Smile Brilliant: Use Your Smile to Change the World & Link Up On the Edge #191
“Use your smile to change the world; don’t let the world change your smile.”
Chinese Proverb
*This is a collaborative post with Smile Brilliant. The at home teeth whitening system was provided to me for purposes of this review. As always, all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
We are living in very difficult times at the moment, but that doesn’t mean we should allow the challenges that face us to change who we are. We should try our very best to rise above the chaos, maintain our positive outlooks, and smile through it all. For when times get dark, sometimes a smile is the best way to brighten that darkness.
When Smile Brilliant reached out to me to see if I was interested in trying their at home teeth whitening system, I figured I had nothing to lose. I had never tried a teeth whitening system before so I really only had something to gain…a way to drink my 19 pots of coffee everyday and still maintain a bright and cheerful smile. A smile that can celebrate the joys in my life while also shining through dark times.
Our smiles are important for they offer an endless source of happiness. Our smiles are infectious and can communicate a sense of joy to those around us. Our smiles can also be mysterious and intriguing, keeping people interested in who we are and what we have to say. Our smiles bring comfort to those around us and can raise our own spirits even if we have to fake it for a while. Our smiles help us face our fears, rise to our challenges, and hide our pain. Because our smiles are one of our most valuable attributes, it makes sense to want to make them as brilliant as possible.
So I jumped right on board the smile improvement bandwagon and ordered my Smile Brilliant Teeth Whitening System. And here is how it all went down.
I received my kit in the mail and had to first create the impressions of my teeth for the whitening trays. Everything you need, complete with detailed instructions, is contained in the teeth whitening kit. I actually had quite a good chuckle during this process.
The instructions recommend that you have a paper towel on hand as you press the molding wax to your teeth and hold it there for 3 minutes. I wasn’t quite sure what the paper towel was for until I formed the wax around my top teeth. Immediately, the drool began to flow. No paper towel on earth is properly equipped to absorb the amount of saliva that was pouring out of my mouth like a teething toddler. A literal waterfall of spit was cascading out of my face to the point that I had to stay over the bathroom sink and just let it flow…all the while laughing at my inability to control this body function. Despite all the sputum, the impression process was super easy. Once the molds are sufficiently dried, you place them in the return envelope and send them back to Smile Brilliant to create the whitening trays.
It takes about a week from sending off your impressions until you receive your completed whitening trays. And then you begin the whitening process. I have extraordinarily sensitive teeth, so I applied the desensitizing gel for 3 consecutive days before I began using the teeth whitening gel. I did still experience a bit of achy pain in my teeth and gums after the first few days of whitening so I started whitening every other day. Obviously this extended the time it took for me to finish the process. The kit includes enough whitening gel for about 18 sessions. I completed 13 sessions and had to stop due to the sensitivity issue. But I am super happy with the results.
I am not sure that the photos adequately show the difference. But in the mirror, my teeth appear so much brighter and more vibrant than ever before. The Smile Brilliant Teeth Whitening System has effectively erased any evidence that I consume a tremendous amount of coffee daily. And I am proud to share my smile with the world.
I just want to give you a brief illustration of the step by step process for whitening so you can see just how simple it is to incorporate into your daily life for a few weeks.
Teeth Whitening Step-by-Step:
- Brush your teeth with just water (do not use toothpaste prior to application of the whitening gel. Fluoride slows down the whitening process.)
- Leave whitening trays in for 45 minutes up to 3 hours per session. (3 hours maximum per day. Do not sleep with trays in as they can cause extreme sensitivity.)
- Remove trays after the session and brush teeth with a non-whitening toothpaste.
- Rinse trays with cool water and dry them.
- Apply the desensitizing gel for 20 minutes. Do not eat or drink for 1 hour after completing each session.
- Remove trays, rinse them, and brush your teeth with just water.
- It is best to whiten just before bed so that you don’t introduce any staining food or drinks for a few hours. (Whitening before bed did not work for me because I usually snack late at night. So I whitened just after breakfast and that worked best for me.)
