#1 Teeth Whitening Products, Information, and Reviews

Opalescence Whitening Review

opalescence 20 bleaching gelOpalescence is a powerful tooth bleaching gel from Ultradent, based on carbamide peroxide gel with potassium nitrate and fluoride (PF). It comes in different PF concentrations from 10%, 15%, 20%, and their newest option, 35%. Individuals with more sensitive teeth or gums will be better suited to lower carbamide peroxide concentrations.

Reviews for the product in all its varieties are quite high but overall, customers are most often satisfied with the Opalescence 20%. Many people find 10 and 15% too weak and 35% too strong. Customer feedback and reviews for the 20% concentration are almost universally positive no matter where you look and have some of the highest ratings for any tooth whitening gel we could find! We are left with the conclusion that Opalescence 20 is one of the top tooth whitening gels currently on the market.

Don’t Buy Opalescence From Your Dentist!

Be aware that, as with any tooth whitening gel, purchasing  through your dentist can cost you up to 10 times its normal price or even more!! If you need a second opinion we definitely recommend you ask your dentist about Opalescence 20 but don’t buy it there! The reason is that Opalescence whitening system has become available on Amazon from trusted distributors so you can save a TON of cash by purchasing the exact same product at a fraction of what your dentist would charge. We should add that, besides your dentist, Amazon is the best and safest place to purchase Opalescence because, in addition to almost always being the cheapest source, it is by far the most reliable source (checked by customer reviews). The following is a list of Opalescence 20, 35, 15, and 10% whitening gel concentrations from Amazon:

Opalescence PF 10% Teeth Whitening Mint 4 Pack
Opalescence PF 15% Teeth Whitening Mint 8 Pack
Opalescence PF 20% Teeth Whitening Mint 8 Pack
Opalescence PF 35% Teeth Whitening Mint 8 Pack

In Addition to Opalescence Gel You Will Need…

You may have already guessed it: teeth whitening trays. These are a necessary component to the Opalescence 20, 35, 10, and 15% whitening systems and if you already have a set from your dentist or elsewhere then use those but if you don’t, you’ll need to pick up a set. This is because, although gel is a take-home whitening kit, it was originally intended to be distributed by dentists, who would also charge an additional $300+ for a set of fitted tooth whitening trays. Unless you have money overflowing your pockets, this price is not ideal and you can order nearly identical quality custom teeth whitening trays elsewhere.

When making your choice, be aware that a good high quality whitening tray will improve the effectiveness of the Opalescence whitening treatment and can last indefinitely for future treatments. Also, as with any tooth bleaching gel, Opalescence is to an extent, an ongoing treatment because you will probably get new stains over the years. Therefore getting a good quality set of whitening trays that you can trust is an investment you will never regret.

Differences Between 35% and Lower Concentrations

As the numbers indicate, Opalescence 35 is almost twice as concentrated as the next level down (Opalescence 20) which means the bleaching treatment time will be much shorter. The exposure time of an Opalescence 35 treatment should be 30-60 minutes or less. By contrast, the 10, 15, and 20% concentrations require up to 6-10 hours of exposure which may include overnight. For some people, the shorter treatment time is more convenient. On the other hand, due to the high carbamide peroxide concentration of Opalescence 35 gel, tooth or gum sensitivity is more severe than the lower concentrations.

Is Opalescence 35 Right For You?

Opalescence 35Opalescence 35 is intended to whiten and ultimately remove strong stains deep in the teeth caused from coffee, wine, tobacco, or certain foods or pharmaceuticals. It will also significantly whiten the overall shade of your teeth that may have been caused from lack of oral hygiene, genetic coloring, age, or tooth trauma (cracks). However, for the latter cases, you are probably just as well off with Opalescence 15, 20 or a lower concentration. In general, short term teeth or gum sensitivity is not unusual or unexpected after using any whitening gel treatment. It is a problem if this sensitivity or pain is intense and long-lasting. There are a number of reasons this could happen including one or more of the following:

A: You are using too much gel and it is overflowing the tray onto your gums. If this is the case, use less gel on the tray next time and make sure you wipe any excess gel off your gums with a clean finger, toothbrush, cotton ball, or tissue during treatment.

B: The treatment exposure time is too long for you. If you suspect this is the case, reduce the bleaching time (and never do an overnight treatment with a new gel until you are confident about your sensitivity to it).

C: You are using the treatment too often. If you are bleaching your teeth every day, switch to every other day.

D: The gel carbamide peroxide concentration is too strong. If you have already ruled out a, b, and c, you may just have to switch to a lower concentration (if available).

