The Best Teeth Whitening Methods | Ways To Get Whiter Teeth

Do Teeth Whiteners Work?

Okay, now that we have the safety stuff out of the way, here is the real question: Does it work? You don’t want to spend your hard-earned money on some useless treatment that won’t do anything for you. This much is obvious. That’s why you need to know everything about the effectiveness of these products. A little research goes a long way, so we are here to help you out.

First of all, here is the simple answer: Yes, they do. For the most part, anyway. One important thing to keep in mind is that nothing is guaranteed. Everybody’s mouth is different, so a product that works wonders for your friend’s teeth might do next to nothing for yours. Still, most people who use teeth whiteners are satisfied with the results.

Here is something else worth keeping in mind: These products can only do so much! If your teeth are mostly white or yellow, you shouldn’t have a problem. But if your teeth are brown, you might not see the results you’re hoping for, although the whitening process might still work. On the other hand, if your teeth are gray or black, you might need a bit more than whitening systems to fix them. 

There are also a few different ways to get your teeth whitened. How effective the process is can depend on which way you go. 

The first way to get your teeth whitened is to go to your dentist’s office and get it done there. If you’re in the dentist’s chair, the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the treatment is going to be pretty high, usually from 25 to 40 percent. This is the stuff we talked about in the last section that can cause gum irritation if your dentist isn’t careful with it. However, if done correctly, this method is usually pretty successful. Sometimes your dentist might use an activating LED light or a laser on your teeth after applying the treatment.

You can also go for an at-home teeth whitening system. This usually takes the form of a tray, mouthguard, or a wand applicator. Some systems, like Snow’s, also use the activating LED light. These at-home systems are a little easier on your teeth, with a bleach concentration of only 5 to 15 percent. That’s still enough to whiten your teeth, but it cuts down on some of the irritation issues you might have after visiting the dentist. Just like going to the dentist’s office, at-home whitening systems tend to work pretty well. As long as you’re careful to read the directions, you should be satisfied with this method. Plus, it saves you a trip to the dentist’s office, which is always a bonus.

So, there are a few other ways to try whitening your teeth. Some people try whitening gum. The gum is slightly abrasive, so the idea is that it gently rubs off stains on your enamel. It is definitely easier than using an at-home system or going to the dentist. There is only one problem, however. It doesn’t work! So far, there hasn’t really been any evidence that the gum does what it is supposed to. The same goes for paint-on systems or any DIY home remedies like baking soda and strawberry. They are all a lot more convenient, but unfortunately, that comes at the cost of effectiveness.

All of this is kind of a long way of saying yes, these systems do usually work - as long as you’re doing it the right way. Whether you’re visiting the dentist or using an at-home whitening system, it is important to make sure you’re following the instructions. Teeth whitening systems have come a long way since the ancient Romans first had the genius idea to brush their teeth with urine, so you should be able to see some pretty nice results!

By the way, that Roman thing is absolutely true. The ammonia in the urine actually did help them clean their teeth, at least a little. Save that one to gross out your friends at the next trivia night.

Can You Whiten Your Teeth In One Day Or Overnight?

In today’s hustle-and-bustle lifestyle, we have all become accustomed to getting what we want immediately. Want to watch the newest blockbuster? Stream it now on Netflix. Want some pizza from the place down the street? Have it delivered in 15 minutes. Need a new lampshade because the kids drew on yours with crayons? Ship it overnight with Amazon. It makes sense to apply this to teeth whitening too, right? Put it on, go to bed, and wake up with a bright and shiny new smile?

Well, it is a little more complicated than that, unfortunately. Although teeth whitening systems are getting better every day, they are still not at the point where you can see results overnight. But that doesn’t mean you’re going to be waiting around forever. Most at-home treatments say that your teeth will be whiter by a couple of weeks or so. However, the Snow system typically shows results in 7 days or less. That’s probably the closest you can get right now to an overnight change.

Convenience and quick results are a couple of advantages that at-home teeth whitening systems can have over going to see the dentist. If you’re getting your teeth whitened professionally, you can expect to spend an hour to 90 minutes in the chair every time you go in. That’s a bit of a pain, especially since you will usually have to go back for several more appointments before the whole process is over. Once you factor in the time it takes to drive to the office and back, plus hanging out in the waiting room, it is a fairly significant chunk of time.

At-home systems tend to be a little more convenient, although not all are created equal. Whitening strips are one of the more common ways to whiten your teeth at home and are pretty effective. However, like a dentist’s office, they require a bit of a time commitment. Typically, you will have to wear the strips on your teeth for one or two hours each day. If you can keep this up for two to three weeks, you should usually see some great results. They are kind of a pain, though since you shouldn’t eat or drink with them on. Whitening trays and gels usually take about the same amount of time, depending on the strength of the bleach.

The Snow system is a little different. When it comes to convenience, Snow is hard to beat. You start by applying the whitening serum to your teeth with the wand. This only takes a couple of minutes, just as long as it takes you to paint each tooth. Most of the time commitment comes from using the activating LED light, the same kind that dentists use in the office. That being said, it is really not that much time at all. Just 9 to 30 minutes per night with the LED light, less than half of what you’d need for the strips or the trays. It is recommended that you use the system for 21 to 30 days overall, but you will start to see your teeth getting whiter after only a week or so.