If you have considered whitening your teeth at home, Smile Brilliant may be the best teeth whitening system on the market. And one great thing about it, especially in the current environment, is that you don’t have to go to the dentist or leave your house at all. There is always someone available on the Smile Brilliant team to answer any questions you may have during the process. It is super easy, super convenient, super effective, and super affordable.
Smile Brilliant is offering a free at home teeth whitening system to one of my lucky readers. However, this giveaway is only open to residents of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Please click here to enter for your chance to win a complete Smile Brilliant teeth whitening system.
And now your featured favorites from last week.
Reader Favorite (Most Clicked)
Kathrine of Kathrine Eldridge Wardrobe Stylist shared an inspiring post, Lenten Journal Lessons, which provides some ideas on how to find peace in trying situations.
My Favorite Fashion Post
Karen of Lady in Violet shared her post, Pink Vintage Floral Dress, featuring a lovely spring dress and gorgeous stacked sandals for a whimsical warm weather look.
My Favorite Non-Fashion Post
Ashleigh of Afternoon Talks pretty much got me addicted to an improvised version of her 3 Ingredient Chai Tea Latte. When I first read Ashleigh’s post, I didn’t have any chai tea bags in the house or oat milk so I had to substitute two-thirds of the ingredients. I used a spiced green tea and almond milk instead and it was so amazing! I have since picked up some Bigelow chai tea bags, but now I think I like my green tea version better. Either way, I have been frequently enjoying a nice cup of hot tea every day thanks to Ashleigh’s prompting!
Remember to click here to enter for a chance to win your own teeth whitening system! You can also save 15% off any Smile Brilliant tray set by using code shelbeeontheedge15 at checkout. Show the world just how beautiful you are when you can smile proudly and brilliantly. And don’t worry, even if you don’t win the giveaway, you will still receive additional discounts as a thank you for entering.
Have you ever tried a teeth whitening system? Are you proud of your smile?
Smiling on the edge,
Shelbee
Linking up with these Fabulous Link Parties.
How Much Is Teeth Whitening
77 Comments
Kathrine Eldridge
You have the best smile! I have also used Smile Brilliant and saw a difference. Thanks for sharing your review. I appreciate you sharing my Lenten journal post because it meant the world to me. Thanks for the link up Shelbee!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Kathrine! I think like all things, the more you use something, the better it gets…like smiles! And I use mine a lot and often. Your Lenten journal post obviously had an impact on lots of readers. Thank you for sharing a bit of your heart and soul in these types of posts!
xoxo
Shelbee
Nancy
That sure looks good! I can see they are whiter! Great job!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Nancy! I’m sorry that the giveaway isn’t open in the Netherlands. Boo!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jennifer
I love Smile Brilliant!
Jennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Awesome, Jennifer! Have you used it?! Did you have sensitivity issues like I did?
xoxo
Shelbee
Ashleigh
Oh wow!! Your version sounds really good. I’ve never heard of spiced green tea, but now I want to try it! Thanks so much for featuring me!!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, Ashleigh! The tea I used is YamaMotoYama Genmai-Cha Green Tea with Roasted Rice. It has a really nutty spicy flavor which is amplified by the almond milk and it is amazing! I literally have no idea where the box of tea bags came from. Neither my husband nor I recall ever buying it! I have to figure out where it came from though so I can buy more!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jill
You have a beautiful smile! I have a Smile Brilliant toothbrush and love it! Thanks for sharing your review!
Jill – Doused in Pink
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jill! It was an interesting thing to try, for sure!
xoxo
Shelbee
Anne M Bray
I finally embarked on a Tooth Improvement program due the disintegration of a molar (I won’t say how long it took me to get to the dentist. Let’s just leave it at a really long time). I’m using (or was) the UCLA Dental School, and since my journey is not an emergency, it’s been put on hiatus (thanks COVID-19). Anyhow. The student who cleaned my teeth did an AMAZING job. My teeth were WAY beyond anything that a topical soak or brushing could remedy! In prep for oral surgery, I had to have impressions made, and it took FOUR attempts to get my upper teeth! I don’t remember drooling, but there may have been a drool suction device deployed. Haha.