If you have never used a bleaching gel before and are unsure about your teeth and gum sensitivity then we recommend beginning with the Opalescence 20% because many people find Opalescence 35 is too powerful. Individuals with sensitive teeth or gums will be far better suited to lower carbamide peroxide concentrations. On the other hand, if you have heavy staining or have very yellowish, grayish, or dark teeth, 35% is probably right for you. Similarly, if you have tried other teeth whitening gels at lower concentrations and were unsatisfied with the whitening, you should definitely consider Opalescence 35.

More Tips for Opalescence

• If you don’t know how sensitive your teeth are, try starting with the Opalescence 20% carbamide peroxide concentration.

• During application, if excessive gel gets on the gums, brush it off with a toothbrush or wipe it off with a cotton ball or tissue.

• Never begin a treatment with an overnight exposure unless you are certain you do not have a strong sensitivity to Opalescence whitening gel. If your carbamide peroxide concentration allows for overnight exposure (as stated in the instructions), when you try it for the first time, set your alarm for the middle of the night so you can wake up and see how sensitive your teeth and gums feel then. It could save you some pain from the next day!

• If you have never used it before, start your Opalescence whitening treatment with a smaller dosage and shorter exposure and if the sensitivity is tolerated well, work your way up from there (but always within the instructed limits).

• Store Opalescence gel in the fridge when not using this product for an extended period of time. Shelf life is approximately two years refrigerated and one year at room temperature.

• This is not quite a tip but remember, Opalescence 20 is the number one recommended teeth bleaching gel at Best Whitening. You may find a stronger or weaker concentration is better for you but if you don’t know which to get, go with 20. We wish you the best of luck and suspect you will not be disappointed by the results!

Natural Teeth Whitening Treatments

What is Natural Teeth Whitening?

Natural teeth whitening involves using natural products and substances that can often be found around the house. The term ‘natural’ can sometimes be ambiguous but for this article, consider natural teeth whitening as synonymous with home whitening remedies. In other words, teeth whitening treatments you can make for yourself with conventional household items. There are so many different natural teeth whitening methods that this article cannot even begin to scratch the surface. However, we will give you a few tried and tested remedies and some safety guidelines to be sure you don’t damage your teeth. Here is one excellent solution:

For anyone considering natural teeth whitening, there are several essential points to be aware of:

Natural Whitening is Not Always Safer

Despite the common preconceptions, a home or natural teeth whitener is not always safer for your teeth or more healthy than a commercial product. Remember that commercial products face strict safety regulations that any home treatment obviously bypasses. In fact, many natural teeth whitening ‘treatments’ may work in the short-term but can actually damage your tooth enamel in the process, which can expose you teeth to decay. If you are at all in doubt of a natural whitening treatment, make sure you get the opinion of a trusted authority before proceeding. We will consider a few of these harmful ‘treatments’ shortly.

Good Oral Hygiene

Teeth whitening, whether natural or commercial, cannot be a substitute for good oral hygiene. A natural teeth whitening treatment will whiten your teeth but the effect won’t last long unless you also maintain good tooth and gum health by brushing and flossing regularly as instructed by your dentist. This is obviously important both for the appearance and the health of your teeth. Remember that, even if you want to look great tomorrow for that big date, business meeting, or social event, healthy teeth are what really matter in the long-term.

Whitening Naturally Can Be Effective

In fact, natural teeth whitening treatments can be nearly as effective as  commercial products, just as safe if not more, and will definitely save you some money! As long as you avoid potentially unsafe treatments, natural teeth whitening is a good option for anyone who wants to avoid commercial whitening products for whatever reason. With a little research, everyone should be able to find a safe natural teeth whitener that works for them.

Natural Treatments – The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Baking Soda

Baking Soda by itself is safe on your teeth and it also reduces harmful acids and kills plaque-causing bacteria. You can brush your teeth normally with baking soda and it is also safe and effective when mixed with salt.

Peroxide

Gargling with peroxide after brushing your teeth (like you would a mouthwash/rinse) is a decent home teeth whitening treatment. However, over-the-counter peroxide, often at 3% concentration, is just too weak to have a significant whitening effect when compared to commercial teeth whitening products.

Baking Soda and Peroxide

A good combination of the previous treatments makes for an excellent natural teeth whitening solution. This involves combining a couple teaspoons of backing soda with an equal amount of peroxide into a cup or bowl. Mix until it achieves a paste-like consistency and then brush your teeth with the paste, leaving it on your teeth for several minutes. After that, spit it out, rinse and if you wish, brush with normal toothpaste.

Lemon Juice and Other Acidic Treatments

Lemon or other citrus juice or peels are one of the most commonly offered natural teeth whitening agents. They are not! Stay away from this natural whitening ‘treatment’. The acid in lemon juice and citrus fruits will bleach your teeth a little but it will also deplete calcium from your tooth enamel, leaving it vulnerable to decay. The same is true of potassium hydroxide (also known as Lye or wood ash) and most other highly acidic ‘treatments’. Do not use these as natural teeth whiteners!