If you really want to do something that can be done overnight, you will have to go for a DIY home remedy. You can use something like baking soda or apple cider vinegar, and you might even see some results. People have been using these kinds of remedies for years. But ultimately, you’re not going to see the same whitening effect as you would with a real system. If you want something done right, sometimes you have to be willing to wait. Just not too long!

Can Yellow Teeth Become White?

Nobody likes having a yellow smile. It is something that happens naturally, but that doesn’t mean we have to live with it! If science can give a bald man hair or replace a lost limb, then there is no reason you should have to put up with yellow teeth for the rest of your life, right? The good news is that turning yellow teeth white is easier now than it ever has been. Teeth whitening systems like Snow specialize in turning those yellow chompers into pearly whites, easy as pie.

The truth is, seeing your teeth turn yellow is a pretty common thing as you get older. As the white outer layer of your teeth, called enamel, gradually wears away throughout your life, it reveals the yellow layer underneath, called dentin. A lot of things can contribute to the loss of enamel, the most common being acid in sugary drinks and fruit juices. Did you know that some of the acids in juice are actually more corrosive than battery acid? They are only present in small amounts, but they definitely start to add up over a lifetime. Sugar and starch can also damage your enamel, making your teeth look yellower. Honestly, if it tastes good, it is probably bad for your teeth. That’s kind of an unfortunate law of nature. Everything nice has a cost, sadly.

It is not just your diet that can damage your enamel, either! Just regular, everyday wear and tear on your teeth can make them look more yellow. Chewing, biting, brushing - all these things grind down on the natural white enamel in your teeth. It is even worse if you grind your teeth, bite your nails, or chew tobacco. Even over-brushing your teeth can contribute! There is also a bit of a genetic component. Some people just naturally have more transparent enamel, which makes their teeth look yellow even when they are clean. Talk about unfair!

Besides losing enamel, stains are the other big reason your teeth might not be as white as they once were. Lots of foods, plus coffee, red wine, and soda can all leave stains on your teeth, causing them to look yellow or even a little brown. Smoking does this too, as well as chewing tobacco. There are also certain medications and procedures that can leave stains on your teeth, like some antihistamines, antipsychotics, and chemotherapy treatments. Between enamel loss and everyday staining, it is no surprise that most people end up with at least slightly yellowed teeth, and it is nothing to be ashamed of.

Still, that doesn’t mean you have to just live with it. There are plenty of ways to brighten those yellow teeth. The simplest one is just regular dental hygiene. The ADA recommends brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing once per day. That, plus going to the dentist for regular cleanings, can help repair the white enamel of your teeth and scrub off some of those stains. A healthy smile will always be brighter and whiter than the smile of someone who doesn’t take care of their teeth, that’s kind of a no-brainer.

But regular hygiene can only go so far. Even if you’re careful with your teeth, you might still see some gradual yellowing as you get older. There is only so much that brushing and flossing can do! That’s where teeth whitening comes in. With the Snow teeth whitening system, you can see significantly whiter teeth in as little as a week! Using teeth whitening products can leave you with a much whiter smile than just standard dental care alone, and often much faster as well. Imagine looking into the mirror and seeing the teeth of a healthy 20-year-old, no matter how old you are. 

Ultimately, if you’re not happy with the color of your teeth, don’t let it get you down! There are plenty of things you can do to get that bright white smile back, including teeth whitening systems.

How Do Celebrities Get Their Teeth So White?

If you look at celebrities, from Cameron Diaz to Zac Efron, what’s the one thing they have in common? Other than perfect bone structure and all the money and fancy things they could want, of course. It is a bright, pearly white smile! White, straight teeth are so commonplace in Hollywood that it is jarring when you see a celebrity without a perfect smile. Just think of poor Steve Buschemi, or pretty much anyone on British TV. A brilliant smile is part of the total package for the famous set, the source of so much magnetism. Where would The Rock be without his smile? Or Julia Roberts? It is practically a prerequisite to be on camera these days. So how is it that they achieve such radiant teeth? And, more importantly, how can you get a smile like that for yourself?

The first secret to a Hollywood smile is no secret at all: regular dental care. Just like all medical care, expensive dentistry comes at a much higher quality than regular dental visits. Guys like Brad and Leo take frequent trips to the dentist and probably brush twice a day with the best toothpaste money can buy. After all, if your smile was your livelihood, wouldn’t you take care of it? Celebrities take very careful care of their skin, hair, bodies, everything. Although you might not be able to visit fancy dentists in the Hollywood hills as they can, you can be just as careful as they are about taking care of yourself. The ADA recommends brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and visiting the dentist about once every six months or so. Taking these steps, plus avoiding soda and sugary foods can go a long way towards giving you a red-carpet smile.

