Appearance
Sign inJoin free

Beauty treatments

Glow-ups, explained honestly.

Pick a part of the body and see the options, from a good trimmer to the stuff a doctor does: what it really does, what it costs, the downtime, and the risks nobody puts in the ad.

Body hair, a bit of belly, your natural colour: all great. This is “if you want to, here's the real deal,” never “you should.”

Front
Back

😁 Smile: 2 options

Easiest first, most involved last
DIY~$25–$70

Whitening strips & toothpaste

A few shades brighter for the price of a brunch.

Over-the-counter peroxide strips or gels bleach stains inside the enamel; whitening toothpaste mostly removes surface stains. Look for the ADA Seal.

Realistically: A few shades lighter. Coffee, tea, red wine and smoking bring the stains back over months.

Heads up: Charcoal products and LED lights add little beyond the peroxide.

Downtime, risks, who to see

Downtime: None; maybe a few days of sensitivity.

Risks:

  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Gum irritation
  • Crowns and fillings won't change colour

Who should do it: You, ideally after a dental check-up.

Ask them:

  • Are my teeth and gums healthy enough to whiten?
  • Will my fillings match?
  • Which strength for sensitive teeth?
Medical~$300–$1,000

Dentist whitening

Faster and more even, with someone watching your gums.

In-office whitening with strong peroxide in one 60–90 minute visit, or custom trays from your dentist with gentler gel you use at home.

Realistically: Several shades lighter, more evenly than strips. Still fades with time.

Downtime, risks, who to see

Downtime: None; sensitivity for a few days is common.

Risks:

  • Sensitivity
  • Gum irritation
  • Mismatch with crowns or veneers

Who should do it: A licensed dentist, after an exam. Skip mall kiosks and non-dental “whitening studios.”

Ask them:

  • Are my teeth and gums ready?
  • In-office or trays for my teeth?
  • Will my existing dental work match?

General information, reviewed October 2026, not medical advice. Prices are rough US ranges and vary a lot by city and provider. For anything involving needles, lasers or surgery, see a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon (or a colorectal specialist for below-the-belt medical issues). We don't take money from clinics.

Where are you?

We use this to put nearby events first. It's only saved in your browser.

Report this

A moderator reads every report. Thanks for looking out for people.