CHOOSING THE BEST FOR YOUR TEETH
If you want to whiten your teeth, you will be pleased to know there are some really good whitening kits you can use in the comfort of your own home.
Our team at Bela Family Dentistry of Augusta have compiled a list of what we think are some of the best around.
1. OPALESCENCE GO
One of our personal favorites is Opalescence Go 15%. The company is well known for its high-quality products, and this particular one is no different.
What we really like about this at-home whitening kit is that you can use it as soon as you have taken it out of the box. Unlike a lot of other products, Opalescence Go is designed to be used after speaking with your favorite dentist because that’s the best place to purchase it. This means your dentist who already knows your teeth and your mouth will be able to advise you on this particular product and its potential benefits. And we really like that it is also available in three different flavors, namely mint, melon, and peach.
Over and above this, the whitening gel contains fluoride and potassium nitrate which protects the enamel on your teeth. These ingredients also minimize sensitivity, which is often a drawback to DIY home kits you purchase from your local grocery store.
2. CREST 3DWHITESTRIPS
Crest produces many whitening products that you can use at home. Crest 3D Whitestrips is easy and convenient because there are no trays and you can pick them up when you go to do your regular grocery shopping. You can apply the non-slip strips to your teeth while you are getting ready in the morning or just before you go to bed. Those strips stay on for 30 minutes, and you should start to see some results in about a week.
These Whitestrips are better than some solutions for people who suffer from sensitive teeth as they have a lower concentration of hydrogen peroxide. And that this at-home teeth whitening kit has a Seal of Acceptance from the ADA, which means it is safe to use and actually does what it says.
3. HISMILE TEETH WHITENING KIT
This teeth whitening kit is a popular choice for celebrities and influencers, and for good reason. It is one of the few kits that doesn’t contain peroxide. Instead, the main ingredient is sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) that works to remove stains and whiten your teeth.
Other ingredients include plant extracts and sodium chlorite. HiSmile is also safe for vegans.
We do caution our patients not to use HiSmile regularly, though, because of the potential damage to the teeth’s enamel from sodium bicarbonate.
4. CALIWHITE KIT
Another teeth whitening kit that you can use at home is CaliWhite. Made in the USA, it is organic, kosher, vegan and gluten-free. The product also doesn’t have any parabens, sulfates, PPG, PEG or GMOs.
CaliWhite comes with an LED light, which speeds up the whitening process, lifting stains in just seven days. And it can whiten by up to eight shades.
5. GO SMILE SUPER WHITE SNAP PACKS
For ease of use and convenience, we had to include Go Smile Super White Snap packs in our list of top 5 at home whitening kits. Unlike any of the kits featured here that need trays, with Super White Snap packs you can paint the gel onto your teeth with your finger. This is a great product if you don’t like the idea of fiddling with syringes, trays, or LED lights.
The treatment also only takes five minutes, which means you can work it into your morning or bedtime routine easily.
TIPS FOR AT-HOME WHITENING KITS
So you have decided you want to use a DIY whitening kit to get those pearly whites whiter, but before you do, take a look at our top tips.
ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR DENTIST.
Before you use a whitening kit, it is best to get your teeth checked and cleaned by your dentist. They will also check for any tooth decay and make sure your gums are healthy. To ensure you get the best results, ask your dentist which at home kits are the most effective.
DO YOUR RESEARCH.
You must do your research before deciding on a home whitening kit. The peroxide amounts vary, usually between 10% and 20%, so ideally you want one that is around 12 to 15 percent because less is more in this scenario. If you are unsure, ask your dentist to help you find the right one for your needs.
FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS.
Whatever you do, make sure you follow the instructions. Leaving the gel or strips on for longer than the recommended time won’t make your teeth whiter. In fact, the chances are good that your teeth will become super sensitive and your gums will be sore. Also, don’t drink anything other than water after you have whitened your teeth. And definitely no smoking.
PROTECT YOUR TEETH AND GUMS.
Teeth can become more sensitive after treatment, but it generally doesn’t last a long time. Also, in some cases, the gel can irritate your gums. If you have an adverse reaction to a teeth whitening kit, it is recommended that you stop using it immediately.
There are some great at home teeth whitening kits around that are safe and effective to use. However, you can pop into Bela Family Dentistry of Augusta where one of our friendly team members will do it for you.
Something else to keep in mind is how quickly you want to see results. The bleaching agents your dentist uses are much stronger than the kits you buy over the counter, which means you will see results after just one in-office session.
Lastly, your dentist can monitor how you are reacting to the ingredients during the procedure and can best advise on how to get the white you want without any damage to your enamel or gums.
If you want to find out more about teeth whitening options, pop into Bela Family Dentistry of Augusta. Our expert team will be able to advise and guide you so that you get the bright, white smile you deserve.
