Go Smile: Smile Whitening Light System

Bottom line

The Go Smile: Smile Whitening Light System whitens teeth quickly -- in just 30 minutes -- and is relatively easy to use. It doesn't cause as much sensitivity as professional treatments, but it only produces minimal lightening. If you prefer more dramatic results, experts suggest a professional at-home teeth whitening kit (*Est. $200 to $600) from your dentist, which can whiten teeth up to 10 shades.

Performance

Whitening results vary. The Go Smile: Smile Whitening Light System amps up Go Smile's patented ampoule whiteners with a handheld whitening light. The light has a detachable and washable mouthpiece so the entire family can use it, though separate ampoules are required. The system comes with 12 whitening ampoules -- enough for four full treatments.

Manufacturers say Go Smile: Smile Whitening Light System lightens teeth up to six shades but for testers at Good Housekeeping it only lightened teeth an average of 1.6 shades. One tester, however, saw a five-shade difference after one treatment. Editors say, "As with all whitening treatments, the greater the tooth discoloration, the more pronounced the results." Results also varied for users posting at Amazon.com. Although most didn't notice any whitening effects, one user said her teeth were much whiter after treatment. However, she admits to using three treatments back-to-back in order to see results.

Ease of use

Only requires 30 minutes. Testers at Good Housekeeping like the speed of Go Smile's light system. It amps up the power of the bleaching agents so that the whole process only takes 30 minutes. And the editors at TeethWhiteningReviews.com agree. Some, however, didn't like having to hold the light for so long. Maggie Gallant, a beauty expert, told CBS News that the system has a few too many steps compared to other do-it-yourself whiteners. The treatment consists of three 10-minute, light-assisted sessions in which three Go Smile ampoules are applied to teeth before each session.

Safety

Reduced sensitivity. Go Smile: Smile Whitening Light System aims to mimic professional in-office, light-assisted whitening for a fraction of the cost, but the ADA says over-the-counter products aren't as safe because they aren't supervised by a dentist. Despite reports that the Go Smile system is more gentle, editors at TeethWhiteningReviews.com say there is potential for tooth sensitivity because the serum is strong and three ampoules are used for one treatment.