Best Teeth Whitening Products of 2018 Reviewed

It may not be something you give much thought to, but the appearance of your teeth can make a dramatic difference to your attractiveness.

Pearly whites are in general regarded as much more appealing than stained, yellow teeth.

Although it isn’t necessarily an indication of good dental health, white teeth look a lot cleaner and healthier.

By taking steps to maintain a white smile, you can prevent putting others off and look better.

You can stop being self-conscious about the color of your teeth, and interact freely.

Consequently, you are bound to be better received and more confident in all spheres of your life – social, professional, personal.

But how do you keep your teeth white?

You might get stains from sources like coffee, wine, or cola, or from habits such as smoking.

But that doesn’t mean you have to abstain from all of these just to have shiny white teeth.

Additionally, discoloration might occur because of the darkening of the dentin, which can happen as you age.

And other factors like trauma, excessive fluoride intake during childhood, or using tetracycline antibiotics during childhood can cause intrinsic darkening too.

So what’s the answer?

Teeth whitening.

This is done to get rid of the stains and discoloration on your teeth, and like the name indicates, to whiten up your choppers.

 

How Teeth Whitening Works

 

When you use teeth whitening procedures or products, you’re essentially aiming to remove the stains that form on your teeth.

These stains are in fact a layer called the pellicle film that forms over the enamel covering your dentins.

This layer is formed after particles of the staining substances you put in your mouth gradually build up.

By visiting your dentist or using special toothpaste, you can scrub away this layer to reveal your gleaming enamels once again.

But over time, the stains seep into the enamel, forming a deeper, tougher stain.

When this happens, you need to look towards stronger whitening products that use bleaching chemicals.

The common chemical is hydrogen peroxide or something like carbamide peroxide that eventually breaks down into hydrogen peroxide.

It sets off an oxidation reaction in the enamel of your teeth, helping you eliminate the stains.

All teeth whitening either make use of the abrasion or the bleaching technique.

That being said, it is up to you to decide what method you want to go for.

It is true that teeth whitening might work differently for different people, depending on the cause behind the stains or discoloration.

You might wish to consult a dentist first before making a decision about which type of teeth whitening would get you the best results.

 

Types of Teeth Whitening

 

If you are looking to whiten your teeth, you have a couple of options to think about.

You could either visit a dentist and get a whitening procedure done at the dental office, or you could purchase whitening products that are accessible to everyone without a need for prescriptions.

Either method will yield results, but to help you decide which one you want, let’s go over both in detail.

 

Dental Office Whitening

 

This is when you go to the dentist to get a whitening procedure done.

This kind of whitening procedure generally begins with the dentist giving your teeth a prophylactic cleaning to get rid of plaque, followed by an examination of your teeth.

If there are issues such as gum diseases or serious decays, then the dentist is likely to put off the whitening procedure until these problems are under control.

The teeth that are bleached are those that fall in the esthetic zone, or those teeth that are visible when you smile.

The bleach used tends to be pretty strong, so the gums are painted with a hardening resin or liquid rubber dam for protection.

The bleaching gel, which contains hydrogen peroxide, is applied for around fifteen to thirty minutes, washed off, and repeated one or more times depending on how strong the stains are.

The dentist will check after washing off the bleach whether your teeth require more.

Some dentists may also focus a bright light on your teeth to boost the bleaching process, although whether or not the light helps is under debate.

Once the dentist decides that the new shade of your teeth is satisfactory, you can remove the retractors holding your mouth open and rinse off.

The immediate shade after the session might look brighter than the shade your teeth will settle into in a few days’ time.

Your dentist might recommend follow-up sessions or products to use at home if your teeth are still not as white as you want them.

 

Over the Counter Whitening

 

This other method is when you simply go and buy whitening products to use at home.

There are hundreds of products you can find at any time in the market, so make sure to read the product reviews below for some of the best ones currently available.

It is also a good idea to consult your dentist for recommendations.

When buying these products, make sure to locate the seal of approval from the national dental association.

Most of these products will contain carbamide peroxide, as it is more stable than hydrogen peroxide.

Because of safety reasons, take-home bleaches are milder than the ones used at the dentist’s office.

But they can work fairly effectively if used regularly, and might be preferable for those with tooth sensitivity.

