5 tips for choosing an off the shelf teeth whitening system

1. Budget: Believe it or not Americans pay close to $600 million a year for tooth whitening.  Dentists charge anywhere from $300- several thousand to get your teeth whitened, but that is not the only option you have. You can also get a white smile with an off the shelf tooth whitening system.  Some off the shelf tooth whitening kits start at as little as $15.  While results will vary, and the price often reflects the quality, your first tip is to choose the highest priced available within your budget. Or, if there are two similarly priced, choose the one with the highest recommendation.

2. Choose the right ingredients for your teeth: Most off the shelf whitening agents will use either hydrogen or carbamide peroxide bleach as their active ingredient.  Obviously, these bleaches are far less effective than what your dentist can use, but that is why they are more affordable.  However, if you have really gray or extremely stained teeth, an off the shelf whitening system will do little for you. At home tooth whitening kits are designed to work on yellowish teeth. So, make sure you choose something that will do you good, otherwise you are wasting money, you would be wise to spend extra and see a dentist for whitening then spend too little and get no result for your money.

3. Go with a reputable brand: Brands like Crest white strips, and Colgate whiteners will likely give you better results than an unknown. Plus, if you do not get good results, the company is far more willing to refund your money as they have a name and reputation to protect than a generic brand. So, go with the proven brands, and have the assurance that they would not be promoting a worthless product as much as they are.

4. Ask your dentist for recommendations: Your dentist should know the condition of your teeth, and your dentist is likely the best person to ask advice for whitening from. He or she will know if your stains are too severe to be affected by off the shelf whitening agents, and they may also be able to give you some tips to help your off the shelf whitening kit work better for you. So, ask. It can't hurt to ask.

5. Pick a tray form: While brush on and strip whitening applicators are less expensive, the downside is that they can leave splotches and miss the nooks and crannies in your teeth.  For most uniform whitening use an application where the whitening agent is put in a tray that forms around your teeth. Also, try to find one that allows you to form your own trays, not a one size fits all, this will help you to get a more unique whitening, and one that is best for your teeth.

No matter what off the shelf teeth whitening system you choose, it is important to realize whitening is not for everyone. So, do not use a tooth whitening system if you have gum irritation, or a toothache. It is also important that you do not use a tooth whitening product for more than 14 days without consulting a dental professional.

If you experience tooth sensitivity while using a whitening system, stop using the whitener and consult a dentist.