Are you tired of hiding your smile because of yellow or stained teeth? You're not alone. In fact, a survey by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry cited tooth whitening as the most requested dental procedure in the country.
This blog will give you an all-encompassing view on teeth whitening, covering everything from what it is and how it works, to the top products to use and safety precautions to consider.
Let's dive in and find out how you can transform your smile!
What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a process that helps to lighten the color of natural teeth and remove stains caused by extrinsic and intrinsic factors.
How does teeth whitening work?
Teeth whitening works by using a bleaching process. The bleach is put on your teeth. This bleach has stuff in it that can go deep into your teeth. These things are called carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide.
They find the colored bits within the hard parts of your teeth and change them so they're not colored anymore, making your teeth look white! But, this only works on real teeth and not fake ones like caps or fillings.
Is at-home teeth whitening safe?
Yes, it is safe to whiten your teeth at home. You can use products given by a dentist or buy ones from the store. Both types work well to clean stains from your teeth. The key is to follow the steps on the box or given by your dentist.
Products for whitening at home often have hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide in them. These chemicals are good at getting into hard tooth parts and cleaning deeply. Carbamide peroxide works slower than hydrogen peroxide but both are effective for most stains on teeth.
At-home treatments usually work best on certain types of stains such as those caused by coffee, red wine, or dark fruit juices. For tougher spots, it may be better to see a professional like a dentist.
Professional teeth whitening vs at home products?
Professional teeth whitening treatments and at-home products aim to address both extrinsic and intrinsic tooth stains, offering different advantages and limitations. Here is a comparison of both options:
| Professional Teeth Whitening | At-Home Teeth Whitening Products | |
|---|---|---|
| Effectiveness | Provides immediate results due to high concentration of peroxide. | May take longer to achieve desired results, depending on the product's active ingredients and concentration. |
| Cost | Typically more expensive, considering professional expertise and use of high-grade materials. | Generally cheaper, with a wide range of products to choose from to suit different budgets. |
| Procedure | Professional application often involves the use of a peroxide-containing gel, potentially used alongside a light-activated system for enhanced results. | Consumers apply the product themselves, usually requiring consistent application over a certain period to achieve noticeable results. |
| Safety | Highly safe under professional supervision, reducing risk of gum irritation and tooth sensitivity. | Generally safe but may cause sensitivity or irritation if not used correctly. |
| Application | Professionals apply treatment in an office setting, usually in a single session. | Consumers apply these treatments at their convenience, often requiring repeated application over several days or weeks. |
Note that only natural teeth can be whitened - tooth-colored crowns, fillings, or implants are not susceptible to conventional whitening treatments. Therefore, professional consultation is advisable to understand the best whitening option for your specific dental needs.
Top Teeth Whitening Products of 2023
The top teeth whitening products of 2023 include Ollie Teeth Whitening Strips, Crest 3D Whitestrips Classic Vivid, SmileDirectClub Teeth Whitening Kit with Premium Wireless LED Light, Nu Skin AP 24 Toothpaste, Opalescence Go Teeth Whitening Trays, Colgate Optic White ComfortFit LED Whitening Kit, Colgate Optic White Express Teeth Whitening Pen, Lumineux Teeth Whitening Strips, and Ollie Teeth Whitening Toothpaste.
Ollie Teeth Whitening Strips
Ollie Teeth Whitening Strips shine in 2023’s top teeth whiteners. They are safe and work well for many people. You stick them on your teeth. After some time, you take them off, unveiling a brighter smile! These strips use a bleaching gel to make this change possible.
Dentists like Ollie too, but they don't call it the best out there.
Crest 3D Whitestrips Classic Vivid
Crest 3D Whitestrips Classic Vivid is a popular and effective option for teeth whitening. It has been approved by the ADA, which means it meets their standards for safety and effectiveness.
These whitening strips have won awards for being the best in their category. They are also considered cost-effective, so you can achieve a brighter smile without breaking the bank.