Stepping in front of the camera requires more than just a healthy smile, though. As you already learned, even healthy teeth start to turn yellow with age, even for multi-millionaires. So what’s an aging actor to do? Teeth whitening systems can be a great start for giving otherwise healthy teeth the sparkling white look needed for appearing in big-budget films and GQ photoshoots. Whether you’re visiting the dentist or just doing it yourself with an at-home system, teeth whitening is an important part of making your teeth look just like Anne Hathaway’s. Now all you have to do is get the rest of your body up to that standard too (easier said than done)!

There is one more secret that the Hollywood set uses to keep those pearly whites looking great: cosmetic dentistry. The most common treatment used in Hollywood is placing veneers on teeth to create a perfectly white smile. Veneers are basically just thin porcelain shells that can be placed over your teeth. They are custom made for each patient, so with veneers, your smile can look exactly how you want it to. This is useful not only for whitening purposes but also to fix chipped or misshapen teeth. There are two types of veneers: prepped and non-prepped. Prepped veneers are a little thicker, and require a small amount of enamel to be shaved off each tooth in order to fit properly. Non-prepped veneers are thinner and can be placed over the tooth without removing any enamel. That means they can be removed by a dentist at any time, with your original tooth remaining undamaged underneath. If you have a little money to burn and you feel like teeth whitening just isn’t getting you far enough, you might talk to your dentist about veneers.

The majority of Hollywood celebrities are going to be using some combination of these three things for their smiles. Regular dental hygiene and teeth whitening systems are going to be the simplest and most affordable way for you to achieve your favorite actor’s smile - or at least a reasonable facsimile. Veneers are a little more expensive, as well as potentially permanent, so even if you can afford them, you may want to make sure they are really what you want.

At-Home Teeth Whitening

So, you’ve looked at your options and you’ve decided to give teeth whitening a try. Great idea! You’ve just taken the first step to a better looking and more confident version of yourself. Promotions and greater attention from your preferred gender await you. But wait, you say. I hate going to the dentist. It is far away, the waiting room is full of unruly children, and the chair makes my leg fall asleep. There is got to be a better way, right? 

Good news! There absolutely is. Instead of schlepping all the way down to the dentist’s office, why don’t you give at-home teeth whitening a try? Click this link to get the whitening kit. It is more convenient, takes less time to apply, and is less likely to cause irritation to your gums due to the lower concentration of bleach in the formula. 

Now that you’ve decided to try out at-home teeth whitening, it is time to figure out which system is right for you. There are a few different ways to whiten your teeth at home, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. It might seem a little overwhelming when you’re just getting started, but let’s take a look.

One of the most common ways to whiten your teeth at home is with whitening strips. Each strip is made out of a thin plastic coated with peroxide or bleach. You place the strip over your teeth, wait for however long the instructions tell you to, and then remove the strip and throw it away. Easy peasy. Just repeat this process as often as it says on the box, usually once or twice a day for several weeks, and whiter teeth will be yours. The main benefit of using strips over other methods is the affordability. A box of whitening strips usually costs less than most other systems, which makes it a nice starter for someone looking to try whitening their teeth for the first time. They are also pretty simple and easy to use, which is a plus as well. It is worth noting, however, that strips containing chlorine dioxide should be avoided. Chlorine dioxide is the same chemical used to clean pools, and it can strip the enamel off your teeth if you’re not careful. Make sure to read the box carefully and choose a system without chlorine in it. You should also be careful not to use the strips more often than the instructions recommend. Even if you’re impatient, using the strips too frequently can also damage your teeth, and nobody wants that.

If you’re looking for something a little more heavy-duty than whitening strips, you might try whitening trays. The trays are usually made of a lightweight, flexible material that will mold to fit your teeth, making them fairly comfortable to wear. Some trays come already filled with a peroxide solution to whiten your teeth, and some will require you to fill them yourself. Typically, a kit will come with disposable trays for your upper and lower teeth. They can sometimes be more effective than just the whitening strips, although they do have a downside. Whitening trays are much less convenient than strips. Usually, you have to wear them for several hours at a time, and you generally can’t eat or drink with them on. Some trays have to be left on overnight, which can be uncomfortable when you’re trying to sleep.

You can also give whitening gel-based systems like Snow a try. Snow is based around two fairly straightforward tools: the whitening wand and an LED activating light. It also comes with a special protective serum in case you have sensitive teeth, something that isn’t typically found in other whitening systems. To use it, you simply use the provided wand to carefully apply the serum to your teeth, like you’re painting a fence. If you have sensitive teeth, you should start by applying the protective serum this way, then wait about 15 minutes before moving on to the whitening gel. The whitening serum is applied the same way as the protective one, just paint it onto your teeth with the wand. Once that’s finished, you just have to shine the LED activating light on your teeth for 10 to 30 minutes. It is faster than most strips or trays and is guaranteed to result in whiter teeth by your first seven days.

As with anything, the best way to figure out which method of teeth whitening is best for you is to just try them. Everybody’s mouth is different, so don’t be afraid to try something different if a certain system doesn’t seem to be working for you.

Ways To Make Yellow Teeth Whiter Naturally

Of course, just because something is new and more advanced doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with doing things the old fashioned way. Maybe you’re not too thrilled with the idea of using chemicals to bleach your teeth white. That’s perfectly fine! It is important to take care of your body, and that means only using treatments that you feel comfortable with. The days of brushing your teeth with urine may be over, but you can still look to the past for some natural remedies to brighten up those chompers. 

