Wedneday February 21, 2001

Whiter Teeth

Three New York City girls in search of one simple solution. Gloria Almonte, Pauline Carter, and Dawn Bruno all want whiter, brighter smiles. So we put their teeth to the test with three popular whiteners... laser, gel trays, and over-the counter strips.

Dawn says, "When people look at me I want them to think wow she looks beautiful. " The bride-to-be is busy shopping for dresses and working out. She wants white teeth in a hurry. Cosmetic dentist Dr. Anthony Vocaturo says the lumalight laser is the answer. How does it work? Bleach is brushed on her teeth and activated by light. Time spent? Forty-five minutes. Cost: $800 to $1000! Advantages: quick and convenient.

After winning Miss Teen New York, Gloria Almonte is panicked about her upcoming pageant. She says, 'The smile has to be white. I'm going to be on TV!"

Gloria's going with gel trays. Once the trays are made, she'll fill them with bleach and wear them at home. Time? Four hours a day for three weeks. Cost? $400 to $700. Advantage here? The dentist can watch out for over whitening. Dr. Vocaturo says, "We can see her every couple of days so we can stop it if we need to." The only downside - teeth or gum sensitivity.

Pauline wanted something good and cheap. Crest white strips to the rescue. They stick to your teeth just like a band aide. Cost: $60 bucks! Time: two hours a day. The good part? At $60 a box it fits her budget the best. But gum irritation and uneven color is a price you may pay.

So how'd the girls do? Dawn's teeth went from dull to dazzling! She says, "I can't wait to go home to my fiancée and unveil my smile!"

Gloria's teeth are now TV worthy. She says, "I didn't think the treatment they gave me would make them this white."

And finally Pauline's glowing over her new grin. She says, "Before my teeth looked like bananas, now they look like pearls."

Keep smiling girls!