The above are just a few of countless dozens of natural teeth whitening treatments. Remember that natural teeth whiteners in general are a wild card. Some treatments are good, some bad, and others are just plain dangerous. Before considering a natural teeth whitener, try to do some background research to be sure it is safe on your teeth. Once again, to learn more about many safe and powerful natural whitening treatments, check out: Natural Teeth Whitening Secrets

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Polanight Tooth Whitening System

What Is Polanight?

Polanight (sometimes called Pola Night) is powerful and effective take-home teeth whitening gel system from SDI Limited. The whitening agent for Polanight is based on carbamide peroxide gel. The full treatment takes up to 14 days and comes in 3 carbamide peroxide concentrations:

Polanight 10% Carbamide Peroxide

Polanight 16% Carbamide Peroxide

Polanight 22% Carbamide Peroxide

Note that purchasing Polanight through independant vendors (such as the above links) can save literally 100s of dollars but usually does not come with teeth whitening trays because it was initially sold only to dentists (who resold it and still resell it to patients for 10x the price or more!) Because the trays are a required component for this procedure, you will need to purchase them separately. For tooth whitening gel trays, Best Whitening recommends Professional Custom Whitening Trays or if you are in a hurry, Watts Dental Trays. The Professional Custom Teeth Whitening Trays take longer to make because they first send you a teeth impression kit which you must send back so they can make an exact custom fitted tooth whitening tray. This might seem like a hassle but Dentists charge $300+ for the exact same type of custom-fitted trays and a quality gel whitening tray can greatly improve the effectiveness of a Polanight treatment. However, if you are in a hurry or don't want to deal with it, go with Watts Trays which are essentially make-at-home trays.

 

A Polanight commercial that ran from their UK distributor

 

What is the Difference for Polanight Carbamide Peroxide Concentrations?

polanight whiteningThe 10% carbamide peroxide concentration is the most gentle but slow-acting tooth whitening treatment and is recommended for anyone with sensitive teeth or gums. 16% carbamide peroxide concentration is the medium strength option. If you have never used a tooth whitening gel before, we recommend starting with 16% because many people find 22% causes too much tooth or gum sensitivity. The 22% carbamide peroxide is the most powerful option with the shortest exposure time, fastest results, but potentially more irritating treatment to the teeth or gums. However, all concentrations of Polanight include a blend of natural conditioners and soothers to significantly reduce teeth and gum pain and sensitivity (a common side effect of any powerful tooth bleaching gel).

More Tips for Polanight

• If you don't know how sensitive your teeth are, it's a safe bet to start with the 16% carbamide peroxide concentration.

• Refrigerate the whitening gel when not using for an extended period of time but ensure it is room temperature before use.

• Dry your teeth with a tissue or cotton ball before gel application for greater effectiveness.

• During application, remove excessive gel from the gums using a tissue or cotton ball to reduce sensitivity.

• We do not recommend keeping the trays in overnight even with the 16% or 10% concentrations. If you do want to try overnight, for the first time, set an alarm for the middle of the night to see how sensitive your teeth and gums feel then. It could save you some pain from the next day!

• The best and safest way to start Polanight is to always begin with a shorter duration exposure and if the sensitivity is tolerable increase the duration (within the instructed limits).

 

Side Effects

Polanight has no serious health risks as long as it is used in the proper quantity, duration, and frequency as instructed on the package. However, be aware that the carbamide peroxide whitening ingredient in Polanight is a skin, eye and respiratory irritant. As with all teeth bleaching gels, minor and short-lasting sensitivity of the teeth and gums is a common side effect of normal use. If you experience extreme tooth or gum sensitivity or burning then you should either reduce the duration and frequency of use or discontinue the product entirely. In this case if you were using one of the higher carbamide peroxide concentrations (22% or 16%) then we recommend trying Polanight 10% as it is much more gentle.

For some reason, a number of customers have reported their dentist directed them to keep Polanight on their teeth for significantly longer than stated on Polanight's instructions, which resulted in extreme pain, tooth sensitivity, and stomach pain for days after. In such cases we recommend you bring this to the attention of your dentist but in any case, simply follow the instructions on the package (which will be based on the carbamide peroxide concentration of your gel), as this is the only proven safe and effective way to use the Polanight teeth whitening system.

Rembrandt Whitening Products

Rembrandt Teeth Whitening Review

Rembrandt whitening products are well known for both effectiveness and quality. This review will cover three different products: Rembrandt Whitening Strips, 2-Hour Whitening Kit, and Deeply White Fluoride Mouthwash. We will first provide a general overview of the product and then give our own evaluation and rating based on quality, price, and most importantly, whitening effectiveness.

