There is an abundance of products on the market for those who are looking for a brighter smile. To get the million-dollar smile without breaking your budget, News 5 put the latest over-the-counter products to the test.
News 5 tested four products on four people to find out if paying more provided more whitening power. Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Michelle Story took before-and-after stats to measure the results,
WLWT News 5's Susanne Horgan reported.
Nicole Graham used the quickest product, Rembrandt Two-Hour Whitening System. The product cost $19.99 and uses an upper and lower mouth guard. Rembrandt promises to whiten your teeth in four-20 minute applications.
"It was uncomfortable," Graham said. "When I used the product, the gel inside my mouth actually burned my gum and that sensation stuck around for about four days."
Lynn Schaible tested the popular Crest White Strips that cost $28. The strips are recommended for 30 minutes use twice a day for seven days.
"At first, I didn't like them. It tasted weird," Schaible said. "Then I think I got used to the taste and it wasn't so bad."
Jen Martin tested the Oral B Whitening Pen that costs $12.99. The pen is intended for use while sleeping for two weeks.
Whitening Strips Or Gel Pen?
"I didn't think it was going to work because there's nothing to hold it against your teeth," Martin said. "It's more like wax on your teeth."
Stephanie Amspaugh used Oral B White Strips. Priced at $24.99, the product promises to whiten within seven days.
She said the strips were more uncomfortable than others she's tried.
"The Oral B was more like a mouth guard that you would wear for sports," Amspaugh said.
After the testing period, Dr. Story measured the results, Horgan reported.
Lynn, who used the $28 Crest White Strips, lightened two shades.
The $19.99 Rembrandt Two-Hour Whitening System tester, Nicole, was also two shades lighter.
The least amount of whitening was with Stephanie, the tester of the $24.99 Oral B White Strips. Her teeth didn't change shades, but were a little brighter. Story said the problem may have been that Stephanie's teeth have a gray base color, which can be much more difficult to whiten.
Jen, who used the Oral B $12.99 Whitening Pen, showed the most dramatic results.
Experts said the degree of change may depend more on your teeth than on the actual product.
Story said the products are all similar in that they will all whiten. But, if your teeth have a gray tone, your best bet is to use a long-term product like White Strips. Consumers will also need to use them for an extended period of time to see results.
More Information: Dangers of Tooth Bleaching Tooth Whiteners ADA Statement On The Safety and Effectiveness of Tooth Whitening Products ADA Frequently Asked Questions: Tooth Whitening TreatmentsCopyright 2008 by WLWT.com.
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