These days it seems like if you're teeth aren't pure white and perfectly shaped, you're automatically considered a second class citizen. You're unhealthy, unattractive, unsanitary and will never live the happy life that television commercials always tease you with. Despite the hype, teeth whitening products do help make you look younger by giving you a much healthier looking smile. Of course, like any popular product, there are now mountains of items all promising you a perfect, white smile.
Whitening Strips
Whitening strips are a popular way to bleach your teeth at home. They tend to be a little expensive, though nowhere near as expensive as a dentist visit. The strips usually need to be worn about 30 minutes, one to two times a day.
Whitening strips can slide a little in your mouth, but generally stay where they're supposed to. The bleaching action can cause slight burning on the gums, but the sensation should be minor.
The best way to get your strips to stay in place is to apply them to slightly dirty teeth. Brushing your teeth right before using the strips create a slick tooth surface, making it difficult for the strips to truly adhere.
Whitening Paints
Whitening paint is another quick way to bleach your teeth at home. The first type of paint is meant to cover your teeth, slowly bleaching out stains. Because the bleaching solution has no cover, these paints are very ineffective and can rub off teeth with ease.
The second type of whitening paint doesn't actually bleach your teeth at all. These temporary "faux" paints cover your teeth to make them look white for a night, but have no helpful, long-term effects.
These temporary whitening paints appear very unnatural and much too white. They make you look more like a zombie about to go for someone's throat than an attractive human with a great smile.
Whitening Toothpaste/Mouthwash
Whitening toothpastes and mouthwashes are slow, but effective ways to brighten your teeth. They don't have the dramatic results whitening strips or paints produce, but they also don't require as much hassle.
For the best results when using whitening toothpaste or mouthwash, make sure not to eat or drink anything for up to an hour after use. This gives extra time for the products to work before they're washed away by a soda or snack.
 | As many consumers head towards their favorite drugstore to purchase teeth whitening products, they may wonder if these products really work and if they will be able to achieve the same results as the advertised models. |
 | The quest for a white smile blindly leads many people onto a journey that ends with a smile much too bright. |
 | If you're looking for that Hollywood smile without that Hollywood price, it may be time to learn about homemade teeth whitener. |
 | Compared to dental costs, at-home whiteners are cost-effective and easy to use, but are they the best teeth whiteners? |
 | Who doesn't want a brighter, more beautiful smile? Often it's the one thing that's remembered; more than anything else about a person. First impressions can be very important, after all. |