1. Rembrandt Whitening Strips

rembrandt whitening stripsIf you have not heard of teeth bleaching strips before, they are one of several new whitening innovations of the past decade. Rembrandt whitening strips are a prime example of how the technology has matured into a powerful and safe tooth bleaching method. These form-fit strips stay in place by conforming to the curve of your teeth to provide comfortable and uniform whitening. The strips use enamel-safe bleaching ingredients that are identical to what dentists use. Application time for Rembrandt whitening strips is 30 minutes, once a day, for 5 days.

Our Analysis of Rembrandt Whitening Strips

These strips have several edges over the competition. First, the strips are solid and well designed to stay on your teeth for the 30 minute duration without slipping. The once-a-day 5-day treatment time is shorter than most other strips, which often require two applications a day. The whitening is quite good and customers report a high success rate. The one downside is that some people experience teeth or gum sensitivity, but this is true of just about any whitening strip. If you have sensitive teeth, we recommend you use a toothpaste designed to reduce sensitivity, several days prior to starting with Rembrandt whitening strips.

In conclusion, Rembrandt Whitening Strips get a 4.5/5 as quick and effective whitening strips that should give you a several shades of whitening in 5 days, or maintain your current whiteness with periodic use.

2. Review of 2-hour Rembrandt Whitening Kit

rembrandt whitening kitThis Rembrandt whitening kit promises whiter teeth in just a single at-home treatment. The peroxide-based gel rapidly removes both surface stains and deep stains in one 2-hour treatment that makes it ideal for use before an important meeting, interview, or big date.

One Customer’s Feedback of the Rembrandt 2-Hour Whitening Kit

Our Analysis of The 2-hour Kit

This kit is somewhat unique in that no other whitening product promises whiter teeth in just a single 2-hour treatment. If you are in need of immediate whitening then Rembrandt Whitening Kit may be the perfect product for you but as a general whitening product it falls slightly short of perfection. First, it does not whiten as much as a conventional 2 week (or more) teeth bleaching gel treatment. However, considering the time it takes, it does quite well and should get your teeth several shades whiter. In practice if you want to maintain your white teeth you will need to repeat the treatment around every 3-6 months but this is no surprise. Also, the gel is quite strong and if you know your teeth or gums are very sensitive then you may want to use a toothpaste designed for sensitivity prior to this Rembrandt tooth whitening kit, use less gel, or just consider a different product.

In conclusion, we give Rembrandt 2-hour Whitening Kit a 4/5 stars as the only 2-hour at home teeth bleaching kit of its kind. It generally does the job but don’t expect a miracle in just 2 hours and there may be lingering sensitivity.

3. Deeply White Mouthwash

rembrandt whitening mouthwashRembrandt whitening mouthwash actively restores tooth enamel with sodium fluoride and whitens and removes stains with hydrogen peroxide. The minty flavored mouthwash also kills germs and freshens breath.

Our Analysis of Rembrandt Deeply White Mouthwash

Rembrandt Whitening mouthwash is one of the best mouthwashes we can recommend. It does everything a mouthwash should and also strengthens enamel, removes stains, and whitens teeth which is about as much as anyone could expect from a mouthwash! To top it off it has a very affordable price tag. That said, if you are serious about whiter teeth, you will want a heavier hitter than just a mouthwash or else you will need quite a bit of patience.

In conclusion, we give Rembrandt Deeply White Whitening Mouthwash a 4/5 as one of the best whitening mouthwashes. Just remember if this is the only whitening product you are relying on, be patient. The whitening will be subtle and gradual over months. We recommend Rembrandt whitening mouthwash as a complement to a more powerful teeth bleaching solution or to maintain already whitened teeth.

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DayWhite ACP Tooth Whitening Gel Review

What is DayWhite Whitening Gel?

DayWhite ACP is a powerful quick-acting tooth whitening gel. The gel contains amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP), potassium nitrate, and fluoride, to rebuild and fill in cracks in enamel (cause of stains), add luster, gloss, and smoothness, reduce fade-back and re-staining, and help reduce sensitivity during treatment. The powerful concentration of DayWhite ACP gels are designed for quick whitening results with minimal wear time. A DayWhite ACP treatment will take between 15 and 60 minutes for each application. By contrast, many other whitening gels require between several hours to a full overnight treatment. If you are looking for a quick but effective teeth whitening gel, DayWhite ACP is a great choice.

daywhite acp review

DayWhite Gel Concentrations

DayWhite ACP Whitening System comes in three concentrations:

7.5% Hydrogen Peroxide

9.5% Hydrogen Peroxide

14% Hydrogen Peroxide (replaces 38% Carbamide Peroxide)

Note that Hydrogen Peroxide and Carbomide Peroxide are similar bleaching compounds but Hydrogen Peroxide is approximately three times stronger then the equivalent of Carbamide Peroxide (hence the significantly lower concentration). However, both compounds contain DayWhite’s signature ACP (amorphous calcium phosphate) formula. As previously noted, a single treatment will take between 15 and 60 minutes (up to two times a day) with the higher gel concentrations taking less time. The first full DayWhite ACP whitening treatment should take no more than two weeks with shorter optional touch-ups every few months, years, or whenever it is needed. As of 2024, DayWhite has replaced their older 38% Carbamide Peroxide with a 14% Hydrogen Peroxide solution (see above link). You may still be able to find Carbamide Peroxide kits and there should be little or no difference in effectiveness.

