Teeth whitening is a rising trend for 2024, so doctors and dental companies have devised various solutions to suit different needs and budgets. Even social media influencers are joining in and presenting the latest trend, but many of them offer ill-advised options. Dentists have since spoken up, so we gathered the safe and effective options they suggested for interested individuals.
Which Teeth Whitening System is Best for Me?
Choosing between the available teeth whitening solutions boils down to how much time and money you want to spend. Many Dental practices offer clinical solutions, and they are often the fastest systems to give you those coveted pearly whites. The treatments typically use special chemical formulas that are safe and fast-acting.
The downside with “chairside” or in-clinic treatments are their whopping price tags. Each session can cost over a thousand bucks, so its not practical for most people. The strong chemicals can also affect your gums, so those with unhealthy or receding gums cannot receive this treatment.
On the other side of your options are the over the counter products that are readily available at most drug stores. This system is typically composed of dental strips, but there also some variants that include special toothpastes and mouth wash. Most of these products cost below $150 in 2024, so they are more accessible to the masses.
However, OTC options are far from perfect since they do have their limitations. For one, it takes more time and effort to use those strips since their effect isn’t instant. There is also a risk involved with using these said strips since they can increase teeth sensitivity and affect your gums.
The key here is not to expect too much whitening and to use the OTC options sparingly. They are great for visible yet more modest improvements, but it’s important to manage your expectations to avoid overusing them.
The overall middle ground to clinical and over the counter treatments is custom trays which are specially created by dentists for individuals. They are based off digital scans, so the chance that its too strong for your teeth or ineffective are next to none. They are great for both main treatments and as maintenance, especially since the cost of a custom tray is very predictable.
A typical custom tray costs between $400 to $700, and the price is typically semi-fixed so you can budget your spending each time a treatment is necessary. The trays typically have to be worn at fixed intervals between 15 minutes to overnight for around two weeks, so they are bit more manageable. They cannot offer instant results like in-clinic treatments, but you get better and more predictable outcomes compared to the OTC options.
Time Versus Money: Quick and Easy Versus Investing Some Patience
One of the biggest considerations most patients is the length of each treatment alongside the costs associated with them. The basic gist of it is you get what you pay for, so going with the most expensive option will net the fastest results. You will get visible whitening after a session but do take note that this option will require a larger budget for professional-grade results.
You can save money with OTC or custom trays, but whitening effects from them, particularly with the OTC options take time. Pearly white teeth might not be accessible right away, so you might also end up spending more than you should if you go the thrifty route. Its highly recommended to weigh these options before deciding which route you will take to avoid paying more than you should.
Getting a “chairside” treatment or custom trays should only be available from certified dentists and clinics. It’s also important to note that these will require appointments, so you might not get the treatment as needed. Consider these over-the-counter options, which are quite popular and highly recommended by its user base:
Auraglow Teeth Whitening Kit
The Auraglow Theeth Whitening kit uses a n LED accelerator light alongside a carbamide peroxide gel for faster results. Each kit comes with up to 20 or more treatments that are designed to remove stains from coffee, wine, soda, and smoking. Each kit costs around $50 bucks or so, so it’s a low-risk option that is designed to act quicker than the more common dental strip type.
Crest 3D Whitestrips
The Crest 3D has been around for some time, and is still the most recognizable teeth whitening kit out there. Its cost effective and promises improvements in as little as 3 days, although you have to use the strips for around 30 minutes daily. A kit which typically costs less than $50 contains 44 strips, so one box should be enough.
My Smile Whitening Kit
The My Smile Dental kit is similar to the Auraglow, but its cheaper by around fifteen bucks per kit. Each box comes with three syringes and an LED accelerator light, so its still quite easy to use. The brand promises results in as little as 10 minutes and can whiten up to 10 shades, plus its also non-sensitive like the other picks.
Opalescence Whitening Bundle
The Opalescene whitening kit includes trays that are pre-filled with 15% hydrogen peroxide and a minty tube of special tooth paste. This is similar to the custom tray option we mentioned above, but it doesn’t have a custom-formulated liquid inside. Each box comes with 10 trays each for your upper and lower teeth which cost around $45.
Crest 3DWhite Teeth Whitening Pen
This pen type option was not meant as a standalone or full treatment, but we think it’s a handy purchase. It essentially lets you accurately clean smaller and more concentrated stains, sort of like how a car’s paint correction pen works. Its affordable at around $20, so it can be handy part of your daily pack or purse.
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