A Consumer Reports Insights story in the Washington Post evaluates the DIY teeth-whitening racket, finding strips work better than trays, which don’t always fit in your mouth so well, the products may mess with your sensitive teeth, and that yellow teeth whiten easier than gray, brown or blue.

The bottom line is not promising:

For much less than what you’d pay at a dentist’s office, at-home kits can brighten teeth somewhat, but don’t expect extreme results. And it’s hard to say how long the whitening effects last.

By the way, Crest Whitestrips Supreme was the winner. It costs $46 and is only available online at places such as Dentist.com.

The Price of a Whiter, Brighter Smile [Washington Post]
At-home tooth whitener Ratings [Consumer Reports] (Subscribers Only)

(Photo: Lisa Brewster)

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