Here’s a short informative video explaining the basics of teeth bleaching with trays. However, because you can now order DayWhite ACP online, you can save several hundred dollars by avoiding a trip to the dentist (or at least not buying it through them):

Teeth Bleaching Trays for DayWhite ACP

DayWhite ACP teeth whitening kits do not come with their own whitening trays. These bleaching trays are a required component for teeth whitening gels and if you do not already have a pair, you will need to purchase them separately. Best Whitening recommends Professional Custom Teeth Whitening Trays for DayWhite ACP. There are several steps involved for making this tray. First you will be shipped a teeth impression kit which you will need to send back to their dental lab with your teeth impressions. Then they will create your custom-fitted teeth bleaching tray. This is essentially an identical process to what your local dentist would perform but at mere 10-15% of the cost.

The alternative is Watts Dental Sure Fit Teeth Whitening Trays. Watts trays are high quality make-at-home trays so there are no extra shipping times involved. We do not advise you use the cheap $5 to $10 trays at the local pharmacy because you will end up with a weaker fit that causes non-uniform whitening, uses more gel, and causes more irritation.

A Final Bleaching Tip

While in the 1-2 week process of bleaching your teeth with DayWhite ACP, try not to drink coffee, tea, wine or consume other dark drinks, certain foods, or tobacco that will cause new stains. While bleaching, the surface of the teeth become more porous. Small cracks in the enamel are opened which makes it easier for new stains to form. Your saliva as well as certain chemicals in the DayWhite ACP gel formula will naturally remineralize these cracks but if you consume a staining food or drink shortly after bleaching your teeth, it will reduce the effectiveness of the treatment by re-staining.

Best of luck for your DayWhite ACP teeth whitening treatment!

Teeth Whitening Cost

Cost of Teeth Whitening – Considering All The Options

In the past decade, teeth whitening cost and effectiveness have made massive steps for a number of different treatment types. The industry is now at the point where almost anyone can effectively whiten their teeth, regardless of how much they can spend. This article will compare the teeth whitening cost of every major whitening option. However, we will only be considering teeth whitening cost. Although important in their own right, this article will not consider other factors such as time, convenience, teeth and gum discomfort/pain, and whitener effectiveness. Hopefully the reader will leave with a good general estimate of how much they will need to spend for a given whitening method so that they can choose accordingly.

teeth whitening cost smile

Can a perfect smile even have a price tag?

This article will cover the teeth whitening cost of the following methods: in-office bleaching, at-home bleaching gel and trays, bleaching strips, tooth paste, and mouthwash.

Teeth Whitening Cost of In-Office Bleaching

Summary: Ranges widely based on treatment and dentist, from ~ $300 to $1000+

An in-office treatment is performed by a bleaching specialist or dentist. The teeth whitening cost for an in-office bleaching treatment can vary widely based on dentist, geographic location, and specific treatment. Zoom! is one of the most popular in-office bleaching treatments and the full treatment that takes a little under 1-hour costs an average of $315. As Zoom is powerful but fast procedure, this should be taken as the mid-low range for in-office bleaching estimates. Learn more about Zoom whitening cost.

Cost of Bleaching Gel

Summary: Sold through your dentist: ~ $300 to $600+ for trays and gel

Ordering online: ~ $40 to $90 for gel and trays (subsequent treatments will reuse trays)

Bleaching gel is either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide based but there is no major difference in cost. The teeth whitening cost for bleaching gel includes bleaching trays and gel for the full (usually 2 week) treatment. Keep in mind that most gels do not come with their own trays and those that do are often low quality which will reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. Custom trays from your dentist can cost hundreds of dollars but other smart options include ordering your own custom fitted tray kit based on your teeth impressions, or fabricating your own tray with an at-home tray kit. Likewise, a dentist will probably charge another few hundred dollars for the gel which makes the teeth whitening cost for a gel treatment very costly when doing it through your dentist.

On the other hand, you can buy some of the exact same products online for significantly less (probably around 80-90% less). Online the gel will generally range from $20 to $40 and the a good set of trays from $20 to $50. This puts the teeth whitening cost for the first gel treatment in the range of $40 to $90 and any subsequent treatments can reuse the same bleaching trays. We still recommend you ask your dentist about gel whitening but if you want to keep your teeth whitening cost down, just don’t buy it directly from them.

