How to Compare Teeth Whitening Products

Over-the-counter teeth whitening products are a relatively new yet extremely popular innovation, with manufacturers reporting hundreds of millions of dollars in annual sales. You can choose between teeth bleaching trays, whitening toothpaste or whitening strips, or compare the results with professional whitening methods available from your dentist.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Consult with your dentist about over-the-counter teeth whitening products, and learn which ones achieve the best results. Your dentist can help you compare the cost and effectiveness of these products with professional whitening methods, such as veneers and other types of cosmetic dentistry. Note that most whitening products will not affect the shade of most porcelain crowns or bridges.

2. Compare teeth whitening products by investigating whitening strips, which offer an affordable yet effective way to brighten your smile. Most strips are designed to be placed across the front of your teeth for 30 minutes at least twice a day and have differing strengths of peroxide, influencing the speed at which your teeth are whitened.

3. Look at whitening trays when you compare different methods of bleaching your teeth. Trays are clear, plastic molds that are filled with a hydrogen peroxide solution and fitted over your teeth. While many studies show that trays are more effective in whitening teeth than strips, there may be some discomfort, and you will find it difficult to talk while the trays are in place.

4. Compare based on cost. Most over-the-counter whitening toothpastes cost less than $10 while dentist-supervised systems tend to cost at least a few hundred dollars.

5. Use a toothpaste by a brand like Crest, Colgate or Rembrandt that contains hydrogen peroxide in order to whiten your teeth in a safe and gradual manner. While this type of toothpaste does not yield the same results in the same amount of time, you can use it indefinitely without worrying about tooth sensitivity or bleach damage to your gums and mouth.

6. Follow the directions carefully when you compare different types of teeth whitening products. Since these whitening products are not specifically classified as drugs and do not need to be approved by the FDA, you should be cautious when selecting the right teeth whitening system for you. If you have any questions or concerns after reading the instructions, you should consult with a dental professional to ensure a safe and effective application.

Tips & Warnings

• You should discontinue the use of over-the-counter teeth whitening products once your teeth have achieved the proper shade of whiteness, even if the manufacturer recommends a specific length of time. Excessive exposure to teeth whitening products could cause tooth sensitivity or even damage to your gums and mouth.

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