Okay, let’s just get this out of the way early. As always, the best way to whiten your teeth is simply brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist regularly. Brushing twice a day, flossing once daily, and seeing your dentist once every six months is going to be your first step no matter what the next one is. If you’re using bleach or natural products, you’re still going to have to brush first. That’s kind of a given. It is worth mentioning that you should avoid brushing directly after finishing acidic food or drink. Brushing right after can actually rub the acid right into your enamel, just making things worse. Just wait a little while first, and maybe wash your mouth out with water too. It never hurts to be careful, after all.

One common natural remedy for yellow teeth is oil pulling. Originating in ancient India, oil pulling involves taking some oil and swishing it around in your mouth for 15 minutes or so. The idea is that the oil can kill and absorb some of the bacteria in your mouth, improving your oral health. There is not a ton of scientific evidence backing this up, but plenty of people have tried it and swear by it. Most people recommend coconut oil because it is highly absorbable. It is also totally safe to ingest, so don’t worry if you end up swallowing it. Take about a tablespoon of oil, swish it around in your mouth for 15 minutes, and spit it out. If you repeat this once a day, you could see whiter teeth, plus better breath, stronger gums, and fewer cavities. 

Baking soda is another option for natural teeth whitening. As a natural abrasive, baking soda is a solid choice for scrubbing plaque and stains off your teeth. Just add a few drops of water to a teaspoon of baking soda, put it on your toothbrush, and give it a try. You should know, however, that this isn’t really a replacement for regular toothpaste. Make sure you’re still brushing your teeth the regular way twice a day! There is also the possibility of damaging your teeth if you use too much baking soda or brush a little too hard, so go easy.

You can also try using banana, orange, or lemon peels to clean your teeth. Much like oil pulling, this method doesn’t have much by way of scientific evidence backing it up, but many people who try it are pleased with the results. Besides, it can’t hurt, so it is worth a try! Just take a peel from a banana, orange, or lemon, and rub it gently on your teeth for a couple of minutes before brushing. All these peels contain citric acid, which is theoretically helpful for cleaning plaque and stains off your teeth. As with any of these remedies, if you find that the peels are making your teeth more sensitive, you should get in touch with your dentist. It is possible that your enamel is weak or damaged, and dentin just isn’t meant to hold up to stuff like citric acid.

There are plenty of more natural remedies available on the internet or in natural health magazines. If you’re interested in whitening your teeth the old fashioned way, it might be worth checking some of those out! Just make sure to check in with your dentist first, just to be sure.

Teeth Whitening Toothpaste

There are a million and one different products out there to clean and whiten your teeth. Whitening trays, whitening strips, whitening mouthwash, and so on. It can get a little overwhelming sometimes, especially if you’re just getting into teeth whitening for the first time. So let’s narrow our focus for a bit here. Let’s just talk about one method at a time, so hopefully, by the end, you will have all the information you need to make an educated opinion and start wowing your friends and co-workers with your flashy new smile. To kick us off, let’s look into one of the easiest ways to whiten your teeth: teeth whitening toothpaste. 

So, technically speaking, all kinds of toothpaste are going to help whiten your teeth. You already know that regular brushing is your best weapon against yellow teeth, so let’s go ahead and skip that section this time. Just remember to keep brushing and flossing!

Teeth whitening toothpaste has all the ingredients of regular toothpaste plus a few extra abrasive additives. This means that brushing with this kind of toothpaste will help clean off some of those unsightly yellow stains you might have on your teeth. Some might also contain a little peroxide or other chemicals to break down the stains so you can brush them away. However, there is only so much that toothpaste can do. Typically, a tooth whitening toothpaste isn’t going to be able to change the actual color of your teeth the way other whitening products can, and it can’t do anything about stains that go deeper than the first layer of your tooth. 

Some whitening toothpaste has an extra ingredient: blue covarine. Blue covarine is a pigment that coats the surface of your tooth with a slight blue tint. This creates an optical illusion that makes your teeth look whiter, even if your teeth are technically still yellow. While blue covarine doesn’t actually do anything to clean the stains off your teeth, it definitely helps make your smile a little nicer and whiter.

So here is the real question: Does teeth whitening toothpaste work? The answer is yes, to an extent. Teeth whitening toothpaste is effective at removing surface-level stains from your teeth, the kind of stains you get from drinking red wine or soda or smoking cigarettes. That’s definitely something! It also helps keep your teeth healthy like any normal toothpaste would, by scrubbing plaque and bacteria off the surface of your teeth. This goes a long way towards keeping your enamel healthy and solid, which will make your teeth look whiter. Plus, teeth whitening toothpaste with blue covarine add that special extra blue coating to make your teeth look even whiter than they really are.

However, toothpaste is never really going to be as effective as a dedicated teeth bleaching system like strips or Snow’s gel wand. Whitening toothpaste can’t change the actual color of your teeth, and it can’t reach any stains that go deeper than the top layer of your tooth. It can take up to six weeks of twice-daily brushing to see any signs of whiter teeth with whitening toothpaste alone. Still, for a cheap and simple way of whitening your teeth, you can do a lot worse than whitening toothpaste. It is a solid way of getting a little whitening done without breaking the bank or spending too much time with strips or trays in your mouth. Just don’t expect any miracles!

