Popular Teeth Whitening Toothpaste and Teeth Aligners

We all want that perfect smile. But not all of us are born with white, straight teeth. Unless you’re willing to give up your morning coffee and evening glass of red wine, you’ll probably never have perfectly white teeth without some help. Similarly, very few people have naturally straight teeth. Whether you were simply born with crooked teeth or had an accident that caused some damage, many people are self-conscious over their teeth.

Luckily, there are at-home solutions that you can use to straighten and brighten your smile without needing to step foot in a dentist’s office. So to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted, here are some of the best dental products.

Chemical Teeth Whitening

Yellowing of the teeth is a very common thing. Bacteria in the mouth produces plaque, which creates acids that can damage teeth enamel and cause discoloration. Drinking soda, coffee, alcohol and even eating some foods and smoking can accelerate the process.

Toothpaste

Toothpaste whitens teeth with the help of mildly abrasive chemicals like hydrogen peroxide and silica. It doesn’t have a super dramatic effect, but consistent use can remove surface stains and lighten teeth color a few shades. Whitening toothpaste can be purchased at any normal pharmacy or grocery store, making it an extremely budget-friendly option.

However, the use of stronger abrasives can damage tooth enamel and isn’t recommended for those with sensitive teeth. Additionally, whitening toothpaste takes a long time to work, so if you want a fast results, strips may be a better choice.

Our top three whitening toothpastes include:

• Crest 3D White Brilliance 2-Step Toothpaste – Two simple steps to cavity-protected, whiter teeth.
• Sensodyne Extra Whitening Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth – Best toothpaste to remove surface stains and relieve sensitivity for 24 hours.
• Tom’s of Maine Simply White Natural Toothpaste – Packed with organic ingredients, this toothpaste is a multitasker.

Whitening Strips

Whitening strips are thin plastic strips coated with hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Strips don’t cause abrasion, rather chemicals are used to remove stains. The bleaching agents can remove deep stains by penetrating dental enamel, making it a great choice if you want to see results quickly.

Most brands require that you leave strips on for about 10 minutes. They’re not too expensive, generally ranging from about $35 to $75, and are a great alternative to expensive in-clinic treatments.

There are some risks associated with whitening strips; misaligned strips can leave teeth with uneven shades. It’s recommended to apply them according to the instructions.

Our top three whitening strip brands include:

• Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips – These tried and true strips were the first on the market and are anti-slip.
• Crest 3D White Whitestrips with Light – When paired with the LED light, this product ups its game to remove stubborn stains.
• Burst Coconut Whitening Strips – Fast acting and super budget friendly.

Charcoal Teeth Whitening

Charcoal is made from organic material oxidized under high heat. It is highly absorbent and has an array of uses in the medical and cosmetic industry since it binds with toxins and odors.

It’s important to note that despite charcoals popularity, there’s no scientific evidence that it works for whitening. Many people swear by it, so there is lots of qualitative evidence, however, the American Dental Association doesn’t back these products.

Charcoal Toothpaste

Activated charcoal used in toothpaste is mildly abrasive, which helps remove surface stains. It’s an affordable and safe method to get a natural whitening effect. Charcoal has been used for centuries, so it’s no surprise that it’s made a comeback in recent years.

Our top picks include:

• Hello Oral Care Activate Charcoal Whitening Toothpaste – This black toothpaste help polish and whiten your teeth while freshening your breath.
• Colgate Essential Charcoal Whitening Toothpaste – Extremely budget friendly and available at most grocery stores.
• Cali White Activated Charcoal & Organic Coconut Oil Toothpaste – Vegan and fluoride-free for those looking to whiten their teeth without any chemicals.

Charcoal Powder

Charcoal powder is mixed with water, applied to the teeth and left to sit for a few minutes. Because it does not contain fluoride or other substances for cavity protection, it is best paired with a toothpaste. It can get messy though, so wear a dark coloured shirt or put it on before hopping in the shower.

Our favorite charcoal powders include:

• Caribbean Coco Activated Charcoal Teeth Whitening Toothpaste Powder – This super-absorbent powder acts as magnet to pull out deep stains and bacteria.
• Burt’s Bees Teeth Whitening Charcoal Powder – A simple formulation that gives results in just two weeks of use.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are an alternatives to braces that are put on at a dental office. Made of transparent plastic, these are very popular orthodontic correctors. At a dentist, a custom-made mold is used to prepare a number of aligners for each patient that are changed every 2-4 weeks to move the teeth to their desired position.

However, aligners can also be done at home through a number of companies that offer this treatment. They’re far more budget friendly, generally costing between $1200 and $2,400. Companies send out a home impression kit, which the customer sends back to them in order to make the aligners. You’re then shipped a number of aligners that you wear, checking in online with the company’s professionals.

Many people love this option and see great results with it within about six months. Just keep in mind, at-home aligners are not suitable for all dental problems. Dentists suggest that they’re best used for mild-to-moderate level crowding.

Our favorite at-home aligner brands include:

• SmileDirectClub – One of the original providers that offers free overnight shipping and a sleek app to simplify the straightening process.
• Byte – This orthodontist-monitored brand uses their secret Hyperbyte tool to shorten treatment time and get results fast
• Candid – A pricier option that guarantees you’ll love your results or they’ll provide free refinements until you’re happy.

Basic dental care and great oral hygiene can help you get the smile you want, as well as prevent more serious dental and oral diseases. Search online to discover what method suits you and your budget the best.