Luster now

Momma Told Me: The first thing most people notice, is your smile.

I suppose I could say both of my parents are 'pro smile', but more importantly, they ingrained a strong importance in dental hygiene. Long before puberty hit and I felt a need to shave fabric off my wardrobe to standout, Momma taught me a stunning smile could make a lifelong impression. And it's not just Momma's opinion, mainstream media is littered with artificially perfect smiles from photo-shopped chops to beauty queen 'flippers' and a multi-million dollar orthodontics industry- teeth whitening. Now, horrified by sheer suggestion of filing one's teeth to perfection, I came to grips with my haphazard bite years ago- but I've been obsessed with perfecting a 'white' smile. As soon as I was old enough, and before they were nearly as affordable as they are today, I began messing with painful and expensive 'at home' kits. Let's face it, visiting your orthodontist is a necessary part of oral hygiene, but even if you can afford the in office treatments, you're often left with faded results when you truly need it. Mastering those pearly whites can mean the difference between catching your dream date's eye, or landing that important interview. And with today's hustle and bustle society, who has time to schedule a quick touch up, or wait weeks for an opening?

To keep up with the consumer's fast paced lifestyle, at home whitening companies have been increasingly decreasing the time of their treatments, while promising more visible results. At my local Wal Mart alone I can find 9 different whitening brands and systems (and that's not including toothpastes)! It can be extremely overwhelming and time consuming to root through them all. Luckily, I have an honest opinion and plenty of experience to offer on this subject. More recently, I've been thrilled with current innovations that allow for minimal tooth sensitivity in 'brush on' style applications. However, my favorite system, of which, runs a whopping $129 initially, for 2 complete treatments, and $34.99 for each treatment thereafter. I can't help but chuckle when I read said product's suggestion to re-treat every week (doing so would add up to my monthly electric and water bill, combined)!

So, when I first came across the Luster 1 Hour System I was intrigued for 2 main reasons; 1) The average price point is under $50, and 2) this kit includes orthodontist similar light treatment technology to safely whiten teeth with lasting results, and no sensitivity (or so the brand claims). I was tickled to receive a kit for review here on Momma Told Me, and even more excited to find the instructions so simple. Each Luster 1 Hour Whitening Kit includes; Accelerator Mouth Rinse, Brush On Super Whitening Gel, Activation Light, and 4 AAA batteries. It's always nice to find something affordably priced that includes the batteries, for convenience, but is often an indication of quality- so I was still skeptical. Luster claims the treatments will create "zero tooth sensitivity and zero rebound effect," as well as that the kit is "dentist designed and the only FDA cleared activating light." However, what grabbed me most, within their selling points was the satisfaction Guarantee.

Each 1 Hour Whitening Kit, SRV $44.99, is suggested to last for up to 1 year of (5) 2 Minute Treatments every 3-4 months- however, the company states that for maximum whitening results (as in a complete social image emergency) 10-20 treatments can be conducted consecutively. Setting the kit up was quite easy, with a sliding lock battery door, and one button on/off function Activation Light. The first thing one should do is utilize the included progress strip to determine their stain level (I was around an 8). The next step in the process is to rinse with 10mL of the Accelerator Mouth Rinse. Don't worry, a simple plastic measuring cup is provided to assist in the process. The rinse is very mild in scent and taste, with a peppermint essence that didn't sting at all. Next, the Super Whitener is shaken, and brushed on 1 tooth at a time. This process was a bit awkward, as most whitening kits tend to be. If you allow your lips or gums to come i contact with the solution prior to drying it may tingle and become less effective. One only needs to paint each tooth they desire to be whitened (I suggest the visibly 6-8 on the top and bottom).

Next, is the somewhat futuristic, inevitably hilarious for any onlookers, Luster exclusive part; the FDA approved Whitening Light application- holding the light approx 1-2 inches from your teeth, and pressing the on/off button will begin a 2 minute, timed, light cycle. I swear I felt some sort of warmth during the treatment, but the lamp itself was never warm to the touch (spooky!) This Activating Light also features a rubber 'mouth' which the user can place their lips on if desired. After 2 minutes the Light shuts off, and your treatment is done! I completed the process once more, as suggested, and hurried to check my immediate results. It appears I progressed all the way to a 4- which is completely thrilling to me, especially with such little effort and cost! I was tempted to continue treatments to push myself towards bright white '1', but decided the kit will be best used throughout the year as needed. I've yet to experience any sensitivity brushing or eating afterwords, and am happy to report the entire kit tucks away in a medicine cabinet or small drawer. I've had such a positive experience with Luster, I'll likely be buying one for Papa, who's a tooth whitening junkie, for Christmas! You simply can't go wrong with the money back guarantee, the price, and the results!

For Winter 2013 is the brand's Luster Now toothpaste trio with patented BluveriteTM technology. Dentist developed, and safe on enamel, this new formula provides instant whitening results after a single brushing. When used daily, the effects build and intense stain removal can be noticed. The secret is in the Bluverite TM formula that visually whitens teeth to the eyes, for an improvement that will last hours after brushing (and likely encourage brushing more often). The company even designed the product to be ultimately convenient with 3 on-the-go sized bottles that easily stash in your purse, drawer, or backpack, for whitening after meals and before important meetings. Luster NOW! is intended for daily use, with no sensitivity and has cumulative stain fighting properties to actually whiten teeth over time (in addition to create the illusion instantly).

White 7 has double the whitening power than the leading brand, but focuses more on complete oral health, rather than immediate visual effects. Luster White 7 is also safe on enamel and developed by practicing dentists. Available in Power White and Sensitive, both contain 7 powerful whitening agents. I had a chance to try the sensitive formula and found it very thick in texture (white) and almost gritty. While brushing it foams quite a bit, and easy really easy on the gums/enamel, with little aftertaste. My favorite, of the two products, though, was Luster NOW. The convenience of 3 small tubes is wonderful for sharing within a family or individuals with busy lifestyles. Just think, one box could stuff 3 different stockings with a little extra white!

The Luster NOW! flavor is a mellow mint, and the color of the actual product is a fun and vibrant blue. As it turns out, from time to time this blue will actually show up against the optically whiter teeth. Simply rinse with some water and the color will disappear. Luster NOW! doesn't create the illusion of gradual, or even whitening specific treatments, but it does remove visible stains and spots for up to 4 hours (in my experience). This effect is fairly natural, but noticeably vibrant.