I’m glad we can see your smiling face online. Masks hide too much!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, my friend! I have always had a severe phobia of anything dental related. I think I can credit my fear to my childhood dentist who would literally smack us on the head if we gagged or complained about anything. Like when we were really young children! I then went from the age of 18 until I was 39 without ever going to the dentist. Because I am so afraid, I am diligent about my dental hygiene. Probably too diligent. I used to brush my teeth no less than 20 times a day to the point that I have had to get my gum line recession filled in multiple times. I have cut it down to about 5-10 times a day and am still learning to brush lighter! But I found a wonderful dentist 6 years ago when I had a massive infection in a wisdom tooth that forced an emergency extraction of all 4 wisdom teeth. Now I don’t mind the dentist so much and I go every 6 months like I should. So I am definitely not envious of the work you are in the process of having done! Good luck with all that!
xoxo
Shelbee
Anne M Bray
My phobia originated with my childhood dentist as well. I had lots of cavities and he didn’t use novocaine. Sadist!
I’m really liking the UCLA situation. First of all, they didn’t shame me about the condition of my teeth! Second, they didn’t try to upsell me orthodontics (common in the past). My first consult, the doctor (resident? not sure of terminology) said my mouth was “fascinating”!!!!!! Haha. She was really nerding out on my teeth.
Yes, I will go the every six months for cleaning as well. ASAP for the implant(s).
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
You are way more fascinating than just your mouth! Although I have never seen inside of your mouth, I do appreciate the things that come out of it! I hope you can get the implants soon!
Tamar A Strauss-Benjamin
Smiles really do improve your mood and mindset!!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I absolutely agree! Thanks, Tamar!
xoxo
Shelbee
ROBIN LAMONTE
Shelbee,
You have a wonderful smile!
I have used Smile Brilliant in the past and enjoyed it!
Smiling is the best way to stay positive!
Hugs,
Robin
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Robin! I do smile often so I guess the practice makes my smile better!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jacqui Berry
I’d love to try this out, looks like it worked well for you Shelbee. Although your teeth looked good before! Happy weekend Hun. Jacqui x
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jacqui! Did you enter the giveaway? Maybe you will win the free kit!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jacqui Berry
Didn’t realise it was open to the UK – super have just entered. Fingers crossed eh! xxx
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Excellent, Jacqui! Good luck to you!
xoxo
Shelbee
Dee | Grammy's Grid
I had an impression made by my dentist for a whitening kit, oh my, thought I was going to gag like crazy but I made it!! Thanks so much for hosting! I’m linking up today with A GERMAPHOBE AND COVID-19 and INTERNATIONAL SAFETY PIN DAY.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Dee, thanks so much for stopping by! I have the most sensitive gag reflex ever! The first few sessions with the trays in were even a bit of struggle. I finally got used to it though.
xoxo
Shelbee
Gail
This is on my “to do” list, I had my teeth whitened at the dentist a few years ago. I had a lot of tooth sensitivity though and didn’t finish the course with the home kit I was given. Your teeth definitely look good and enhance your smile!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so much, Gail! I couldn’t finish all the sessions either because the sensitivity became too much to tolerate. Did you enter the giveaway for a chance to win a free system? It is open to the US, the UK, Canada, and Australia.
xoxo
Shelbee
Amy Christensen
Shelbee, you have such a beautiful smile, before and after! I drink tea, so I definitely have that yellowing color to my teeth. I’ve thought about trying some sort of whitening system, but right now can’t afford the extra investment. Thanks for sharing. Hope you and your family are doing well. – Amy
https://stylingrannymama.com/
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Amy! Did you enter the giveaway? Maybe you will win a free kit! They are rather pricey so no harm in trying to win one.
xoxo
Shelbee
Amy Christensen
Thanks for letting me know about the giveaway, I just entered. – Amy
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Yay! Good luck to you, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Ellibelle
Loving all your smiling pictures! This sounds like a great product! Thanks for reviewing and for hosting the linkup!
