Million Dollar Smile
These days everyone wants that million dollar smile with perfectly straight bright white teeth. And while there is no way to get around expensive and long orthodontic treatments to straighten your smile, there is a quick fix to get those pearly whites really white. There are several methods used to whiten teeth ranging from at home care to procedures only performed by dentists.
The most reliable and longest lasting procedures are typically only performed in dental offices; however the price range for these procedures are steep costing you anywhere from $300-$800 for treatment. Professional whitening treatments can last years and whiten teeth anywhere from 3-10 shades, so if you have serious tooth discoloration and money to spend these treatments are well worth looking into. However, if you’re looking for something a little less expensive try Crest White Strips. Crest White Strips cost about $25 for a kit of 56 strips. This product can whiten teeth anywhere from 1-3 shades in two weeks. Crest white stripes require two thirty minute treatments a day for the two week treatment period and results can last for up to six months. The biggest drawbacks of White Strips are: gum sensitivity, drooling, bad taste and the fact that the tooth whitening system is only designed to bleach the front six teeth. If you’d rather whiten your teeth while you sleep you might want to look into Crest Night Effects or Colgate Simply White, both products are designed to be applied right before bedtime and costs about $15. Like Crest White Strips this product is applied nightly for two weeks. The only problems with using night whitening systems are that they are difficult to apply, and the gel can wear off throughout the night.
Reference: Review of Night Whitening Products
Reference: Whitener Products
Reference: Professional Whiteners
This entry was contributed by Gwen Ventimiglia.
May 1st, 2007 at 10:18 am
This was great information — thanks! There are so many products on the market, it is hard to know which one is more beneficial or will work best. I guess when it comes down to it, there is no replacement for what the dentist can do for you! So maybe in between visits, we can try some of your other product suggestions.
May 22nd, 2007 at 10:47 pm
300-800 bucks? Yikes, that’s an awful lot compared to the drugstore stuff.
May 24th, 2007 at 2:09 am
Great advice! Of course people should always remember that smoking and drinking too much coffee does your teeth no favours! It’s one thing to whiten your teeth artificially, but then you’d better look after them!