> >  Find the Best Teeth Bleaching Kits at Amazon  < <

Cost of Whitening Strips

Summary: Ordering online: ~ $20 to $40 for a large pack of strips

The teeth whitening cost of strips is generally less than gel but the whitening (and also the potential side effects) are also quite a bit less powerful. A large pack of strips should last you several months, potentially longer, based on how often you use them.

> >  Find Effective Whitening Strips (amazon)  < <

Cost Through Toothpaste or Mouthwash/Rinse

In general, although toothpaste and rinse are the weakest whitening solutions, their teeth whitening cost is also lowest. The cost of whitening toothpaste or mouthwash is usually just slightly higher than normal toothpaste or rinse. We can’t give a numerical estimate for the teeth whitening cost because of the range of different sizes for toothpastes mouthwashes.

> >  Find Proven Whitening Toothpastes (amazon)  < <

Also, many of the whitening toothpastes are also high-end toothpastes which cost more than the cheap brands even for their non-whitening products. Another point about toothpaste is that it is only as effective as the toothbrush. In some cases you may need a good toothbrush before whitening toothpaste becomes effective.

Tooth Bonding To Improve Your Smile

Dental Bonding to Improve Your Smile

Tooth bonding, also known as dental bonding, can be used to remove any gaps or imperfections in your teeth to a greatly improve your smile, particularly after a whitening treatment. Tooth bonding is a dental procedure that involves the application of a teeth-colored plastic composite to one or several teeth. It is then hardened with a ultraviolet laser light to appear indistinguishable from the actual tooth. The procedure is used to fill in wide spaces or gaps between teeth or to repair a chipped, fractured, decayed, discolored or damaged tooth. The purpose of a tooth bonding is usually to fill in physical damage or structural abnormalities. Though it is usually used cosmetically, in some cases it can be used in place of a filling or to protect a receding gumline.

A sort video explaning the teeth bonding proceedure:

 

Keep in mind that the color of the tooth bonding resin cannot be changed after it is finished so it should always be performed after your full whitening treatment, not before. Of course, teeth whitening is entirely independent from tooth bonding so depending on your teeth, it may not be needed at all. Tooth bonding is an effective but simple and relatively inexpensive dental procedure that can greatly improve the attractiveness of your teeth and smile. The average cost for dental tooth bonding ranges from $300 to $600 for each tooth but can sometimes be covered by an insurance plan.

No preparation is required for tooth bonding, it is usually completely painless and rarely requires anesthetics. A single tooth should take no more than a 1-hour visit (usually less) but multiple teeth bonding procedures may take several visits. When finished, a tooth bonding will generally last several years before needing repair but this also greatly depends on the specific operation and the care afterward. In some cases it can last well over a decade.

 

tooth bonding before and after

Tooth Bonding Before and After

 

Tooth Bonding vs Dental Veneer

Tooth bonding is similar to dental veneers but a veneer is often made of much stronger porcelain that can last 10-30 years. A veneer (sometimes called a dental porcelain laminate), is a much bigger operation because it is first fabricated in a dental laboratory before being bonded to the tooth whereas dental bonding is performed directly on the tooth. Also, a dental veneer is considerably more costly, usually ranging from $1000 to $2500 per tooth.

Who Is Tooth Bonding Ideal For?

Tooth bonding is particularly ideal for anyone who has a misshapen tooth or undesirable gap between one or more teeth. As stated previously, it should be performed after a whitening procedure, not before, in order to remain consistent with your teeth color. Also be aware that certain abrasives in some whitening toothpastes can damage tooth bonding resin and veneers. These whitening toothpastes should be avoided if you have dental bonding or veneers.

As a dental procedure, tooth bonding is considerably more expensive than any at-home teeth whitening treatments but if you have one or more significant gaps or physical imperfections in your teeth then tooth bonding may be a great solution for you.

 

 

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Zoom Teeth Whitening Cost and Review

Review of Zoom Teeth Whitening Cost and Effectiveness

The Zoom Teeth Whitening System, sometimes called Zoom laser teeth whitening, is a powerful in-office whitening system by Discus Dental Inc. The process uses a 32% Hydrogen Peroxide light activated gel to achieve rapid and powerful whitening results with just a single procedure. This review will cover Zoom teeth whitening cost, effectiveness, and comparison with other teeth bleaching methods.

This video details an example of the Zoom whitening treatment:

 

Zoom Teeth Whitening Cost – Is it Worth it?

