I'm wearing my Whitestrips right now ;-) so I thought I'd drop you a
comment -
Based on efficiency (the most dramatic result in the shortest amount
of time), I'd say the order goes something like this
1) Laser whitening at the dentist's
2) Tray bleaching at the dentist's
3) Home bleaching with trays (try brands such as Rembrandt)
4) Home bleaching with bleaching toothpaste or bleaching gel (such as
the Rembrandt no-tray bleaching kit)
5) Lower-end bleaching gel/cremes, and strips (like Colgate Simply
White and Crest Whitestrips)
6) Rembrandt whitening toothpaste (it's the best!)
7) Any other brand of whitening toothpaste.
As you can see, Rembrandt is something of a monopoly in the quality
whitening industry--they offer a product or two in almost each of the
above categories. As you might expect, it's also the most expensive.
Regular whitening toothpastes (NOT high quality bleaching pastes) are
designed to remove stains on the outer layer of the tooth, whereas
strips and gels will usually penetrate the tooth enamel to erase the
stains that lurk deep below: these are the ones that lead to dulling
and discoloration.
If your discoloration is minor and/or you're on a budget, you will do
just fine with regular use of #s 5 and 6 or 7 (from the list above).
If you want to invest a little more, you will get good results from #4
and even better ones from #3. Of course, for the maximum in fast and
effective whitening, you will need to visit your dentist.
Of course, all of these procedures (excepting nos. 1 and 2) will
require regular and careful attention on your part. Although trays may
seem like a bit of a hassle, you'll find yourself quickly adjusting to
the routine. Virtually all the procedures that actually work need
twice-a-day maintenance of some sort, whether that means wearing a
solution-filled mouthguard or painting on a simple gel. So,
unfortunately, all of these options are a little bit of a "hassle"
nonetheless.
Good luck-
Redmango |
