An increasing percentage of people are become concerned about their smiles, fearing that stained, discolored teeth will make them less attractive when they smile. Therefore, they search for the best teeth whitening kits. Many find the prospect of obtaining the assistance of a cosmetic dentist a cost-prohibitive proposition, and so elect to attempt more affordable treatments at home.



Often, these kits advertise demonstrable results within only a few uses. The first of these, the Zoom Weekender's Kit, has proven to yield reliable results in whitening teeth by up to six shades within only three uses. Although each of these applications requires a minimum of four hours, they can be completed in the privacy of one's home, without requiring the assistance of an expensive cosmetic dentist. According to Consumer Reports, this is the most reliable home kit method of whitening teeth.

Crest Whitestrips Premium is another product that is much less expensive than Zoom kits. The results, however, do not last as long. In addition, the need to place this strips directly against the stained area make their use impractical in places that are difficult to access. This product does lighten teeth an average of at least 3 shades. It does, however, require twice daily treatments of at least 30 minutes each time. The user should be warned that using these strips often results in drooling, so it is wiser to use when one is planning to be at home for the entire treatment.

An alternative to this method is the GoSmile Advanced Formula B1. It features the use of small tubes of 6 percent hydrogen peroxide that can be applied to a brush and swabbed across the teeth. Unlike the strips, the brush is more useful in inconvenient spots, and the treatment itself is more user-friendly because it does not need to be removed before one leaves home. Some persons have reported this treatment to be effective after only a few applications, but others may not see noticeable results so soon.

Another product, the Aquafresh White Tray, is designed to be used in the comfort of one's own home. This product features a basic plastic tray that can be filled with whitening gel. This gel, compounded of a percentage of hydrogen peroxide known only to Aquafresh company, comes into contact with the teeth. Because this tray offers no special conformity to one's mouth, however, the lips and gums are not protected from the whitener, and some users have complained of intense mouth pain. Although this side effect is temporary, it is painful and undesirable.

The Supernova Whitening Kit is another product that provides both convenience and economy. Purchasers are told how to create molds of their teeth and use these to form trays which can be filled with whitening gel. The informational insert provides detailed instructions, as well as a guarantee of refund if the user is not completely satisfied with the results of his or her purchase.

One other company, Online Dental Lab, advertises themselves to be the first to offer whitening products to clients without requiring a visit to a dentist. Purchasers create molds of their teeth following instructions in the kit, and send these molds to the lab, where a dental tray is made that specially fits the buyer's mouth. This company also offers a money-back guarantee.

Many advertisements for whitening agents for teeth can be found. The compounds in these range from 22 percent hydrogen peroxide to 10 percent carbamide peroxide. Although some research is available, the effectiveness and ease of use of these products is widely debated. If you are determined not to involve a dentist, and are concerned about your smile, look for a combination kit that offers a money-back guarantee and plenty of information about the product you plan to use.