Have you been looking for an easy way to whiten your teeth? If so, there are many options for you to choose from, including a teeth whitening kit.
If you’ve never used one before, don’t worry. We’re here to share all you should know about teeth whitening kits, including the pros and the cons, to help you make your choice on how to whiten and brighten those pearly whites.
Let’s get started.
The Pros and Cons of Teeth Whitening Kits
If you’d like to whiten your teeth, you have many options at your disposal. Here are some pros and cons about teeth whitening kits to keep in mind:
Pros of Teeth Whitening Kits
Fast-Acting: Teeth whitening kits work, and they work fast. If you desire a brighter smile in time to be a bridesmaid or groomsman at your best friend’s wedding or before getting your family photos done, teeth whitening kits are the way to go.
Can Be Personalized: To help you get even better results, your dentist can create teeth whitening trays specifically for your teeth. That means they’ll be the perfect fit, so you won’t have to worry that some teeth will be whiter than others. As long as the kit is used correctly, you’ll be able to cover all of your teeth fully and obtain the beautiful smile you deserve.
Cost-Effective: A great thing about teeth whitening kits is that they are relatively inexpensive. You can find over-the-counter teeth whitening kit prices as low as $30, or you can get a personalized kit for $200 to $500 on average.
Cons of Teeth Whitening Kits
Can Be Uncomfortable: If you have sensitive teeth, you might find that some teeth whitening kits are not your friend and can even make your sensitivity worse. Fortunately, there are teeth whitening kits designed specifically for sensitive teeth. (Stay tuned for those!) One tip is to also avoid drinking anything hot or cold after whitening your teeth to minimize discomfort.
Doesn’t Always Work: As you might expect, there is no guarantee that your smile is going to get the exact white shade you want on day one or even after. That’s why it’s important to read the product packaging, teeth whitening kit reviews, and more to make sure that the product is right for you. Keep in mind that the results may vary by person. All in all, you may not get exactly what you want on the first try every time. However, the first application can get you that much closer to your dream smile.
Subject to New Stains: If you use a teeth whitening kit differently than prescribed, your teeth may become stained or discolored. That means that if you do decide to get teeth whitening, be sure to follow the package instructions to ensure that the color is even across all teeth.
Teeth Whitening Kits to Avoid
One thing you’ll notice when shopping for teeth whitening kits is that some have a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide. This can do more harm than good.
So, look for a teeth whitening kit with no more than 10% hydrogen peroxide to be on the safe side if you buy it from your local store. That’s not too high or too low–but just right. (The hydrogen peroxide in prescription teeth whitening kits can vary.)
Another thing you’ll want to look for is the ADA Seal of Acceptance. If you don’t see the little ADA symbol on the package, keep walking. Whenever it concerns dental care products, it’s important to stick to only ADA-approved variations to ensure the products are safe and will work as intended.
Teeth Whitening Kits to Look for
As we mentioned above, finding an ADA-approved teeth whitening kit is important to get the results you’re paying for and ensure your teeth are safe. The ADA has approved the following teeth whitening kits:
Crest 3D White Whitestrips
This is considered one of the best teeth whitening kits for sensitive teeth. For 14 days, you’ll want to apply them one time daily. Feel free to do them at any time of day you wish. Our recommendation is nighttime before bed since you won’t be eating or drinking anything after, which can help minimize staining.
First, you’ll remove the strips from the liner. Then, you’ll put the gel part of the strip against the teeth, lining it up with your gums. Next, you’ll lay the liners over the teeth and push them in gently. Follow the time it says to keep them on based on the package. Lastly, you can take them off and toss them.
Crest 3D Whitestrips Classic Vivid
This kit is great for beginners. You’ll want to put them on for a half-hour during the day to start the process of getting rid of stains that have occurred over the years. (Think: coffee.) This teeth whitening kit works extremely fast, allowing you to get results quicker than many other options.
Like the Crest 3D White Whitestrips, you’ll begin by taking the whitestrips off the liner. Then, you’ll lay the strips against your teeth, keeping them lined up with your gums. You’ll lay them over the top of the teeth so that they can be evenly whitened before lightly pushing them into place. Then, keep them on as long as the package recommends. That’s all it takes.
Crest 3D Whitestrips Gentle
This teeth whitening kit is another one that works great for sensitive teeth. You put it on before bed or whatever time works for you for about 30 minutes. It can help you get up to a decade of stains off your teeth, which is convenient if you’re a long-time coffee or tea drinker.
You’ll want to lift the strips from the liner, and put the gel part on your teeth. Then, get the strips in a good alignment with your gums, lay them over the teeth, push them in gently, keep them on as suggested on the packaging, take them off, and throw them away. It’s that easy!
Prescription Teeth Whitening Kits
If you want a higher level of teeth whitening, ask your dentist for a prescription. Here at Summit Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer premium teeth whitening (bleaching) that can help you achieve a whiter, more radiant smile in no time at all.
Our methods are fully safe and effective at getting rid of stains and bringing out your best smile. We can help make your teeth many shades whiter, starting with just one session. (Another bonus is that we take most dental insurances!)
Have questions? We’re here to help.
Finding the best teeth whitening kit might feel overwhelming if you’re new to teeth whitening, but it doesn’t have to be. If you need guidance, the friendly team at Summit Family and Cosmetic Dentistry is here to assist you.
Interested in our professional teeth whitening services? Summit Family and Cosmetic Dentistry would love to chat. Schedule a consultation today.