Teeth whitening can be cheap, easy

by Amby Sarabia
Staff Writer

University of La Verne students have been drawn to the quick and easy teeth-whitening methods advertised on TV.

With a guaranteed outcome of receiving "brighter teeth in just 14 days" when using Crest Whitestrips, who would not be willing to fork over 20 bucks?

Products such as Crest Whitestrips, Reach Whitening Floss, Aqua Fresh Protection, whitening dental gum and several toothpastes that contain whitening gel, are popular with those consumers hoping to acquire whiter teeth.

Freshman Rheana Trejo used Crest Whitestrips before her senior prom in hopes of having a brighter smile.

"I noticed a difference after one week," said Trejo. "I was really happy with the results."

The box comes complete with 56 whitening strips; 28 for top teeth and 28 for the lower.

The gel portion of the strips are placed onto the teeth, worn for 30 minutes and then removed.

After removing the strips, rinse, brush or wipe off any remaining gel.

If there is no difference in the users teeth color, the product can be returned for a free refund.

Trejo's results were so dramatic, classmates often teased her about them.

"My friends used to make fun of me because they were so white," she said.

After waiting six months, the guaranteed amount of time that the color would last before needing a touch up, Trejo decided to whiten her teeth again using Crest Simply White.

The product, while $6.00 cheaper than the Whitestrips, proved more of a hassle to use.

Rather than putting the strips onto the teeth, the user must ensure that his or her teeth are completely dry before brushing the gel onto the teeth.

While the gel is drying, the user cannot close his or her mouth for 30 seconds.

After using the product for two weeks, Trejo noticed only a slight change when compared to the results she noticed only after a week of using the Whitestrips.

"The Crest strips were much more effective," Trejo said.

Trejo was lucky to make the right decision when purchasing the Crest teeth whitening products, since many products on the market are a scam.

"Store brand whitening products are a waste of money," said Scott Kanai, D.D.S. and owner of Little Tokyo Dental Group in Los Angeles.

"In my opinion the Crest strips are the only ones that work," Kanai said.

As an experienced dentist, Dr. Kanai offers many teeth whitening treatments to his patients.

The take-home whitening treatment allows patients obvious conveniences.

In the office, dentists make a mold of the patients teeth to custom their mouth.

The patients then take the mold, or tray, home with some whitening gel, which they are instructed to pour into the tray and place it in their mouth before they go to bed.

Patients are then instructed to sleep with the tray in their mouth.

Users should see results in either two-to-four weeks or six weeks to two months, depending on the starting color of the teeth.

The prices vary, but the average price is $200 an arch.

For the in-office treatment, the dentist places whitening gel directly onto the teeth and uses a special light which activates the gel causing it to seep into the tooth's enamel and dentin. The cost is $250 an arch.

"The treatment can be done in one appointment which appeals to someone busy," Kanai said. "While the take-home can be slower."

The treatment does have its downside, however. Many patients have experienced tooth sensitivity to cold. While some are able to bear the discomfort, others experience pain when just inhaling cold air.

"The problem is there is no way to tell that a person's teeth will be sensitive," Kanai said. "That's why the take home treatment is better in some instances."

The problem with the in-office treatment is that the whitening solution is stronger, and the heat the light can irritate the tooth making it more sensitive.

There have been instances when Kanai has had to stop the procedure after the patients showed signs of discomfort.

"The advantages with the take home is that the user can gauge how much solution is used and when," Kanai said. "You can set your own schedule."

This is the road senior Hugo Valencia had to take after using the Brite Smile whitening gel for a month.

"I had to stop using it because it was making my teeth sensitive," Valencia said.

Rather than using the gel for a half-an-hour each day, Valencia started to use the gel in his toothpaste.

"I saw results," Valencia said. "My teeth did become whiter."

And Valencia's been able to keep his teeth white by adhering to a strict dental routine; brushing after meals and getting a checkup every six months.

Staying away from coffee, soda, cigarettes and tea helps keep the results achieved by the whitening treatment, Kanai added.

"Genetics also plays an important role in teeth color," Kanai said.

There are some instances when whitening treatment will not improve a patient's teeth color due to the starting point.

Yellow is the easiest color to whiten; gray and brown allows for a certain degree of whiteness but results will probably not be as good, Kanai said.

"In certain instances the tooth may have to be capped," said Kanai.

"I plan to get my teeth whitened, but I just can't afford it at this time," Valencia said.

Teeth whitening can become expensive, causing consumers to try the use-at-home products rather than going through with the dentist office treatments.

Kanai often recommends that his patients use the Crest Whitestrips before committing to the in-office procedure.

If the strips are able to whiten the user's teeth, then the procedure is not needed, allowing the user to save money.

"I got my teeth whitened for $100 in Mexico by a family dentist," said senior Luis Garcia. "I didn't even bother to look into it here 'cause I knew it would be too expensive."

But for those who are unable to travel to places such as Mexico where whitening procedures are less expensive, be sure to ask your dentist about the many options offered when it comes to teeth whitening.

"You have to be happy with your smile," Kanai said. "And teeth whitening is a process without any drilling. It's easy and (generally) painless."