It’s no secret that your smile is one of the first things people notice, and having whiter teeth can definitely improve your smile. In fact, there’s even research that indicates people with whiter teeth are perceived to be more attractive, friendlier and more successful.
While we all want a million-watt Hollywood smile, veneers and professional, in-office laser treatments are often too expensive. What’s worse, common habits can make achieving a perfect smile nearly impossible — your morning cup of coffee, a glass of red wine and tomato sauce with your pasta all contribute to tooth discoloration. On top of that, aging — something none of us can stop (though we may try!) — plays a role as well. Luckily, there are plenty of at-home teeth whitening products that can help you brighten your smile without breaking the bank.
Crest 3D Whitestrips, Professional Effects
Cost: $30 | Type: Strips | Active ingredient: Hydrogen peroxide | Level of whitening: Up to 20 levels whiter | Recommended usage: 45 minutes once per day | Time till results: 22 days
Crest 3D Whitestrips is the OG of at-home teeth whitening, and the top dentist-recommended product on the market.
According to Dr. Nicole Mackie, a prosthodontist and dental implant specialist in Las Vegas, the ADA seal is a big deal. “In order to guarantee safety, I only recommend ADA-approved whitening products,” she says, noting that Crest is currently the onlyADA-approved brand of whitening strips.
One downside is that Crest 3D Whitestrips typically require longer wear than other products — both in terms of duration per session and number of days to see results. Still, they’re easy to use, relatively affordable and, best of all, effective.
How do you remove tough stains from teeth?
According to Mackie, really deep, tough stains may require the big guns. “Professional teeth whitening from a board-certified dentist,” she says.
Some at-home whitening products that contain hydrogen peroxide may be beneficial depending on the level of discoloration, but she also encourages trying to make certain lifestyle changes. “Simple adjustments like reducing the intake of teeth-staining foods and drinks (coffee, tea, red wine, berries, tomato sauce and dark-colored sodas) can significantly enhance the whiteness of your smile,” she explains.
Another tip: “Always rinse your mouth with water after meals or drinking dark beverages, particularly coffee.”