Over-the-counter whitening products may come in the form of toothpaste, whitening strips, paint-on gels, whitening gums, and so on.

Some may work on scrubbing away the extrinsic stains, while some work as a bleaching agent.

But all of these products are readily available on the market and can be used independently.

 

Pros and Cons of Each Method

 

Now that you know what the two different methods are, let’s go over the advantages and disadvantages of each.

First, let’s discuss dental office teeth whitening.

One clear advantage is that it works much faster than whitening at home through the use of products.

The bleach used is powerful and effectively breaks apart stains.

You might think that because the bleach is strong, those with sensitivity problems in the gums and tooth might need to opt out of dental office whitening.

However, the dentist carefully controls the situation by using desensitizers or thicker bleaching gels.

Because the dentist is right there to take care of any reaction, it is also a really safe procedure.

Research has shown that bleach doesn’t degrade your dental health in any way but merely enhances appearance.

On the other hand, dental office whitening can be rather expensive.

It might cost you more than six or seven times what normal over the counter products would cost.

You have to decide whether it is worth the money, especially given that it might not work as well for everyone.

Factors such as genes, age, and the type of stains on your teeth make a lot of difference.

Stains that have formed due to age or substances such as tobacco or dark drinks are most readily removed by dental office whitening.

You must note that it isn’t a permanent solution, and you might be required to use at-home products anyway to follow-up on your procedure.

Now let’s look at over the counter whitening products.

They are usually a lot cheaper than dental office whitening.

They also use bleach that is much milder, or rely solely on abrasion to get rid of stains.

This means that you don’t have to worry much about tooth and gum sensitivity with these products.

However, these products might take much longer to work.

They aren’t a permanent solution either, so you will have to keep using them to maintain the shine and the shade, and the results might not be that dramatic.

As with dental office whitening, you have to keep in mind that a bunch of different variables can affect the degree to which your teeth get whitened.

 

Precautions

 

It seems that teeth whitening procedures are more or less safe for you health-wise.

But are there any other precautions you need to take?

The answer is yes – like with anything, you need to be wary about certain things.

One important thing to keep in mind is to avoid discoloring your teeth again.

After dental office whitening, make sure to wait around forty-eight hours at least before drinking staining beverages or smoking.

If you do, the whole procedure might be pointless.

After whitening your teeth, it is a good idea to be careful with such staining substances.

A good idea is to drink soda with a straw, or trying to avoid your teeth when your drink coffee or wine or dark sauces.

Another thing to keep in mind is that you’re best off not using bleaching agents if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

Accidentally swallowing even a little bit of chemical substances might harm your baby.

Even if you’re not pregnant, there are certain chemicals you should avoid for the sake of your teeth.

For example, Glycerin can promote tooth decay, Diethanolamine and Triscolan might increase risk for different kinds of cancers (including liver, kidney, breast, prostrate, and testicular cancer).

Sorbitol might mess up your digestion and cause chronic diarrhea, Sodium Fluoride may interfere with calcium metabolism, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate might damage your skin, microbeads might harm the tissues making your gum and teeth, and Hydrated Silica might damage the tooth enamel.

When you buy products, make sure they don’t contain these potentially harmful ingredients.

It isn’t uncommon to experience tooth sensitivity or gum irritation when using tooth whitening products.

If you’re known to have sensitive teeth and gums, buy products with a low peroxide concentration.

If you feel lasting discomfort after using it, consult a dentist.

Also note that bleaching won’t work well if you have severe tooth decays, cracks, or a gum infection.

If you’ve fixed these problems with crowns or fillings, the bleach is unlikely to work properly on these surfaces.

A final thing to keep in mind is to avoid using alcohol-based oral mouthwashes after whitening your teeth since these washes can inhibit whitening.

If you’ve used bleaching gels, an oxygenated wash might in fact enhance whitening.

 

Best Teeth Whitening Product Reviews

 

There are many different teeth whitening products you can find.

We’ve compiled some of the very best products for you.

Below are the reviews for each of the products so that you can pick and choose what you want:

 

Plaque HD Plaque Identifying Toothpaste

 

 

Plaque buildup in your teeth can form a layer on top of the tooth enamel, making your teeth look yellow and stained.

With Plaque HD Plaque Identifying Toothpaste, you can effectively get rid of any plaque buildup in your teeth.

