If you're in pursuit of whiter teeth and need an extra boost alongside a comprehensive oral health routine, teeth whitening strips can come in handy as a cost effective, at-home treatment. Think of it in the same way as your skin. If you're applying a hard-working serum on top of a dirty face, it won't be as effective. Likewise, if you keep your teeth squeaky clean, top-up tooth whiteners can make a big difference. “Whitening strips are great if you want a boost just before an event,” says cosmetic dentist Dr Krystyna Wilczynski, “but I wouldn't recommend them as a long-term whitening solution.” She also stresses the importance of getting your oral health in order first: “Brush your teeth with an electric toothbrush over a manual one, avoid food and drink that naturally stain, such as coffee, red wine and curry, and attend regular hygienist appointments every six months.” However, even if you're a star player when it comes to brushing, some people's teeth are naturally less white than others. It's all to do with how thick the layer of enamel on your teeth is. Underneath the enamel is a layer of dentin, which is yellow, so if your enamel is thin, the yellow can show through. As well as lifestyle habits like teeth grinding, enamel thickness can be determined by genetics, leaving little to be done to resolve the issue.