Zoom teeth whitening cost varies based on location and dentist averages at around $300 to $320. Most clients and dentists clearly find it a worthwhile investment because it currently is one of the most popular in-office whitening systems worldwide. However, compared to at-home gel treatments, Zoom teeth whitening cost is significantly higher. By comparison, high quality at home teeth whitening gels may cost around $50 to $70 (including a good set of trays). However, Zoom teeth whitening cost is balanced by several distinct advantages over a comparable at-home whitening gel treatment. In comparing Zoom teeth whitening cost with an at-home bleaching gel kit, you must also consider the following points:

• Zoom teeth whitening cost is offset by hours of saved time and convenience. A Zoom treatment takes just 45 minutes total. It only needs only a single session; one appointment and you're done. By comparison, at home bleaching trays require a total of 7-14 days or more with up to two treatments a day or a single long treatment that can last up to 8 hours (overnight).

• The in-office dental treatment is performed by your dentist or whitening experts which gives it generally more consistent results and significantly less chance for error or mistakes.

• The procedure cannot be done at home because it requires a powerful ultraviolet (UV) laser lamp at 350-400 NM wavelength. Part of the reason for Zoom teeth whitening cost is because dentists and whitening experts who offer the treatment must purchase and maintain these mercury metal halide lamps for thousands of dollars. Because the lamps are designed specifically for the Zoom treatment, a good part of the Zoom teeth whitening cost will go into maintaining this special equipment. It is this powerful UV light combined the specially designed gel combination that makes the treatment exponentially faster than at-home whitening gels yet with better (or equivalent) results.

• Like any good gel, Zoom has long lasting whitening effects with minimal fade-back. The Zoom teeth whitening cost may well be a one-time investment for the rest of your life. If you maintain good oral hygiene and perform an at-home whitening touch-up every few months or as needed with bleaching gel, whitening strips, or even just regular use of whitening toothpaste then your teeth should remain consistently white.

• Zoom laser treatment uses a powerful and fast-acting gel that most patients find more painful than normal bleaching gel. Often the treatment must be ended early due to teeth sensitivity although this rarely causes a significant affect on the whitening results because most of the actual whitening occurs during the first two out of four gel applications in the Zoom whitening treatment.

Zoom teeth whitening cost chart

Advantages of Zoom! over other whitening treatments (according to Zoom and excluding cost and teeth sensitivity)

 

Zoom Teeth Whitening Cost vs Effectiveness: Conclusion

Zoom is one of the most powerful and effective in-office teeth whitening procedures. If you are looking for a safe, effective, and powerful in-office tooth bleaching, this is one. However, if you are considering Zoom next to an at-home whitening gel, the jury is out. Zoom teeth whitening cost is roughly $250+ more than a good at-home gel whitening. The whitening results are nearly the same though on average, Zoom may provide 1-2 shades whiter teeth than an at-home gel. Any kind of whitening gel (whether in-office or at home) may cause temporary teeth or gum irritation. However, the Zoom bleaching gel is exceptionally strong so anyone with particularly sensitive teeth will be better off using a low concentration at-home bleaching gel. In short, the Zoom teeth whitening cost is significantly more than an at-home treatment and may also be more painful but the treatment is highly effective at whitening your teeth and also much faster.

 

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Opalescence Instructions

Why Do We Provide Opalescence Instructions?

First off, this article will cover opalescence instructions for the safe and intended use of Opalescence 35, 20, 15, and 10% PF carbamide peroxide concentrations. If you are interested in purchasing or learning more about Opalescence then check out our main articles:  Opalescence 20  and  Opalescence 35

The Best Whitening website is a teeth whitening product, review, and information website but it is not our normal convention to provide instructions for our recommended products. However, there is an unfortunate situation where Opalescence instructions are not being shipped with some products because these products were originally intended to be mass distributed only to dentists who would already have their own instructions for the treatment. However, many of these kits are now being made available directly to customers without Opalescence instructions (although at up to 1/10th the price a dentist might resell for). Unfortunately as a result, many customers do not receive Opalescence instructions with their purchase because their kits were originally intended for dentists to resell. If this is your situation, we welcome you to take advantage of the Opalescence instructions provided here covering every carbamide peroxide concentration (10%, 15%, 20%, and 35%).

Opalescence Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Spread gel into your custom bleaching tray/retainer using a maximum of one-half (1/2) to one-third (1/3) of a syringe.

Step 2: Brush your teeth, then insert both trays (top and bottom) onto your teeth. Optionally you can do the process with one tray at a time or alternate treatments between the top and bottom.

Any excess gel that overflows from the tray onto the gums should be removed with a cotton ball, tissue, soft toothbrush, or clean finger. This is important because prolonged exposure to the gums can cause significant irritation.

Opalescence instructions state that this process can be repeated every day for the duration of the treatment but we recommend at least every-other day to reduce pain and sensitivity by giving your teeth and gums time to recover. There is really no rush and spacing out the treatment will provide greater comfort without and negative effects.

Step 3: For Opalescence 10% and 15%, remove the tray after a maximum of 4 to 6 hours during the day or 8 to 10 hours during the night.

