2008 Woodie Awards
Dreaming of a whiter smile
Andrea Furlong
Issue date: 12/1/05 Section: Feature
- Page 1 of 1
Brighter smiles are crossing the faces of more Americans every day, including Kirkwood students, as teeth whitening kits become more available for home use.
In the last five years, demand for teeth whitening products has increased 300 percent, according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Reports by the American Dental Association claim three out of 10 people whiten their teeth at home.
Lauren Brown, a Kirkwood student, jumped on the bandwagon when she whitened her teeth a few months ago. Brown bought an over-the-counter whitening kit, similar to Crest White Strips, from Wal-Mart.
"It only took about half an hour to do. It was pretty easy and I'm happy with the results," Brown said.
The gradual process uses strips containing whitening agents or a gel that is applied for 30 minutes once or twice a day for one to two weeks.
While a dentist may charge anywhere from $250 to $800 for an in-office procedure, home bleaching kits cost approximately $30.
Many people who can't afford professional whitening treatments are liking the idea of over-the-counter kits now that the options for whiter teeth cost as little as a department store sweater.
"I have about 48 students in my class and probably half of them have or will whiten their teeth," said Shaunda Clark, Kirkwood's program director for dental hygiene.
Kirkwood's Student American Dental Hygienist Association (SADA) has used the wide appeal of whiter smiles as a fundraiser for the past four years.
Their next fundraiser will be in Linn Hall from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 8 where they will sell cookies alongside Crest White Strips.
In the last five years, demand for teeth whitening products has increased 300 percent, according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Reports by the American Dental Association claim three out of 10 people whiten their teeth at home.
Lauren Brown, a Kirkwood student, jumped on the bandwagon when she whitened her teeth a few months ago. Brown bought an over-the-counter whitening kit, similar to Crest White Strips, from Wal-Mart.
"It only took about half an hour to do. It was pretty easy and I'm happy with the results," Brown said.
The gradual process uses strips containing whitening agents or a gel that is applied for 30 minutes once or twice a day for one to two weeks.
While a dentist may charge anywhere from $250 to $800 for an in-office procedure, home bleaching kits cost approximately $30.
Many people who can't afford professional whitening treatments are liking the idea of over-the-counter kits now that the options for whiter teeth cost as little as a department store sweater.
"I have about 48 students in my class and probably half of them have or will whiten their teeth," said Shaunda Clark, Kirkwood's program director for dental hygiene.
Kirkwood's Student American Dental Hygienist Association (SADA) has used the wide appeal of whiter smiles as a fundraiser for the past four years.
Their next fundraiser will be in Linn Hall from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 8 where they will sell cookies alongside Crest White Strips.