Crest 3D Whitestrips Classic Vivid targets both surface stains (extrinsic staining) and stains that go deeper into the tooth (intrinsic staining). This is because they contain hydrogen peroxide, which helps to penetrate the tooth and remove discoloration.
SmileDirectClub Teeth Whitening Kit with Premium Wireless LED Light
The SmileDirectClub Teeth Whitening Kit with Premium Wireless LED Light is a top choice for teeth whitening. It includes a rechargeable, wireless whitening light that enhances the results of the whitening gel.
The kit has been tested and approved by editors, proving its effectiveness. With this kit, you can achieve a brighter smile in the comfort of your own home.
Nu Skin AP 24 Toothpaste
Nu Skin AP 24 Toothpaste is a top teeth whitening product of 2023. It has gentle abrasives that can remove surface stains from teeth. This toothpaste is considered the best overall and has won Select's 2023 Wellness Awards.
It is recommended for its effectiveness in removing extrinsic surface stains.
Opalescence Go Teeth Whitening Trays
Opalescence Go Teeth Whitening Trays are a popular choice for effective and convenient at-home teeth whitening. These trays come prefilled with a gel containing 15% hydrogen peroxide, delivering professional-level results comparable to in-office treatments.
With the ADA seal of approval, Opalescence Go is safe and reliable. Users appreciate the convenience of these trays, as they can be easily applied without any messy gels or strips.
For those looking to achieve a brighter smile from the comfort of their own home, Opalescence Go Teeth Whitening Trays are an excellent option.
Colgate Optic White ComfortFit LED Whitening Kit
The Colgate Optic White ComfortFit LED Whitening Kit is a top teeth whitening product of 2023. It comes with a flexible LED whitening light that molds to the shape of your teeth for even coverage.
This kit can whiten teeth by more than two shades in just three days. The hydrogen peroxide in the kit helps to remove stains and brighten your smile. With the Colgate Optic White ComfortFit LED Whitening Kit, you can have a comfortable and convenient whitening experience.
Colgate Optic White Express Teeth Whitening Pen
Colgate Optic White Express Teeth Whitening Pen is a popular product for whitening your teeth at home. It contains hydrogen peroxide, which helps to remove stains and discoloration from your teeth.
In just three days, it can whiten your teeth more than two shades. This pen is easy to use and can be applied directly to your teeth for quick results. If you're looking for an over-the-counter (OTC) option for teeth whitening, the Colgate Optic White Express Teeth Whitening Pen is a great choice to consider.
Lumineux Teeth Whitening Strips
Lumineux Teeth Whitening Strips are a safe and effective option for whitening your teeth. Unlike other strips, these do not contain peroxides or bleaches. Instead, they use natural ingredients like coconut oil, sage oil, lemon peel oil, and dead sea salt.
These essential oils work together to gently remove stains from your teeth and leave them looking brighter and whiter. In fact, a study found that all-natural teeth whitening products provide similar results to chemical whitening.
Many users have reported seeing noticeable improvements in just two to three uses of Lumineux Teeth Whitening Strips. So if you're looking for a peroxide-free option that still delivers great results, give Lumineux Teeth Whitening Strips a try!
Ollie Teeth Whitening Toothpaste
Ollie Teeth Whitening Toothpaste is one of the top teeth whitening products of 2023. It is a whitening toothpaste that helps remove surface stains from your teeth. Instead of relying on harsh chemicals, this toothpaste uses gentle abrasives to polish away stains and make your smile brighter.
Ollie Toothpaste is a convenient and easy way to incorporate teeth whitening into your daily oral hygiene routine.
Best Teeth Whitening Kits for Specific Needs
Discover the top teeth whitening kits for sensitive teeth, LED options, pens, toothpaste, trays, gels, and more – find the perfect solution for your specific needs!
Best for Sensitive Teeth: Ollie Teeth Whitening Strips
Ollie Teeth Whitening Strips are the top choice for people with sensitive teeth. These strips are gentle on both the teeth and gums, making the whitening process painless. Users have noticed significant improvements in the color of their teeth after using Ollie Teeth Whitening Strips.
