright between whitening treatments.
Dental Care
In addition to whitening treatments, proper dental care helps celebrities maintain their dazzling white smiles. Good oral hygiene prevents stains from forming in the first place. Celebrities follow routines like:
- Brushing twice daily – To remove plaque and surface stains from the teeth.
- Flossing daily – Gets between teeth where brushing can’t reach to remove food debris and prevent stains.
- Regular dental cleanings – Professional cleanings every 6 months removes hardened tartar that causes discoloration.
- Dental checkups – Yearly exams ensure teeth are healthy. Problems like cavities that can lead to stains are caught early.
Following proper dental care prevents stains from taking hold in the first place, keeping celebrity smiles glowing.
Porcelain Veneers
Some celebrities enhance their smiles with porcelain veneers. These are thin shells made of porcelain that permanently bond to the front surface of teeth. Veneers can:
- Mask cracked, chipped, misshapen, and badly stained teeth.
- Fill small gaps between teeth.
- Correct asymmetrical teeth.
- Whitens teeth up to 7 shades by covering intrinsic stains.
Veneers provide a quick fix for severe dental flaws. Unlike whitening treatments, the results are permanent and do not fade over time. However, they do require permanently altering the teeth through minimal shaving and bonding. Costs range from $925-$2,500 per tooth.
Conclusion
Celebrities put time, effort, and money into whitening their teeth to achieve picture-perfect smiles. A combination of professional treatments, over-the-counter products, natural remedies and meticulous oral care adds up to celebrity-level pearly whites. While results come quicker with professional options, natural DIY methods can also gradually whiten and maintain your smile more affordably. Avoiding staining foods and drinks prevents undoing all your hard work too. So smile confidently knowing the secrets to making teeth sparkly white like the stars!