Pens deposit much less product onto your teeth, so can be used more frequently, but you should still aim for one to two applications per day (and limit use to one or two weeks at a time or as needed). Trays are commonly recommended for up to 30 minutes, and light kits are usually left in place for shorter periods of time, often less than 10 minutes. The duration for both varies but is usually no more than two or three weeks in total.

Whitening strips can be a messy, awkward affair, but the Crest 3D Whitestrips for Sensitive Teeth could not have been easier for us to use. The strips went on and came off without any trouble and didn’t cause any pain, stinging, or sensitivity during or after use. And they worked, too—we were able to see a noticeable difference as soon as we took the first strip off our teeth and felt confident that the results would keep improving from there (with this particular kit, you’re directed to use the strips for 28 days). Now that you know a little more about the brand, this Spotlight Oral Care review will move on to its pros and cons. Pros Per Dr. Kalasho, common whitening ingredients that work well for at-home use are carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide. For carbamide peroxide, look for a percent of around 35 percent; for hydrogen peroxide, you’ll want something with a 10 to 15 percent concentration. Initially, we couldn’t leave the tray in for the recommended 15 minutes because it was so uncomfortable. But over time, we did get used to it. The best part was that our teeth whitened. Even though we only left it in for about eight minutes, our teeth went up a full shade. It hurt, but the pain was worth it in our eyes. We also started with the highest concentration possible, which we wouldn’t recommend if you have sensitive teeth or have never whitened your teeth before (in that case, you may want to start with the lowest concentration and work your way up from there).

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There are other Spotlight whitening products that you can also add to your daily routine that aren’t included in the whitening system.

Essentially, you position the upper and lower trays on your teeth, bite down for a few seconds, and then remove the colored outer tray, leaving behind a more snug-fitting inner tray containing the whitening gel. This allows you to get a snug and comfortable fit every time. However, this option isn’t entirely painless. In testing, we found that the upper tray caused some serious gum discomfort (even after we brushed our teeth to remove the gel). We'd describe it as being similar to the feeling of applying an acid facial peel or retinoid for the first time—painful but bearable. A few minutes in, my formerly yellowed teeth looked whiter overall, and in my case, my teeth on the sides more closely matched the bright porcelain hue of my front two crowns. As I splashed water from the sink onto my teeth to rinse off the solution, I marveled that my teeth didn’t feel sore, nor did my gums feel achy. And they did look brighter—even after just one application. Snow, on the other hand, is based in the US and uses hydrogen peroxide in their whitening strips for effective whitening at home. Let's take a closer look at these alternative whitening strips. Crest Whitestrips If you’re nervous to start a course of whitening treatments, always talk to your dentist first to see if it’s suitable for you. How long the whitening effect lasts is down to your individual lifestyle and teeth (as some teeth have naturally darker shades of enamel). But, in general, expect to see results last for a few months. How we testThe whitening gel used in whitening strips is different from product to product and between brands. The active ingredient in Spotlight Oral Care’s strips is hydrogen peroxide, which is possibly the most effective whitening agent out there.

Do your best not to develop a routine of using these products regularly,” says Dr. Izhaky, noting that overuse and misuse of whitening products can lead to dental problems. This may include tooth painand nerve damage.

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Always follow the treatment programme to the letter," says Dr Kinsella, who adds that "consistency is key". When compiling our list, we also consulted three dental professionals to learn exactly how teeth whiteners work and get their advice on how to use them. These experts included: I mean wooooooooow!! This is my first electric toothbrush and it’s amazing. I used the ‘sensitive’ setting for a week to get used to it, and I just switched to the ‘clean’ setting. My teeth literally feel the cleanest they ever have, and look much whiter!”