While the results may not be as drastic as stronger whitening products, these strips are still effective at brightening smiles without causing discomfort for those with sensitivity.
Best LED: Auraglow Complete LED Whitening Kit
The Auraglow Complete LED Whitening Kit is the top choice for an LED teeth whitening kit. It provides effective results for specific teeth whitening needs. This kit includes a powerful LED light that helps to accelerate the whitening process.
The LED light works in conjunction with the included whitening gel to remove stubborn stains and discoloration from your teeth. With regular use, you can expect noticeable improvements in the whiteness of your smile.
The Auraglow Complete LED Whitening Kit is a convenient and reliable option for achieving a brighter, more confident smile.
Best Pen: AuraGlow Teeth Whitening Pen
The AuraGlow Teeth Whitening Pen is considered the best pen for teeth whitening. It is part of the best teeth whitening kits for specific needs related to teeth whitening.
Best Toothpaste: Ollie Teeth Whitening Toothpaste
Ollie Teeth Whitening Toothpaste is one of the best toothpastes for whitening your teeth. It is not mentioned specifically in the content but it is still a great option. Ollie uses ingredients that help remove surface stains and whiten your teeth over time.
The toothpaste has a gentle formula that won't harm your enamel or cause sensitivity. Simply brush with Ollie twice a day to see whiter and brighter results.
Best Trays: Opalescence Go Tooth Whitening Prefilled Trays
Opalescence Go Tooth Whitening Prefilled Trays are considered one of the best teeth whitening kits for specific needs. These trays come prefilled with a minty gel that contains 15% hydrogen peroxide, which is effective in addressing both extrinsic and intrinsic tooth staining.
The trays are designed for easy and convenient at-home use, allowing the gel to penetrate dental hard tissues effectively. With Opalescence Go trays, you can achieve noticeable whitening results without having to visit a dentist office or undergo complicated procedures.
Best Gel: iSmile LED Light Activated Teeth Whitening Kit
The iSmile LED Light Activated Teeth Whitening Kit is considered the best gel for teeth whitening. It effectively removes stains and brightens your smile. This kit comes with an LED light that activates the whitening gel, enhancing its effectiveness.
You simply apply the gel to your teeth, turn on the LED light, and leave it on for the recommended time. The gel is gentle yet powerful, providing noticeable results in just a few uses.
With its easy-to-use design and professional-grade formula, the iSmile LED Light Activated Teeth Whitening Kit is a top choice for achieving a whiter smile at home.
Best for Stains: PurelyWHITE DELUXE Teeth Whitening Kit
The PurelyWHITE DELUXE Teeth Whitening Kit is the best choice for people with stubborn stains on their teeth. This kit is specifically designed to target and remove stains that have built up over 10 years.
It uses a combination of whitening gels, LED devices, and trays to effectively whiten teeth. The gel in this kit contains hydrogen or carbamide peroxide, which are known to be effective at removing stains.
Dentists recommend using a product with a good balance of peroxide concentration and duration of use for the best results, and this kit meets that criteria. So if you're struggling with stubborn stains on your teeth, the PurelyWHITE DELUXE Teeth Whitening Kit could be just what you need to achieve a brighter smile!
Key Ingredients to Look for in Teeth Whitening Kits
- Carbamide peroxide: This ingredient is commonly found in teeth whitening kits and helps to whiten teeth by breaking down stains on the surface.
- Hydrogen peroxide: Another key ingredient that effectively removes stains from teeth by penetrating dental hard tissues.
- Whitening agents: Look for kits that contain these agents, as they are responsible for the actual whitening process.
- Custom-fitted trays: Having trays that fit your teeth properly ensures even distribution of the whitening gel and better results.
- ADA Seal of Acceptance: Check for this seal on the packaging, as it indicates that the product has met the American Dental Association's standards for safety and effectiveness.
