Best Tooth Whitening Product

Tooth bleaching is one of the fastest emerging cosmetic dentistry procedures, so the search for the best tooth whitening product offers a wide selection. Although many are available over the counter, it is always best to receive your dentist’s approval before undertaking any tooth whitening procedure. It is also recommended to look for the American Dental Association's Seal of Approval on any tooth whitening product.

The most effective of the best tooth whitening products contain a bleaching gel with peroxide as the main ingredient. What vary are the concentrations and the methods of applying the bleaching solution to your teeth. Most brands provide a money-back guarantee, so save your receipts, and if you are not completely satisfied with the color of your teeth, request a refund.

1.

$300-$2000

 A technique made popular with Zoom! and their amazing performance of whitening power on the hit TV show, Extreme Makeover. Although Zoom! is one of the popular brands of laser tooth whitening, it is a common in-office tooth whitening procedure with a variety of manufacturers. Also known as power bleaching, laser tooth whitening costs more, but delivers more effective and rapid results. The highest concentrations of peroxide are employed with a laser of heated light to trigger a reaction that quickly lightens the tooth enamel. As the chemical and light are directed, selected teeth can be isolated, avoiding sensitive areas of the mouth. For 90 minutes of your time, you can have teeth up to eight shades whiter.

2.

$350-$1500

 Similar to laser tooth whitening, BriteSmile offers a trade-secret process using a specialized blue light instead of a heated laser. Their tooth whitening product allows for a lower concentration of peroxide, thus reducing some tooth sensitivity. It advertises that your teeth will be up to 14 shades lighter for years to come.

3.

$300-$500

 A tray that is specifically fitted to your individual mouth shape, it is a kit provided by your dentist for home use. The amount of time the trays are worn varies by brand and gel solution, usually as little as 30 minutes or as long as overnight. Typical results range between four to eight shades lighter. The product may be used until the desired color change is reached, which may take days or weeks. For some, temporary tooth sensitivity can occur and the process can be awkward and messy.

4.

$10-$50

 Similar in concept to the dentist-prescribed version above, except it is completely over the counter. Instead of a dentist custom designing your tray, these versions have you create your own fit by warming the plastic and molding it to your teeth. While they are similar in nature to the strips described below, the trays do cover your teeth more thoroughly.

5.

$20-$40

 Although there are many brands on the marketplace, the most consistent performer among strip-style tooth whitening products is Crest Whitestrips. As the #1 home whitening product recommended by dentists, Crest Whitestrips dominate this market. Strip versions generate whiter teeth by four to six shades through . By applying the strips twice a day for thirty minutes at a time, you can achieve the desired level of brightness in five to fourteen days, depending on the strength of the product selected. Widely available at drugstores and grocery markets, strips are one of the most popular of the home whitening products. Even though the strips only cover the very front teeth, the results last between 12 to 18 months.

6.

$10-$75

 Like painting on nail polish, you can paint the bleaching gel on your teeth. Arriving in a small bottle with a brush in the cap, this product type is left on the teeth for 30 minutes at a time. The whitening results are not as consistent as other use-at-home types, but the application process is certainly less of a hassle. Most brands recommend that you keep your mouth open for around 30 seconds after applying and avoid eating or drinking during the thirty minutes of bleaching time.

7.

$250-$2500 per tooth depending on the type of materials used

 Made from plastic or porcelain, veneers are best for severely discolored teeth. They are also used to repair crooked or chipped teeth. As the veneer does not ever re-stain once it is applied, they are a favorite option for chronic smokers. Although quite pricey, they do last for as long as ten to fifteen years. In some cases, insurance will cover some of this cost.

8.

$300-$600 per tooth

 Similar to veneers, bonding is also best for dramatic stains and fixing imperfections. Bonding is a less invasive process and therefore less expensive than veneers. Basically your dentist applies a thin coat of plastic composite material to the teeth and then manipulates the bonding to sculpt, color. and reshape the tooth surface. This process typically lasts seven to eleven years and in certain cases will be covered by insurance as well.

9.

$10-$25

 Standard whitening toothpastes found at most markets actually don’t do much to whiten your teeth. Still, some specialty whitening toothpastes do create a gradual impact. A familiar brand is SuperSmile which offers a toothpaste and accelerator gel combination used for two minutes, twice a day. It has been developed by a cosmetic dentist and is the #1 recommended whitening toothpaste by most dentists.

10.

Covered by most insurance or $50-$150 out of pocket

 Before taking on any tooth whitening product, attempt to have your teeth professionally cleaned. The gentle, abrasive, cleaning action employed by a skilled hygienist will remove many yellow stains and brighten your teeth. It might be all you need for a whiter smile.

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