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.