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And not to fret: Weve got you covered withteeth-whitening strips,toothpastes, and more.
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We asked a handful of dentists for their recommendations and then put them to the test ourselves.
We looked for teeth whiteners that were sensitive-teeth-friendly and that didnt make our pearly whites feel uncomfortable after use.
White strips can be bulky and annoying, and require consistency and time.
Original photo from Emily Tannenbaum testing Crest 3D White Brilliance 2-Step Kit
While all this requires is the two minutes that you should already bebrushing your teeth, she says.
Hear me out: This is kind of like concealer for your teeth!
I have been blessed with pretty white teeth, but I am a huge tea and coffee drinker.
Original photo from Emily Tannenbaum testing Crest 3D White Brilliance 2-Step Kit
Plus, it works fast: Brush on the hydrogen-peroxide-based formula before bed and wake up to brighter teeth.
I would much prefer a click-pen option that disperses directly onto the brush, says Tannenbaum.
Its effective (the formula contains 5% hydrogen peroxide) and gentle.
Original photo from Emily Tannenbaum testing Crest 3D White Brilliance 2 Step Kit
Theyre just so easy, saysGlamourcommerce editorMalia Griggs.
Glamourcontributor Kassidy Davidson agrees, after recently testing out these strips for the first time.
With only one treatment, I can already see a slight improvement!
Original photo from Emily Tannenbaum testing Crest 3D White Brilliance 2-Step Kit
Now imagine what the 20-day treatment is going to do for my teeth.
I felt no sensitivity during or after the treatment, and I definitely have sensitive teeth.
She recommends brushing with it for about two minutes, at least twice per day.
Spend a few seconds on the surface of each tooth to confirm youre brushing the area very well.
Clean, plaque-free teeth reflect more light and will appear brighter, she says.
Vogsnen tested this toothpaste out as well and was a huge fan of the taste and experience.
I loved how minty it was and how much it foamed during use.
That all changed when I tried this Deep Stain Remover toothpaste.
Needless to say, Im thoroughly impressed, and I may never switch to another teeth-whitening toothpaste again!
Original photo from Emily Tannenbaum testing Colgate Optic White Overnight Teeth Whitening Pen
This system comes highly recommended byVictoria Veytsman, MD, a cosmetic dentist based in Beverly Hills.
She especially loves it for maintaining professional-level results.
After seven days of use, my teeth looked noticeably whiter.
Original photo from Emily Tannenbaum testing Colgate Optic White Overnight Teeth Whitening Pen
I also liked that these strips made my teeth look white in a very natural way.
Theyre so gentle, you’re free to use them daily, according to the brand.
The results werent quite as impactful, but the tradeoff was definitely worth it.
Original image byGlamourcommerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
Its potent whitening power with professional-grade results, he says.
The downside is that you oughta use the prefilled syringes with custom-made teeth-whitening trays purchased separately.
Your teeth whitener questions, answered
What should I look for in at-home whitening products?
Original image byGlamourcommerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
Similar to facial exfoliators, at-home whitening products fall into two broad categories: abrasive (a.k.a.
mechanical) whitening and chemical whitening, says Dr. Rubinshtein.
Both have their place in a whitening routine, but there is one important factor to keep in mind.
Original image byGlamourreviewer
Do at-home teeth whitening treatments really work?
The best teeth-whitening kits can be very effective when used correctly, according to the experts we spoke to.
Just dont expect an immediate transformation or miracle results.
Original image byGlamourreviewer
In-office whitening is always the most effective and impactful, says Dr. Hoang.
The freshness of at-home teeth-whitening kits will also impact their effectiveness, Dr. Hoang adds.
An over-the-counter at-home teeth-whitening product with a bad diet and habits can last up to a week.
Original photo from Kassidy Davidson testing Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects
What method of at-home whitening works best?
In terms of which one works best, its not a one-size-fits-all approach, says Dr. Rubinshtein.
Heres what it’s possible for you to and cant expect from the best teeth-whitening products in each category.
Original photo from Kassidy Davidson testing Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects
Whitening toothpastes
Whitening toothpastes are most useful for extending the results of more potent whitening treatments.
At-home whitening toothpastes remove surface stains from your teeth.
Whitening strips
Whitening strips act as a tape applied to teeth that has a film of whitening gel.
Original photo from Kassidy Davidson testing Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects
The idea is that the light activates the whitening agents in the gel, potentially speeding up the results.
How often can you use at-home teeth-whitening treatments?
It is possible to overdo it with at-home whitening, causing permanent enamel damage and sensitivity.
Original photo from Kassidy Davidson testing Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects
Designed for daily use, toothpastes contain the lowest concentration of bleach.
Over time the abrasive ingredients can strip your teeth and can give them a grayer appearance.
This can also cause sensitivity, our experts caution.
Original image of Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing the Cocofloss Cocoshine Whitening Toothpaste
Overusing whitening strips and gels can also cause tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, and enamel damage.
Always follow the instructions on the package, making sure not to leave the product on longer than recommended.
Is it normal for your teeth to be sensitive after using an at-home teeth-whitening kit?
Original image of Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing the Cocofloss Cocoshine Whitening Toothpaste
Tooth sensitivity in general is the most common side effect from teeth whitening, saysJon Marashi, DDS.
And if it does occur, its generally short-term.
Sensitivity happens from dehydration, which can resolve within a day or two, says Dr. Veytsman.
Original image byGlamourreviewer Anna Vognsen
Are at-home whitening kits safe?
If you follow the instructions on the packaging, then you shouldnt have any issues.
Whats more important, however, is the state of your teethbeforeyou try whitening them.
Original image byGlamourreviewer Anna Vognsen
before using any kind of whitening product.
This is measured as relative dentine abrasivity (RDA).
If the product fits poorly the whitening product is merely washed away by saliva or inactivated.
Original image of Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing the Davids Natural Toothpaste for Teeth Whitening
Whats the difference between at-home and professional whitening?
As a result, at-home whitening treatments will generally take longer to take effect.
Original image of Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing the Davids Natural Toothpaste for Teeth Whitening
Original image byGlamourreviewer Anna Vognsen
Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Crest 3DWhite Brilliance Deep Stain Remover Ultra White Toothpaste
Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Crest 3DWhite Brilliance Deep Stain Remover Ultra White Toothpaste
Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Colgate Optic White Overnight Teeth Whitening Pen
Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Colgate Optic White Overnight Teeth Whitening Pen
Original image byGlamourtester Kristine Thomason
Original image byGlamourtester Kristine Thomason
Original image byGlamourtester Kristine Thomason
Original image byGlamourtester Kristine Thomason