Teeth Whitening Strips

So you’ve tried whitening toothpaste and it is left you feeling a little unsatisfied. Your teeth are whiter, sure, but are they really as white as they could be? You’re ready to take the next step on your smile journey and give teeth whitening strips a try. Let’s give whitening strips a quick overview and see if they are the right choice for you.

Unlike whitening toothpaste, which uses abrasive ingredients to scrub stains off your teeth, teeth whitening strips actually have bleach or peroxide in them. This means they can actually change the color of your teeth, making them whiter the same way that peroxide can turn your hair blonde. This is already a big improvement over the toothpaste. The strips themselves are made of a thin, flexible plastic that can bend to fit your teeth. The plastic is coated with bleach, which is transferred onto your teeth. It is a pretty straightforward and easy system, which makes strips one of the simplest methods for whitening your teeth.

To use the strips, all you have to do is apply the peroxide coated side to your teeth and wait. The amount of time you leave the strips on your teeth can vary depending on the brand, so be sure to check the instructions before applying the strips. Typically, you will leave them on for half an hour or an hour, although it can be longer. Once the time is up, just remove the strips from your teeth and throw them away. Some strips are designed to dissolve in your mouth, so there is nothing left after the process is over. You will have to do this once or twice a day for an average of two weeks. Be sure to brush and floss your teeth before you apply the whitening strips, otherwise, debris and bacteria can be trapped between the strip and your teeth. Sounds kind of gross, right? Well, it is. Not only can this cause you tooth decay problems, but it also makes it more difficult for the strip to work. Wait about 15 minutes after brushing your teeth before using the strips to avoid irritating your gums with the peroxide.

The main benefit of using whitening strips instead of other at-home whitening systems is the relatively low cost. The strips themselves are made out of inexpensive materials and are easy to produce, so they can be sold pretty cheaply. Using whitening strips is cheaper than most at-home whitening products, and significantly less expensive than going to the dentist to get your teeth whitened professionally. They are also pretty easy to use, which is another plus. You are basically just placing strips on your teeth and waiting, so it is essentially something anyone can do. Like most whitening products, they can start to show results much faster than whitening toothpaste alone, even as early as several days after you start using them.

Pay attention to the ingredients when you’re picking out whitening strips. Some strips contain chlorine dioxide, the same chemical used to clean swimming pools. This can cause damage to the enamel of your teeth, undoing your whitening progress and causing you issues with pain and tooth decay. You could also potentially damage your enamel if you use the strips too frequently, so be sure to follow the directions exactly. You only get one set of adult teeth, so be careful with them! Any whitening product that uses peroxide can cause damage to your enamel if you use them incorrectly. Always follow the instructions included with the product, and get in touch with your dentist if you notice any sensitivity or issues with your teeth that weren’t there before.

Teeth Whitening Gels

Besides the strips, there are a ton of other options for the discerning teeth whitening aficionado. It is important to find the one that is right for you and will help you turn your grin into the shining white smile that you’ve always dreamed of. Didn’t like the toothpaste or the strips? Then move on to the next item on the list! Teeth whitening gels are another frequently used option for bleaching your chompers. These gels can be used in a couple of different ways. One way, painting them on with a wand or brush, we’ll get to in just a moment, but the other common way is to use a mouthguard-like tray. Trays are a little less frequently used than the whitening strips, but they have their own advantages and disadvantages.

Teeth whitening trays are usually made of a flexible plastic that can be easily molded to the shape of your teeth. The tray is then filled with a peroxide solution and placed on your teeth, one tray for your upper teeth, and one for your lower. Some trays come with the gel solution already inside, others come with a syringe so you can fill the tray yourself. Most over-the-counter trays are meant to be used once and then thrown away, but you can also go to your dentist to get a custom tray fitted specifically to your teeth. Once you have the trays over your teeth, you have to wait for as long as the instructions specify before removing them. That amount of time can vary, but some trays are meant to be left in for several hours at a time. Others are designed to stay in your mouth overnight before being removed in the morning. Most are meant to be used once a day, although it is not uncommon to have to use them twice daily as well.

There are a few advantages to using a whitening gel in a tray instead of using the strips. Filling a tray with gel means that the peroxide can reach every part of your tooth, instead of just the front part. The gel even gets the sides in between your teeth, so it can create a more natural-looking white smile. If used correctly, it is also less likely to reach your gums, which is nice. Gum irritation is one of the most common side effects of most teeth whitening, so getting to avoid that is a definite plus. These advantages extend to both the over-the-counter trays and the custom ones made by your dentist, although the custom trays will fit a little nicer. You also might see results a little faster than the strips. Some trays are only meant to be used for a couple of weeks before you’re done, as opposed to up to six weeks with the strips.