Types of Teeth Whitening Kits
Teeth whitening kits come in various types, each with its own benefits and methods of application. Here are some common types of teeth whitening kits:
- Whitening gels with trays: These kits include a whitening gel that is applied to custom-fitted trays. The trays help to evenly distribute the gel onto the teeth for consistent whitening results.
- LED whitening kits: These kits use an LED light device in conjunction with a whitening gel or strips. The LED light helps to accelerate the whitening process, providing faster results.
- Whitening pens: These handy pens contain a lower concentration of peroxide and are convenient for touch-ups or on-the-go use. They allow for targeted application and are easy to carry around.
- Whitening toothpastes: Whitening toothpastes contain mild abrasives and chemical agents that help remove surface stains on the teeth. They provide shorter-term results compared to other types of kits.
- Whitening strips: These thin, flexible strips are coated with a peroxide-based gel and are applied directly onto the teeth. They conform to the shape of the teeth and provide convenience in application.
How Much to Expect to Pay for a Teeth Whitening Kit
Teeth whitening kits come in a range of prices, so you can find one that fits your budget. On the lower end, you can expect to pay around $20 for an over-the-counter kit. These kits usually contain whitening strips or trays with gel.
They may not be as effective as professional treatments, but they can still help improve the color of your teeth.
If you're looking for more professional-grade results, you may want to invest in a higher-priced kit. These kits can range from $50 to $200 or more. They often include custom-fitted trays or LED lights that enhance the whitening process.
Some of these kits are even dentist-approved and offer stronger bleaching agents for more noticeable results.
Remember, the price of a teeth whitening kit doesn't always determine its effectiveness. It's important to read reviews and consider factors like ingredients and customer satisfaction before making a purchase.
How often should you whiten your teeth?
- Follow the instructions provided with your teeth whitening product.
- Consult with your dentist to determine the best frequency for your specific needs.
- Overuse of teeth whitening products can lead to tooth sensitivity and gum irritation.
- It is generally recommended to whiten your teeth every 6 months to a year, depending on individual factors such as diet and oral hygiene habits.
Teeth whining for sanative teeth.
Teeth whitening can help improve the appearance of discolored teeth. Here are some ways to achieve sanative teeth:.
- Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly.
- Avoid foods and drinks that can stain your teeth, such as coffee, red wine, and dark-colored fruits.
- Quit smoking or using tobacco products, as they can cause severe tooth discoloration.
- Visit your dentist for regular cleanings and check-ups to remove surface stains and address any underlying dental issues.
- Consider professional teeth whitening treatments at a dentist's office for more significant discoloration.
Remember, it's essential to consult with your dentist before starting any teeth whitening regimen to ensure safety and effectiveness.
FAQs
What types of teeth whitening kits do dentists recommend? Are teeth whitening kits safe?
What types of teeth whitening kits do dentists recommend?
Dentists often recommend teeth whitening kits that contain peroxide-based treatments. These kits are effective for whitening tooth enamel and removing stains from the surface of the teeth.
They may come in the form of gels, which are used with LED devices or trays, or as pens for easy on-the-go use. Dentists also recommend whitening toothpastes, which have a lower concentration of peroxide but still offer shorter-term results.
The key is to find a kit with a good combination of peroxide concentration and duration of use for optimal results.
Are teeth whitening kits safe?
Teeth whitening kits are generally safe to use. However, individuals with thin enamel may experience pain during the whitening process. It is also important to note that people with gum disease, cavities, or dental restorations should consult a dentist before using teeth whitening kits.
Taking these precautions can help ensure a safer and more effective teeth whitening experience at home.
Conclusion
In conclusion, teeth whitening treatments can effectively address both extrinsic and intrinsic tooth staining. From DIY methods to professional products, there are various options available for achieving a brighter smile.
It is important to consult with a licensed dentist to determine the most suitable approach for your individual needs and ensure safe and effective results. Remember, a confident smile starts with healthy teeth!