Welcome to Part 6 of Our Teeth Whitening Series! In earlier posts, we covered the science of whitening and how it works. Now, we’re breaking down what’s actually available—from drugstore staples to professional-grade systems—so you can make the best choice for your smile.
At Pecan Tree Family Dentistry, we believe education is key to lasting results. Here’s what you need to know.
🛍️ 1. Over-the-Counter Whitening Strips
These are some of the most popular and accessible products. Coated with hydrogen or carbamide peroxide, strips work by breaking down surface stains.
Popular Brands:
- Crest 3D White Whitestrips
- Oral-B 3D White Whitening Therapy
Pros:
✅ Affordable and widely available
✅ Easy to use at home
Cons:
❌ May cause sensitivity if overused
❌ Less dramatic and more uneven results compared to professional whitening
🪥 2. Whitening Toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste contains mild abrasives or chemicals to scrub away surface stains. It’s a good option for maintenance—but don’t expect dramatic changes.
Popular Brands:
- Colgate Optic White
- Sensodyne Pronamel Gentle Whitening
Pros:
✅ Affordable and easy to use daily
✅ Helps maintain post-whitening results
Cons:
❌ Doesn’t address deeper or intrinsic stains
❌ Takes longer and delivers minimal whitening
🖊️ 3. Whitening Pens and Gels
Designed for convenience, these products allow spot whitening or on-the-go touch-ups.
Popular Brands:
- AuraGlow Whitening Pen
- Smile Direct Club Whitening Pen
Pros:
✅ Portable and easy to apply
✅ Good for minor touch-ups
Cons:
❌ Slower, less effective results
❌ Not suitable for deep stain removal
😬 4. Custom Whitening Trays (Take-Home)
Made by your dentist, custom trays ensure precise fit and effective gel application. These are a popular middle ground between strips and in-office treatments.
Popular Brand:
- Opalescence
Pros:
✅ Custom fit = even, consistent results
✅ Controlled use and safety
Cons:
❌ Requires commitment (daily wear for 1–2 weeks)
❌ Slower results than in-office whitening
🏥 5. In-Office Whitening (Professional)
This is the fastest and most powerful whitening method. At Pecan Tree Family Dentistry, we trust:
✅ KOR Whitening
A highly effective in-office and take-home system that targets even tough, deep stains with minimal sensitivity.
✅ SDI POLA 10%
A gentle, professional-strength solution designed for sensitive patients who want a comfortable and effective whitening experience at home or in the office.
Why We Recommend KOR and POLA:
- Customized for each patient
- Excellent results with reduced sensitivity
- Trusted, science-backed formulations
📌 Related Reading: Teeth Whitening: How It Works & What to Expect
🤔 Which Option Is Right for You?
It depends on your needs:
| Goal | Best Product |
|---|---|
| Quick results | In-office KOR Whitening |
| Budget-friendly | OTC strips or toothpaste |
| Ongoing maintenance | Whitening toothpaste/pens |
| Sensitive teeth | SDI POLA 10% or take-home trays |
Still unsure? We’re happy to help.
📞 Ready to Brighten Your Smile?
From gentle daily maintenance to dramatic transformations, we offer whitening solutions tailored to your comfort and results.
📞 Call us at (972) 562-0767 or
💻 Schedule your whitening consultation today.