It uses Targetol Technology which helps reduce plaque by almost four times more than most other toothpastes in the market.

Due to this, it fights cavities, prevents gum diseases, and keeps your breath fresh.

This minty toothpaste  will give you a clear, stain-free smile.

 

Dentek Smile Icon Professional Whitening Polisher

 

 

The Dentek Smile Icon Professional Whitening Polisher is a whitening gel that can give you results immediately, in as little as three minutes.

It doesn’t contain peroxide or any harsh chemicals, so it is a great option for those of you with sensitive teeth or gums.

Purchasing one packet will give you sixteen whitening gel cups and replaceable polishing tips.

These polishing tips are designed to help you coat your teeth properly so that you can whiten your teeth evenly.

Using this once a week can give you the bright white smile you want.

 

Oral-B Glide Pro Health Floss Picks

 

 

Tooth decay can ruin the perfect smile you’re trying to achieve.

It gives your teeth an unhealthy appearance.

Plaque forms on top of your teeth after consumption of food materials, and the bacteria present in plaque can attack your tooth enamel and cause decay if you don’t clean out the bits of food stuck in between your teeth.

These floss sticks by Oral-B are like no other, and will easily reach the difficult places where plaque is present.

These floss sticks work far better than normal flosses and also help prevent gingivitis in the gums.

 

Rocky Mountain Essentials Tuxedo Tooth and Gum Powder

 

 

This gentle, chemical-free formula helps whiten your teeth over time without exposing them to harmful chemical agents.

This all-natural formula using activated coconut charcoal detoxifies the mouth and the teeth to keep it clean and healthy.

The coconut powder, made from coconuts from Sri Lanka, act as anti-fungal and anti-bacterial agents, helping your teeth whiten naturally if used daily over a month.

It works great for sensitive teeth and gums, and also gradually gets rid of stains from food and drinks.

If you’re not satisfied with the results, you can even get your money back!

  

Arm & Hammer Whitening Booster

 

 

Arm & Hammer Whitening Booster is a great product for you if you have an event coming up soon and need a quick fix.

This potent product uses three times more whitening agent than regular whitening strips.

It is very easy to use as you just need to apply it over your everyday toothpaste when brushing.

It releases peroxide, so it starts making an impact immediately.

In two days, you can get rid of minor stains.

With regular use, your teeth will be sparkling white in a matter of several weeks.

 

Philips Sonicare Flexcare Platinum Connected Toothbrush

 

 

Electric toothbrushes are easy to use and give you the most effective results.

Philips Sonicare Flexcare Platinum Connected Toothbrush is extra special because they can give you ten times more plaque removal than a regular toothbrush.

Its Smart Sensor technology helps identify where you’re not brushing enough as well as when you’re applying too much pressure while brushing.

The toothbrush can send you relevant data to your smartphone so that you can make sure every brushing session is thorough and effective.

You can also receive customized tips, and also set goals and track your own progress.

 

Go Smile Ampoules

 

 

Go Smile’s ampoules are incredibly easy to use, so this product is for those of you who want to avoid the effort it usually takes to use strips or trays.

The product comes in small capsules, from which you can squeeze out serum.

You can easily apply the serum to your teeth with a built-in applicator, twice a day.

It doesn’t matter where you use it, this portable product can be used at home or at the office or during your commute.

You can see your stains disappearing in as little as a week.

 

Crest Whitestrips Gentle Routine

 

 

Crest Whitestrips Gentle Routine can tackle even the deepest of stains, and all you need to do is use it for five minutes each day over time.

It has been specially designed for use upon sensitive teeth, and uses the same ingredients a dentist would.

Therefore, your enamel is completely protected and you comfortably whiten your teeth at home.

This whitening kit comes with twenty-eight treatments and tackles not only extrinsic stains but also intrinsic ones.

 

Start Pure Peroxide-Free Teeth Whitening Pen

 

 

This is another all-natural, peroxide free product.

Despite not containing chemical agents, it can work its wonders on your teeth in a pretty short time of one week.

Start Pure’s Peroxide-Free Whitening Pen contains antioxidants such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E. In a matter of two weeks, your teeth can get up to fourteen shades lighter.

It comes in different flavors and gives you fresh breath while also killing off all the bacteria in your mouth.