Ellibelle’s Corner
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Ellie! I wasn’t sure what photos to use, so I went for the close up selfies! They seemed appropriate.
xoxo
Shelbee
Lucy Bertoldi
You have such a beautiful smile- no wonder they reached out to you to begin with! But yes, I do see the difference:) I tried a kit from my own dentist and had to stop altogether cause I couldn’t stand the pain…How is this kit in terms of sensitivity?
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so very much, Lucy! I had incredible sensitivity. I started using the desensitizing gel for 3 days before I started whitening and that helped a lot to curb the sensitivity. But then I ran out of the desensitizing gel and had to wait for more to be shipped to me. Since I felt like I was on a timeline to complete the process, I didn’t desensitize again for the few days leading up to restarting the whitening and then it hurt like hell! I did complete 13 of the 18 sessions before I gave it up, so not too bad!
xoxo
Shelbee
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jess jannenga
What a beautiful smile! It looks great! I love Smile Brilliant and did the whole thing too. I have the treys and now just order the gel syringes. Between coffee and wine I need to do this every couple of months. Love that colorful sweatshirt on you!
Have a great weekend ! It is Friday right?
jess xx
http://www.elegatnlydressedandstylish.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jess! I don’t think I will whiten again but I have the trays now if I am ever compelled to do so. I have all sorts of oral issues when it comes to sensory things. So as easy as the process was, I really didn’t enjoy it! I tolerated it at best. But it was totally worth trying. And yes, it is Friday! I have to consult the calendar every day to keep track. Actually,, I have been posting nearly every day which helps me keep track as well! I hope you have a relaxing weekend! It is snowing like crazy here right now.
xoxo
Shelbee
Sherry Joy
This would be great to try! Your teeth look amazing!! Beautiful smile my friend. Happy Weekend!!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Sherry! Did you enter the giveaway for a chance to win a complete whitening system? They can get pricey so this giveaway is definitely worth a shot!
xoxo
Shelbee
Nicole of High Latitude Style
Wow, the effect is pretty impressing. Well documented. Thanks for the review and hosting the party.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Nicole! If you are interested in trying it, there is a giveaway link at the end of the post.
xoxo
Shelbee
Patrick Weseman
Such a lovely and beautiful smile you have. Will have to look into that product.
Thanks for hosting and I hope that you and your family are healthy and have a wonderful weekend.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Patrick, thank you so very much! If you are interested in trying the whitening system, definitely enter the giveaway for a chance to win! If you win and decide not to use it, you can always pass it on to someone else who wants to give it a try!
xoxo
Shelbee
Darlene
You have such a nice smile that I can’t see the difference–but I’m sure you can! I have tried these whiteners before but my gums are just too sensitive–bummer!! I do use charcoal powder every so often, which helps a bit. Thanks for sharing. I’m sure some ladies will take advantage of it!
xx Darlene
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so much, Darlene! I have very sensitive teeth and gums as well and I probably wouldn’t whiten again unless necessary because I am giant cry baby when it comes to any kind of discomfort in my mouth!
xoxo
Shelbee
Cheryl Shops
I definitely notice a difference—that stuff really works! I tried another brand and it did little to brighten my teeth but this looks like it works!
Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Cheryl! I have to be honest, I was a little skeptical as I didn’t know that much about teeth whitening before I tried this. I spoke to my dentist a few times before I even agreed to this collaboration. He was super supportive and told me that I had the perfect teeth to illustrate the effectiveness. Because my teeth were not very stained, it was interesting to see how much this stuff really does work. If you want to try again, be sure to enter the giveaway!
xoxo
Shelbee
Laura Bambrick
Wow! I see a difference Shelbee! They look great! I’ve always wanted to try Smile Brilliant!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so much, Laura! Did you enter the giveaway for a chance to win a complete kit?
xoxo
Shelbee
Nanchi
As I always say, you have the best smile! 😁 So much positivity in you. Keep smiling! 😊
https://nanchi.blog
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Nanchi, you are so kind! Thank you so much. I hope you have a lovely weekend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Lovely
Love your work here!
xoxo
Lovely
http://mynameislovely.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Lovely! I really appreciate that.
xoxo
Shelbee
Minimalist Demi-Fine Jewelry
Nice post, absolutely love your smile!
