Most individuals clean and floss their teeth twice a day. (At minimum, I hope.) However, even if your oral cleanliness receives a top grade from the dentist, your teeth may still not appear as dazzlingly white as you desire. Apart from stains, our teeth naturally possess a “hue that leans towards either yellow or gray” rather than white, as stated by cosmetic dentist Dr. Daniel Rubenstein in a previous Shape article. While professional teeth whitening treatments are widely available, the most convenient method to enhance the brightness of your smile is by using an at-home whitening strip.
An effective whitening strip removes discoloration from the outer layer of the tooth, leaving behind a lighter and healthier appearance. However, the efficacy of the ingredients is crucial, and not all strips are created equal. Here, we compare the $84 Opalescence Go Teeth Whitening Trays with the $46 Crest 3D Whitestrips to assist you in determining whether to save or splurge.
Save: Crest 3D Whitestrips
Purchase It: $46, amazon.com
Essential Features:
Main Component: Hydrogen peroxide releases free radicals that disintegrate the chemical bonds of stains on the surface of your teeth.
Other Components: Sodium hydroxide balances pH to minimize irritation.
Top Choice: Individuals with an upcoming significant occasion and those seeking to rejuvenate their smile within a few weeks.
Our Favorite:
In my opinion, the Crest 3D White Strips are the ultimate standard for teeth whitening strips available at drugstores. After using them for 30 minutes, they noticeably brighten teeth. “I cannot believe the incredible effectiveness of these strips,” one reviewer enthusiastically exclaimed, mentioning that years of coffee stains were completely erased. Another individual agreed, stating that they were able to confidently smile in pictures after using the strips for a few weeks. Each box contains a total of 14 strips, designed for both the upper and lower teeth.
Important Considerations:
The paper strips offered in this product are not customizable, and some shoppers report difficulties in achieving a snug fit on their teeth. Additionally, individuals with sensitive teeth and gums may find hydrogen peroxide irritating, even in small amounts. It is important to pay attention to any discomfort experienced during the first use of this treatment.
Premium Choice: Opalescence Go Pre-Filled Teeth Whitening Trays
Purchase Here: $84, available on amazon.com
Key Features:
Main Active Ingredient: Similar to the Crest 3D White Strips, hydrogen peroxide serves as the primary active ingredient in this treatment.
Other Components: The treatment also includes low levels of citric acid, which aids in breaking down stains, and glycerin, a hydrating ingredient commonly found in skincare products that counteracts gum dryness caused by hydrogen peroxide.
Ideal for: Experienced users of white strips who wish to invest in a reusable tooth tray.
Our Favorite Aspects:
Technically, this is a teeth whitening tray and not a whitening strip, but both tools produce the same outcomes (with a few notable distinctions). Users can bite down on this tray to achieve a flawless, secure fit around their teeth, which is beneficial during the twenty-minute waiting period. Additionally, unlike disposable paper strips, individuals who own a tooth tray can reuse the tool, reducing waste and potentially saving money if they use it regularly. “This is the most effective tooth whitening method I’ve tried,” wrote one enthusiast who stated that their stains were eliminated after three uses. “It’s extremely simple to apply,” said another user who observed results after two uses.
Keep in Mind:
Similar to the Crest 3D Whitening strips, this treatment carries a risk of causing irritation for those with sensitive teeth due to the hydrogen peroxide content.
In Conclusion:
Without revealing my partiality, I have utilized Crest 3D Whitening Strips before nearly every significant occasion in my life. They work swiftly and accomplish the task seamlessly. If, like me, you consider teeth whitening as preparation for special events rather than a regular part of your beauty regimen, this is unquestionably the treatment I would recommend. However, if you prefer to whiten your teeth on a monthly, weekly, or even daily basis, the Opalescence Go Prefilled Teeth Whitening Trays will eventually pay for themselves since you can reuse them repeatedly as long as you replenish the accompanying whitening gel.
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