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Dental Products, October 9th, 2009

Best Tooth Whitening Gel for Bright Smile

In the past eight to 10 years tooth whitening has soared in popularity as in-office treatments with professional tooth whitening gels in dentists’ offices have incorporated new technologies like lasers to maximize results. Additionally, in-home over the counter tooth whitening systems and gels have improved as well. Teeth whitening kits that are available at drugstores and retailers can now get teeth up to 10 shades whiter, and their price has come down dramatically.

In the past eight to 10 years tooth whitening has soared in popularity as in-office treatments with professional tooth whitening gels in dentists’ offices have incorporated new technologies like lasers to maximize results. Additionally, in-home over the counter tooth whitening systems and gels have improved as well. Teeth whitening kits that are available at drugstores and retailers can now get teeth up to 10 shades whiter, and their price has come down dramatically.

Perhaps the main difference between drugstore tooth whitening systems and the ones that dentists use is that the over-the-counter systems work more gradually because the gels have lower concentrations of peroxide than the ones used in dentists’ offices. There are also alternative formulations of peroxide that are said to cut down on tooth sensitivity that some people experience with these tooth whitening systems. Formulas with carbamide peroxide cause fewer problems with sensitivity than other peroxide formulas.

There are a few basic teeth whitening technologies, but the “classic” method is professional tooth whitening gel in a mouth tray that is worn over the teeth for varying periods of time. One of the first non-prescription variations on this theme was Crest WhiteStrips, which are thin plastic strips coated on one side with whitening gel. They were and remain a popular choice in over-the-counter tooth whitening systems.

While Crest WhiteStrips are considered the best budget-wise method for tooth whitening, some people have complained of increased tooth sensitivity with the system. For a few years, Crest WhiteStrips were easily the most popular and convenient of the drugstore tooth whitening gel kits.

Since that time, other over-the-counter tooth whitening methods have proliferated. Paint-on gels are popular, as are milder versions of the dentist-prescribed mouth-tray and gel systems. There have also been disappearing strips made of the gel that customers place over their teeth and wait for them to dissolve. And there are countless whitening toothpastes available, though these do not provide dramatic whitening.

The system that consumer reviews has reviewed favorably as the best tooth whitening gel is the GoSmile system. The GoSmile system consists of a 10-day supply of “single serving” tubes of 6% peroxide whitening gel. Each tube comes with a small brush and the gel is squeezed onto the brush and then applied to the teeth. The brush allows the gel to reach areas where plastic strips have trouble reaching. Since it does not have to be removed, it can be used anywhere.

Those who have tested GoSmile have consistently rated the system’s convenience and easy use as reasons they like the system. Many users say that results begin to become apparent after only a few uses. Another plus with some consumers is the lack of oversensitivity with GoSmile. Many tooth whitening gels are known to cause tooth sensitivity. While it can’t match what your dentist can do, as readily available tooth whitening systems go, GoSmile is considered tops. The biggest drawback to the GoSmile system is its cost. A 10-day supply costs around $90.00.

Formulated by Jonathan B. Levine, DMD, GoSmile can get your teeth four to 10 shades lighter in a week.


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