Minimalist Jewelry for Everyday Women
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much!
xoxo
Shelbee
Amy Johnson
Well, it definitely worked cause your smile is beautiful!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Amy! I appreciate that!
xoxo
Shelbee
Shauna
Your smile is just beautiful! It sure does light up a room. And don’t we just need that so much right now?! 🙂 I’ve used this product too and loved the results. Thanks for sharing and hope you guys have a great weekend! xo
Shauna
http://www.lipglossandlace.net
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Shauna, thank you so very much! You are too kind. You have a very positive effect on the world with your bright shining light as well! I hope your weekend is off to a great start.
xoxo
Shelbee
Lauren Renee Sparks
Beautiful as always! And the results look great.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Lauren! I really appreciate that!
xoxo
Shelbee
Mica
You have a beautiful smile! it’s nice this product worked for you too! 🙂
Hope that you are having a nice weekend 🙂 It’s a rainy day here – perfect weather for continuing to isolate at home!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Mica, thanks so much! Did you enter for a chance to win a kit? If you are interested in trying it for yourself, the giveaway is open in Australia. We had a lovely Saturday, but now it is rain and snow on and off for like the next 10 days. Ugh. I hope you enjoy your rainy weekend all cozy inside!
xoxo
Shelbee
mimifce@hotmail.com
You are the second person I know that has used it. Sounds like a pretty good product. I couldn’t help but laugh as you described your saliva drooling problem! And you are incredibly photogenic: all those closeups of your face and smile? I would have one good picture to show and that is about it! Your smile was great before and even better now.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, thank you so much, Mireille! If I can’t laugh at myself, what do I have left? Haha. The drool was ridiculous to the point of comical for sure. Did you enter the giveaway for a chance to win a complete kit? And I am certain that you would plenty of lovely photos to share, my beautiful friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Michelle
Great review! I’ve toyed with the idea of whitening my teeth, but I don’t know if I would have the patience. I’ve also wondered if the process is hard on your teeth. Your experience suggests that it might be. Mulling…..
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, Michelle! I was very impatient with the process, but I got through it and had whiter teeth at the end! Haha. The sensitivity was definitely an issue for me and I probably wouldn’t do it again unless my teeth became very discolored for some reason.
xoxo
Shelbee
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Anna Nuttall
Aww you so smiley and happy in your photos, it put a smile on my face. xx
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Anna! I try to keep things upbeat and positive as much as I can!
xoxo
Shelbee
Amber Johnson
You have an absolutely beautiful smile and I am so thrilled to see you out spreading that joy in the world. We can all use a little more of that, especially right now.
I found you through another blog hop, but I’ll definitely be coming back, I enjoyed this post a lot. 🙂
All the best,
Amber Johnson
http://www.craftaboo.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Hi Amber! Thanks so much for your very kind words! I am trying my best to keep my light shining right now because we all can use a little uplifting. I also host a link party on Tuesdays if you would like to join! That one is called #SpreadTheKindness and you can link any kind of post there as well. The newest one went live this morning.
xoxo
Shelbee
Emma Peach
You have a lovely smile! I used the Smile Brilliant system a couple of years ago and loved the results…so much so that I just bought some more gel. I drink a lot of tea and coffee so I need to whiten regularly!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Emma, thanks so much! I drink a ton of coffee, too, but I brush my teeth about 10 times a day which does keep the staining to a minimum! You also have a beautiful smile, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Melody Jacob
Lovely teeth, this is so nice and lets keep smiling.
https://www.melodyjacob.com/2020/04/6a-200-density-blue-green-straight.html
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Melody! We do need to keep smiling!
xoxo
Shelbee
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