The main downside of using whitening trays is the convenience factor. It is hard enough to sit around with strips on your teeth for half an hour, imagine how much more annoying it’d be to have the trays in your mouth for several hours every night. For the most part, you can’t eat or drink with the trays in, so you will have to carve out a pretty significant amount of time every night to use them. Even worse are the overnight trays, which can be a little frustrating when you’re trying to get to sleep.

Like always, the best way to decide if the gel trays are right for you is to try them for yourself. Men's Health recently ranked the best teeth whitening kit and Snow was rated #1. You can pick up some trays at any pharmacy, or by getting in touch with your dentist for some custom ones. 

Natural Ways To Whiten Teeth

If you’re worried about the chemicals in the mainstream whitening systems, no problem. The natural world has got you covered, just like always. While most home remedies don’t have much by way of scientific evidence backing them up, there is a solid contingent that swears by them. You never know, it might just work for you. They are all meant to be as easy on your teeth as possible, eschewing the harsh chemicals of the trays and strips for natural compounds found in food and other places. 

One of the more common natural remedies for teeth whitening is bentonite clay. It is mostly used as an alternative to baking soda, as the abrasives in it are not as harsh on your teeth. Bentonite is a compound made up of volcanic ash. Holistic dentistry fans maintain that its effectiveness comes from the fact that it expands as it gets wet, turning into a sponge-like structure that attracts and absorbs toxins and bacteria. It is meant to be used like toothpaste, although it is still recommended that you use regular toothpaste as well. Again, there is not really any scientific backing behind substances like bentonite, but that doesn’t mean they won’t work for you. Supposedly, bentonite can absorb the stains and other toxins on your teeth, naturally whitening them as you brush.

Activated charcoal is another option for teeth whitening. You might have seen activated charcoal toothpaste on the shelves at your local pharmacy already. It is becoming increasingly popular as a teeth whitener due to its abrasive and absorbent properties. Activated charcoal is a fine black powder usually made from coal or wood. It does have some proven absorbency and is sometimes used in patients who are suffering a drug overdose. The drugs and toxins bind to the charcoal and then can be flushed from the patient’s system. Sounds pretty good, right? So does it work for teeth? The answer, as it turns out, is “kind of.” Activated charcoal can be effective in removing stains from your teeth. But sometimes it is a little too effective. Dentists warn that brushing your teeth with activated charcoal can actually wear away at your enamel, weakening it. This one may be something to keep away from, unfortunately.

There are also some foods that can potentially be effective in protecting and whitening your teeth. Strawberries, for example, are high in malic acid, which can help to whiten your teeth and protect your enamel. Some people even mash them up and add a little baking soda to make toothpaste, although doing this too frequently can actually break down your enamel further if you’re not careful. Apples also contain malic acid, making them a solid alternative. You can even wash out your mouth with apple cider vinegar once a day to remove stains, assuming you can handle the sour taste. If you’re sick of using fruits, give cheese a try. Cheese has lactic acid in it, which can help to strengthen your enamel by breaking down other acids in your mouth. It is especially helpful if you eat cheese after sugary foods, to counteract the harmful acids. 

Again, it is worth mentioning that these remedies aren’t exactly supported by a ton of evidence. If you do decide to go the natural route, remember to keep brushing twice a day with regular toothpaste, and floss once a day as well. When it comes to your teeth, it is better to be safe than sorry. Still, as long as you use natural solutions responsibly and as recommended, it shouldn’t hurt to give them a try.

If you’re looking for a simple way to whiten your teeth without chemicals that do have scientific evidence behind it, just buy a new toothbrush! If you’re not already using an electric toothbrush, now might be the time to switch. Studies have shown that electric toothbrushes can be more effective at cleaning away plaque and preventing decay than manual toothbrushes. If you want to make a real difference in the whiteness of your teeth, a proper teeth whitening system is probably your best bet, but if you’re trying to avoid any chemicals, an electric toothbrush is most likely going to be more effective than cheese or charcoal.

Teeth Whitening Wands

By now, we have been over most of the common methods for whitening your teeth, along with each of their advantages and disadvantages. Whitening toothpaste is the easiest and cheapest way to whiten your teeth. It is convenient, costs only a little bit more than your regular toothpaste, and all you have to do to start whitening your teeth is to brush. But the effects of a whitening toothpaste are pretty mild, and they can take several weeks to even appear. Strips, on the other hand, are much more effective. They are nearly as simple as the whitening toothpaste, are also fairly inexpensive, and only take about a half-hour to an hour per day. However, it can be difficult to get the strip to cover the entirety of each tooth. That problem can be solved by using whitening trays, which can easily reach even the smallest nooks and crannies in your smile. It is effective, relatively long-lasting, and can give you a more complete whitening than strips. But it is also expensive and time-consuming, with some trays requiring hours of sitting around before you can finally take them out. Among these methods, there really is no perfect solution for whitening your teeth.

There is one kind of teeth whitening system that hasn’t really been talked about much yet: teeth whitening wands. A whitening wand is essentially a small brush that you can use to apply a thin layer of peroxide gel to your teeth, like a paintbrush. This system has a few advantages over the traditional strips or trays. It combines the custom fitting of the trays with the simplicity of the strips, allowing you to cover every part of your tooth without having to use an uncomfortable tray. It is also a lot faster than the trays - no more sitting around for hours before you can eat. 