This product is perfect for those with sensitive teeth and gums, and is really easy to apply.

 

Pearl Drops Tea and Coffee Stain Remover

 

 

Are you a big tea or coffee person?

How many cups a day do you usually drink?

If you think that your tea or coffee consumption is causing the stains on your teeth, this product might just be the perfect one for you.

Pearl Drops Stain Remover has been designed especially for drinkers of these dark beverages, and is three times more effective at removing stains than regular products.

 

Crest Glamorous White Multi-Care Whitening Rinse

 

 

This is yet another product that is extremely simple to use.

This mouthwash from Crest Glamorous can whiten up your smile in just two days.

Its triple-action formula can remove surface stains, and can prevent staining in the future using its exclusive Whitelock technology.

It also keeps your breath fresh by killing germs in the mouth.

Not only is it effective and easy to incorporate into your daily routine, it also tastes great!

 

Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste

 

 

The Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste is one of the most popular whitening products on the market right now.

It comes from a reliable company that also manufactures other whitening products such as trays and bleaches.

However, this toothpaste is a no-hassle product that you can just use instead of your regular toothpaste.

It helps you save time and get results simultaneously.

It also leaves your mouth refreshed with its cool mint flavor.

 

Shine Whitening Kit

 

 

This is a more complex type of product than those we’ve reviewed so far.

It includes using a mouthpiece with a carbamide peroxide gel.

The trays perfectly fit in your mouth, so that all your teeth get whitened evenly.

Furthermore, stains that have been building up for years can be removed in just a few uses.

You can use it for anywhere from five to fifteen minutes a day, depending on how sensitive your teeth and gums are.

Once you start seeing results, you don’t have to use the kit on consecutive days.

 

Plus White 5-Minute Speed Whitening System

 

 

Plus White’s Five-Minute Speed Whitening System is a product true to its name, and delivers significantly whiter teeth in just five minutes.

It fights the surface stains on your teeth before they can be absorbed by the tooth enamel.

It comes with a very comfortable mouth tray and has bleaching powder that is powerful but doesn’t harm your tooth enamel in any way.

It has proved to be a very popular product with customers, even winning the 2014 Reader’s Choice Award for Totalbeauty.com.

 

Crest Whitestrips Advanced Vivid

 

 

Crest whitening strips are superior to many others because of several reasons.

First, it is very comfortable to apply and to go around other activities with because of its Seal technology that helps the strips stay put in their places.

These strips can be up to twenty-five times more effective than toothpastes, and can help you get rid of a decade’s worth of stains and discoloration from your teeth.

You might experience sensitivity with prolonged use, but it does nothing to your enamel and has no side effects, unless used in pregnancy.

 

Brilliant HD Teeth Whitening Kit

 

 

Brilliant HD Teeth Whitening Kit too comes with mouth trays that are molded by heat.

You just need to dip it in warm water for a certain amount of time, and then place it around your teeth so that you get the perfect shape.

The tray is comfortable to use, and in just a few treatment sessions of around fifteen minutes each, you can observe a stark difference in the shade of your teeth.

It uses a carbamide peroxide gel that is safe to use on your enamel, although your gums may get irritated with prolonged use.

 

GLO Personal Teeth Whitening Device

 

 

The GLO Personal Teeth Whitening Device might be a tad more expensive than the other products on this list, but we believe it is worth its weight in gold.

You can apply the whitening gel to your teeth, avoiding the gums if you’re prone to sensitivity, with a brush.

This helps make sure that your application is even.

After that you put in your mouthpiece and press a button on the controller.

The device then lights up and your whitening process starts.

In eight minutes you will be done with one treatment session.

It is really easy to use, and makes use of sophisticated technology to deliver fast and effective results.

It doesn’t irritate your teeth or your gums and you can control the degree of whiteness you want for your teeth.

 

Conclusion

 

Shiny white teeth have a subconscious effect on the people around you.

If you smile is bright and pearly, you will receive much better responses from those around you.

You will also be able to become more confident yourself, and radiate health and happiness.

We hope that the product reviews above prove useful to you and that you can make the right decision for yourself.

All of these products are among the best available in the market today, and will no doubt bring you some results.

But after reading this article, you hopefully have an idea about what product you wish to be using for your teeth.