Whiter teeth can make a great first impression and an ideal smile.
Everyone from celebrities to students are making their teeth as white as possible by using a variety of treatments, including at home products and in-office sessions from dentists.
But do these treatments really work or do they cause more pain than pleasure?
One of the most common side effects of teeth whitening is tooth sensitivity, which can be painful.
Dr. George Childress, D.M.D. of LaGrange, GA, said tooth sensitivity is minor and temporary.
"Sensitivity from whitening does not appear to cause permanent damage and there are 20 plus year studies which agree," Childress said.
Ben Pryor, a junior in human resource management, said he had painful tooth sensitivity after using custom made bleaching trays he was given by his dentist.
"My teeth hurt a lot after (whitening)," said Pryor. "I couldn't drink dark liquids."
Childress said the most effective way to whiten your teeth is by a dentist, although this treatment is more expensive than most are willing to pay.
"A chair side dental office bleaching system or a tray system with custom fabricated trays that are fitted by your dentist is best," Childress said. "At my office these can cost between $300 and $500."
Most college students can't afford these treatments so they resort to more reasonably priced products, like Crest Whitestrips.
Allie Self, a junior in Pre-Med, has used Crest Whitestrips for over four years.
"I use them two weeks before any event where I know I'm going to take a lot of pictures," Self said. "I used them before prom, graduation, and formal."
But at home treatments can also cause tooth sensitivity and discomfort.
"They made my gums itch and burn," Self said.
Crest Whitestrips can cost anywhere from $15 to $40, depending on the type. Other brands of similar at home treatments, such as Aquafresh Mouth Trays and Listerine Whitening Quick Clean Mint Dissolving Strips carry the same prices.
Both in-office treatments and at home treatments seem to have direct effects, but according to Childress the most immediate effects appear after the in-office bleaching. He also explained that using the at home trays regularly after the bleaching treatments keeps teeth whiter longer.
With Crest Whitestrips and other at home products, there is a daily process in order to achieve whiter teeth making the effects less dramatic and the process becomes more time consuming.
A cheaper and less painful alternative to attain whiter teeth is to brush your teeth with whitening toothpaste, rinse with a whitening mouthwash, or even floss with whitening floss.
These products only cost from $2 to $7 but are less effective and immediate in whitening.
They also become more effective with cleaner teeth, as it is easier to whiten clean teeth.
Although both women and men seem to enjoy whiter teeth, the majority of dentists see more women for bleaching than men.
"Seventy-five percent of my bleaching patients are women," Childress said. "Only twenty-five percent are men, but that isn't too surprising to me."
Whiter teeth doesn't mean a healthier person, but it does create more confidence and many people today find that whitening their teeth is worthwhile no matter what the cost.
"They make me look and feel pretty," Self said. "I always smile bigger when I know I have white teeth."
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