The best time to use a traditional whitening brush is right after you’ve finished eating. When you eat or drink something that stains your teeth, like red wine, the stain sticks to your tooth and immediately starts to be absorbed into it. By the time you brush your teeth, maybe four or five hours later, the stain has already started to make its way deeper into the surface of your tooth. Sure, you can brush off the top layer of the stains. But that little bit of stain getting deeper over and over again, day after day with new staining foods or drinks, can have a significant effect on how your teeth look. This is where the wand comes in. Using the brush directly after eating not only whitens your teeth but also keeps the stains from getting any deeper.

Snow is a slightly different kind of whitening wand. It works similarly to other brushes, just paint the serum onto your teeth and let it absorb. Using a wand lets you have the same coverage as a tray, but with more precision. It is a lot easier to avoid your gums when you’re carefully brushing each tooth by hand, which helps to avoid uncomfortable gum irritation. It can take a bit of getting used to, but after the first few times using the wand can also be a lot faster and easier than putting on the trays. Snow also has a smartphone app that allows you to customize exactly how much whitening you want to do at a time. The biggest difference between Snow and other wand based systems, however, is the activating LED light.

Teeth Whitening Lights

Using an activating light to help with teeth whitening isn’t unique to Snow. Many professional dentists now use lights as part of the whitening process, and it is only becoming more popular as more people hear about it. Does it sound a little weird? Absolutely. It is kind of a counterintuitive idea, shining light on a tooth to make it brighter. But if you try it out for yourself, you might be surprised by how effective an activating light can be at whitening your smile.

There are two kinds of light that are frequently used to whiten teeth, UV, and LED. UV, or ultraviolet light, is a form of radiation that comes naturally from the sun. Every time you go outside, you’re being exposed to UV radiation. UV light contains more energy than an LED light, and it works by heating the teeth. However, it is a little riskier than LED light as well. UV whitening systems can cause damage to your teeth and gums if not applied carefully and should be used sparingly.

LED, which stands for Light Emitting Diode, is a slightly different kind of light. LED whitening systems work by emitting a blue light that can assist with teeth whitening without the heat and radiation that comes with UV lights. It is considered to be about as effective as UV light, but without the potential for damaging your teeth and gums. An LED light can safely be shined on your teeth without the same risks as UV light, which is a huge point in its favor. The Snow system uses an LED light, in order to avoid any potential damage to your teeth. 

So, the real question is: Does it work? Does shining light on your teeth really help with whitening them? The fact is, there is not a whole lot of research that’s been done on activating lights for teeth whitening yet. But the science that has been done suggests that it does, in fact, make a difference. Research from the Journal of American Dental Association and an independent study from the American Chemical Society both found that UV and LED light can increase the effectiveness of the standard whitening gel. The ACA’s study also found that, while UV light can affect your enamel, LED light did not significantly damage the enamel of its subjects. 

An integral part of the Snow teeth whitening system is the activating LED light that comes in the kit. The actual light is in the shape of a mouthpiece, in order to make sure that activating light hits all parts of your teeth equally and at the same time, which is vital to the whitening process. Once you’ve finished applying the whitening serum, all you have to do is put in the LED mouthpiece and wait. The process doesn’t take long, only 9 to 30 minutes before you can take it out again. If you do this once a day for 21-30 days, your teeth will likely whiten significantly, with the first changes visible in only a week or so. It is much more convenient than the trays or even the strips, which can take up to an hour or more before you can take them off. 30 minutes a day is a small price to pay for a whiter smile.

Teeth Whitening Serums

As nice as the activating LED light is, the bedrock of any wand based tooth whitening system is going to be the serum. Or, in Snow’s case, serums. Snow comes with two different distinct serums to be applied to your teeth before using the light. The first is the standard peroxide whitening solution, not too dissimilar from any other kit. The second one is a special protective serum designed for those who experience teeth sensitivity. This desensitizing solution is optional for the whitening process, so if you don’t have particularly sensitive teeth, you can probably skip it. But if you do, this serum can help reduce sensitivity while also strengthening your enamel. If you decide to use the protective serum before the whitening one, make sure to do it 15 minutes before the rest of the process, and rinse out your mouth. You can also use the desensitizing solution after the treatment.

Tooth sensitivity is an issue that plenty of people have to deal with, and it can come from any number of causes. It can be either temporary or chronic and can affect just one tooth or all of them. Typically, you can tell if you have sensitive teeth if your teeth feel, well, sensitive. Any number of things can cause sudden pain in your tooth, including hot or cold food or drinks, cold air, or brushing your teeth. Your symptoms can appear or disappear seemingly at random. If you have sensitive teeth, any teeth whitening systems can be painful, Snow included. Snow’s desensitizing serum can help, as can dealing with whatever is causing the pain.