For Opalescence 20%, remove the tray after 2 to 4 hours during the day and only consider overnight treatment if your teeth can tolerate the 20% concentration well. Although the standard Opalescence instructions do not include this, based on customer feedback, we do not recommend an overnight exposure for the first few treatments until you have tried shorter durations and found that your tooth and gum sensitivity is tolerable.

For Opalescence 35%, remove the tray after a maximum of 30 minutes. According to Opalescence instructions, the 35% treatment can be done up to twice a day but to avoid excessive tooth and gum irritation we recommend only once a day.

opalescence instructions wear time

Quick reference Opalescence instructions for wear time

Step 4: After removing the trays, brush your teeth normally. Then rinse the trays in cool water (note that hot water can warp or distort certain types of bleaching trays) and store them in a cool place out of the sun.

Length of Treatment

This is a common question: how long should you continue to use Opalescence. In fact there is nothing in the Opalescence instructions about the duration. Your dentist might have come up with an estimate but really it is up to you. If the whitening gel is working for you, as long as the sensitivity or irritation are tolerable or negligible, you can use this product until you achieve the desired whiteness. In short, here is the only Opalescence instructions we can give on duration: continue to use it until you achieve the desired results.

After you have completed the treatment, you will probably want to do a touch-up treatment every so often to maintain your pearly whites. For example, once every 6 months you might want to resume the treatment for several days but again. However, there are no Opalescence instructions on this point, everyone’s teeth are different due to many factors so it is up to you and/or your dentist to find how Opalescence works best for you.

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Opalescence 35 PF Teeth Whitening System

What is Opalescence 35?

The Opalescence 35 teeth whitening system is the newest product in a powerful line of tooth whitening gels from Ultradent. The company already has an established reputation in tooth whitening gels from their tried and proven carbamide peroxide gel concentrations of 10, 15, and 20%. Opalescence 35 is a significant step up from the others and consequently, requires a much shorter treatment time. This review of Opalescence 35 will cover the general effectiveness of the product and provide a comparison between Opalescence 35 and the 20, 15 and 10% concentrations.

 

>> Order Opalescence 35 Online <<

 

Differences Between 35% and Lower Concentrations

As the numbers indicate, Opalescence 35 is almost twice as concentrated as the next level down which means the bleaching treatment time will be much shorter. The exposure time of an Opalescence 35 treatment should be 30-60 minutes or less. By contrast, the 10, 15, and 20% concentrations require up to 6-10 hours of exposure which may include overnight. For some people, the shorter treatment time is more convenient. On the other hand, due to the high carbamide peroxide concentration of Opalescence 35 gel, tooth or gum sensitivity is more severe than the lower concentrations.

 

 

Is Opalescence 35 Bleaching Gel Right For You?

Opalescence 35Opalescence 35 is intended to whiten and ultimately remove strong stains deep in the teeth caused from coffee, wine, tobacco, or certain foods or pharmaceuticals. It will also significantly whiten the overall shade of your teeth that may have been caused from lack of oral hygiene, genetic coloring, age, or tooth trauma (cracks). However, for the latter cases, you are probably just as well off with Opalescence 15, 20 or a lower concentration. In general, short term teeth or gum sensitivity is not unusual or unexpected after using any whitening gel treatment. It is a problem if this sensitivity or pain is intense and long-lasting. There are a number of reasons this could happen including one or more of the following:

A: You are using too much gel and it is overflowing the tray onto your gums. If this is the case, use less gel on the tray next time and make sure you wipe any excess gel off your gums with a clean finger, toothbrush, cotton ball, or tissue during treatment.

B: The treatment exposure time is too long for you. If you suspect this is the case, reduce the bleaching time (and never do an overnight treatment with a new gel until you are confident about your sensitivity to it).

C: You are using the treatment too often. If you are bleaching your teeth every day, switch to every other day.

D: The gel carbamide peroxide concentration is too strong. If you have already ruled out a, b, and c, you may just have to switch to a lower concentration (if available).

If you have never used a bleaching gel before and are unsure about your teeth and gum sensitivity then we recommend beginning with the 20% because many people find Opalescence 35 is too powerful. Individuals with sensitive teeth or gums will be far better suited to lower carbamide peroxide concentrations. On the other hand, if you have heavy staining or have very yellowish, grayish, or dark teeth, Opalescence 35 is probably right for you. Similarly, if you have tried other teeth whitening gels or weaker Opalescence concentrations and were unsatisfied with the whitening, you should definitely consider Opalescence 35.

In conclusion, we give Opalescence 35 a 5/5 rating as a powerful whitening gel for the heavy-duty teeth whitening or teeth stain removal. However, because of its concentration, we do not consider it an 'all purpose' whitening gel and it should not be used by anyone who has somewhat sensitive teeth or gums or who just needs a couple shades of whitening. If you need serious whitening, go with Opalescence 35.