Review of teeth whitening products

A guide to teeth whitening products and procedures.

Whether you are a smoker, coffee, soda, or tea drinker, or are just feeling the effects of aging teeth, many people experience embarrassing, brown stains on their teeth from time to time. Luckily, there are several products on the market now and professional services that can help remove the stains that affect your pearly whites. Most products used to whiten teeth can be purchased over the counter or at most drug or department stores, but choosing the right one for you can be a little bit tricky.

Probably the most popular product on the market today is Crest’s Whitestrips. They carry several different lines including regular, premium, and night effects, which are worn on the teeth overnight. The strips come separately wrapped in sets of two: one strip for the top teeth, and one for the bottom. They are easily applied and are adhesive so they stay on the teeth until the process is complete, usually lasting about 30 minutes per session. Depending on the length of time you want results, you can choose the regular whitestrips which take a little more time, or premium which cuts the result time in half. Some people experience slight pain because the bleaching gel used gets on the gum line, but the pain is temporary and goes away in a short period of time. A toothpaste for sensitive teeth is recommended to minimize any pain you might experience. With the use of the strips, most people see great results within 7-14 days, depending upon the length of time used.

Rembrandt makes several products for teeth whitening, including a wand, a pen, and a bleaching kit. The pen and wand are similar except for the packaging. Each of these is a very simple application, and you simply “write” or paint the gel directly onto the teeth. Rembrandt’s bleaching kit is a little more complex. The kit contains a gel-like substance inside a small tube that looks like a needle. You receive two mold kits made of a plastic or silicone material that are called trays. The trays are molded to fit around your teeth by putting them in warm water until they become soft, placing them over the top and bottom teeth, biting down, and allowing them to cool and form to fit your mouth. Using the applicator, squeeze the gel into the trays and place in your mouth, and let sit for approximately 30 minutes. Many people have reported great results with this method, however it can be uncomfortable for some since speaking while using the trays can be difficult.

There are also many professional services available for whitening teeth. Laser treatments are a popular method, and most dentists’ offices now offer laser treatment as an option. Insurance may or may not cover this procedure, so be sure to check with you insurer before getting the procedure done or you may incur expensive costs. There are also independent clinics now available that perform teeth whitening, such as Brite Smile. A gel is applied to the teeth, and a blue light is shined on the teeth to activate the whitening process. The session usually lasts one hour, and requires two to three sessions before results are seen.

As with any health related procedure, it is always best to read all labels carefully before using the product. In addition, you may want to have a consultation with your dentist before using any products to ensure there will be no damage to your teeth. With some research and deciding which method is best for you, a whiter, brighter smile is within reach.