Unfortunately, some unlucky people just naturally have sensitive teeth. Some people’s enamel is thinner than others, which can cause tooth sensitivity as well as increased yellowness. Anyone else can develop sensitive teeth if their enamel is damaged by grinding their teeth or eating too much sugary food. Brushing too roughly or using a hard toothbrush can also be a common cause of sensitivity. There are also a number of conditions that can lead to sensitive teeth. Any medical condition that results in frequent vomitings, like bulimia, can wreak havoc on your poor enamel. It can also happen if a tooth is cracked or otherwise damaged, or from tooth decay. If you don’t take good care of your teeth, your gums can recede, exposing sensitive areas of your teeth.

Other than using Snow’s desensitizing serum, there are a few different ways to treat sensitive teeth. You can find toothpaste designed specifically for sensitive teeth on the shelves at your local pharmacy, or you can ask your doctor for some. If over-brushing is your issue, try going a little easier on your teeth or buying a softer toothbrush. Those who grind their teeth should ask their dentist for a mouthguard, especially if you’re doing it at night. Sensitive teeth can be a pretty major issue for most whitening systems, so if you find yourself in pain every night, stop using whatever you’re using and give your dentist a ring. If you’re using the Snow teeth whitening system, be sure to try the protective serum every time you whiten.

Teeth Whitening Kits

By now, you’ve heard quite a bit about the Snow teeth whitening system. You’ve heard all about the special whitening wand, the activating serum, the protective desensitizing serum, and the LED activating light mouthguard. You’ve checked out some of the advantages the system has over traditional strips and trays. Now, you just might be interested. Maybe you’re already excited about it. If so, great! If you’re not quite sold, that’s fine too! They are your teeth, after all, so the only one who can decide how you whiten them is you. Either way, you’re probably wondering exactly what it is that you get with the Snow system that other whitening kits don’t provide. So let’s dive right in, shall we?

Snow offers two different systems for you to buy. They are both pretty much equally effective, so it is really up to you which one you want to try. The first one is the Original kit. If you’ve heard of Snow before, it is probably because of this one. You may have seen the Original system showcased on The Wendy Williams Show during a Trendy @ Wendy segment. Or, maybe you saw a post from one of the celebrities that use Snow, including undefeated boxing champ Floyd Mayweather, Shameless star Shanola Hampton, or future NFL Hall-of-Famer Rob Gronkowski. Just in case Gronk’s testimony isn’t enough for you, here is a quick rundown of what you get from the Original system.

The Original kit comes with a mouthpiece with Snow’s patent-pending LED activating technology. It also comes with three different whitening wands with the standard whitening formula, as well as one more wand with extra-strength whitening serum. If you’re curious how far you’ve come, the Original system includes a tooth whitening progress tracker so you can follow along with your whitening journey. Finally, it includes a wire that connects the LED activating mouthpiece to your smartphone so you can use the Snow app to customize your whitening process. All of this comes with a five-year warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re not completely happy with your smile at the end of the process. The Original at home teeth whitening kit will run you about $200, although it is not hard to find a promotion to cut that down a bit.

The second kit offered by Snow is the Wireless kit. It is a little bit like the Original kit except it is also, you know, wireless. It includes an LED activating mouthpiece, but this one charges wirelessly instead of needing to be plugged in. It also utilizes a special red LED light to eliminate bacteria in your mouth while the blue light is working on your teeth. Like the Original, the Wireless system comes with three whitening wands with the standard serum, but it has one maximum strength wand as well, replacing the extra strength one from the other system. It also includes the protective desensitizing serum, for those with sensitive teeth. The Wireless system includes a wireless charger for the mouthpiece, smartphone capability, a USB cable, some anti-aging lip balm, and a luxury carrying case so you can whiten on the go. Same as the Original system, this kit features a five-year warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee. The Wireless system costs about $300, so it is a little pricier than the original one.

Both of the systems offered by Snow are equally effective and well-reviewed, so which one you buy is really up to you. They both function more or less the same and have the same warranty and 30-day money-back guarantee. Between the two, there is really no wrong answer.

But wait, you’re thinking. What happens when I run out of serum? Do I have to buy a whole new kit? Absolutely not. That would be pretty ridiculous. Snow offers refill gels individually, so you can buy them whenever you need more. They even offer bundles so you can save money when you refill.

Teeth Whitening At Home

If you’re reading this now, you’ve made it to the end of the article. Congrats! It is kind of a long one, so that deserves a pat on the back in and of itself. By now, you should be something of an expert when it comes to teeth whitening systems. You learned about whitening toothpaste, strips, trays, gels, and all kinds of natural remedies. Each of these methods has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to find the one that’s perfect for you. Remember, it is your mouth, so the only one who can decide what goes into it is you. Heck, you can even go for the old school Roman urine system, although it is doubtful anyone would recommend it to you. 

You also heard all about the Snow teeth whitening system, both versions. You are pretty much an expert in the LED activating light, the whitening wands, and the desensitizing serum. At the end of the day, the Snow system is one of many available to you, so pick whichever one fits your needs.

Are you ready to start your teeth whitening journey? To join the upper echelon of brilliant and confident people with brilliant and confident smiles? A brighter, whiter set of teeth is within your reach. Whether you decide to go for professional whitening at the dentist’s office or an at-home whitening kit, you’re ready to take the first step on a path to a happier, more confident you. Don’t forget to smile!