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A 36-year-old member asked:

Teeth whitening: what products actually work?

4 doctor answers9 doctors weighed in
Dr. Behram Dalal
33 years experience
There are a ton : Of over the counter products that claim to work. If economics is an issue, try crest whitestrips - they have been around a while and may offer some whiteness. Going to a dental office and having it professionally done almost always renders a better result, but is also more expensive. Hope this helps.
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Dr. William Jakavick
undefined 39 years experience
There is an alternative that is not much more expensive than the crest white strips available in the dental office that is also a strip treatment that is not available OTC. Venus is one example and they are generally around $60-75.
Jun 23, 2013
Dr. Joy Poskozim
Specializes in Dentistry
Hydrogen peroxide: All whitening products use hydrogen peroxide as its active ingredient. All work; just depends on if you are a tea/coffee/soda drinker. If none of these, i suggest 1 part 3% hydrogen peroxide/2 parts water twice daily after brushing. Safe & effective to use all the time. See results in about 4-6 weeks. Studies say time works better than concentration for a whiter smile.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Mark Venincasa
Dentistry - Cosmetic 37 years experience
Crest WhiteStrips: The crest whitestrips are made by a proven dental company with much research to support their product. Many products on the market are not as committed to research as is crest. These are safe and effective.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Alice Urbankova
19 years experience
Professional whiteni: Professional teeth whitening systems - in office whitening and home trays under the dentist supervision.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

Similar questions

OH
A 16-year-old male asked:

Do teeth whitening pens work?

12 doctor answers14 doctors weighed in
Dr. Gary Sandler
Dentistry 56 years experience
To some extent?: As a dentist, I have also heard the claims, and personally have not had any patients use them or been able to evaluate them on my own. However, from what i would guess, they most likely have many limitations and when you think about the time and money you would have to spend on a relatively new product without dentist supervision, i question whether or not it is worth taking that chance.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Gary Sandler
Dentistry 56 years experience
Provided original answer
I've done some internet research on the subject. Most of the products seem to use 5%-6% Hydrogen Peroxide which is a weaker whitening agent than dentists use both in take home whitening trays and in-office treatment. Patient reviews seem to suggest mixed reviews from waste of money, to OK but not as effective as promoted, to pleased with results (at least at the cost involved). They also seemed to complain about having to wait for 10 minutes with their mouth open and a strange smile while waiting for the product to dry. It seems like, as most things in life, you get what you pay for. The ultimate choice is yours.
Feb 22, 2013
A 45-year-old member asked:

Do teeth whitening and spot products actually work? If so, which ones?

3 doctor answers5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Kevin Hanley
Orthodontics 45 years experience
Yes, they do.: Pretty much all teeth whitening products on the market will whiten your teeth. The over-the-counter systems use a weaker strength whitening chemical than the ones available from your dentist. I recommend you have your teeth professionally whitened by a dentist, as any untoward complications can be handled quickly and safely.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 40-year-old member asked:

Does teeth whitening work?

3 doctor answers7 doctors weighed in
Dr. Arnold Malerman
Orthodontics 55 years experience
Yes: Start w a professional cleaning. Then have Dentist do in-office or custom tray whitening system for you. OTC products can then be used to help maintain result. Don't smoke. Avoid acidic pigmented foods (coffee, tea, red wine, tomato sauce mustard, etc). Expect to have to redo every 3-5 years.
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A 49-year-old member asked:

What are the top products for teeth whitening?

4 doctor answers7 doctors weighed in
Dr. Ashish Naik
General Practice 18 years experience
In office whitening: Go to your dentist and have professional strength whitening completed, either in office or with custom made trays.
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Dr. Carol Alvarado
undefined 31 years experience
Also Try using Effervess O2 whitening gel. Professional strength, neutal ph, contains Xylitol, JusT add it to your toothpaste, safe to use everytime you brush.
Sep 8, 2013
A 31-year-old member asked:

What is the safest teeth whitening product?

5 doctor answers6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Earl Sandroff
A Verified Doctoranswered
Dentistry 45 years experience
Lots: With so many whitening systems around...They all work well and with very little side effects. You can get fda approved products at the mall even. But...If you wish to be picky and have peace of mind then use the products that you need to get thru a dental professional.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

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Last updated Nov 27, 2017
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