Blog POP! SmileBrilliant Custom Whitening System Giveaway 8/22

**The product for this review was provided by Smile Brilliant for Blog POP! Events School Rules. All photos and opinions below are copyright Momma Told Me Blog 2014.

Momma Told Me: Smiles are universal.

When I was 5, just after Momma had triumphed over cancer, Papa set up a series of Glamor photos as a Mother's Day gift. I recall all the months she had been undergoing chemotherapy that she'd refused to leave the house without a handkerchief or scarf around her head. Even in the 90's people were cruel and unkind, they'd stare wherever we went, and simply going out for dinner could feel quite uncomfortable for all of us. At the same time, Momma had always refused to don a wig; it was not her fashion to deny who she was or what made her so. And, that was how I learned the lesson that true beauty can shine through in any way we choose.

After Momma's Glamor shoot I recall spreading the sample prints out on the carpet floor. Still a bit unsure of herself, hardly any hair on her head and lacking the stunning golden locks Papa had fallen for- I sensed my mother was uneasy. To me, every single shot was breath-taking, but, in particular, I was drawn to Momma's mouth. There was something captivating about the way her hesitant lips parted to crack a smile. And the way they were painted, bright red and glossy, especially made her teeth pop- She had one of the most perfect smiles I had ever seen, and I was determined, someday, I would too.

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 far beyond any outfit. 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. I grind my teeth horribly (and I suffer with a night guard for it,) they're not the most even chompers, but they're white chompers.

I've tried it all- pastes, strips, whitening pens and guards, rinses, toothpastes, and more- no treatment has left my teeth as pearly white as a trip to my dentist. And, as long lasting as custom whitening can be at the dentist, it can also be costly when billed with words such as 'elective' an 'cosmetic.' Thankfully, internet based businesses continue to make our modern lives more accessible and affordable with brands such as SmileBrilliant! offering custom fitted whitening tray packages as low as $120! I've spent over $80 a month on over the counter strips and gels to keep my teeth their whitest; so I was immediately excited to have a chance to try the system out.

When you buy a SmileBrilliant! custom teeth whitening system you will be sent everything you need to get custom fitted whitening molds, including your sensitivity and whitening applicators (starting with 3 treatments.) The process of molding one's teeth is much like an experience at the dentist (as I did when I had my night guard made,) and requires the simple mixing of two compounds by hand. Once the molding putty is mixed you will press it into the provided mold trays and press the trays firmly into your palette, or lower teeth. After just a few minutes you may remove the molds, let them sit for 30 more minutes, then seal them in the postage paid envelope and drop them in a local mailbox.

You will receive notice when your custom SmileBrilliant! molds are received, and when the completed trays are sent out. The process took less than a week from initial kit receipt to trays in hand, for me. As soon as you have your custom trays you are ready to begin whitening! The company has included optional sensitivity gel to apply prior to your whitening application, should you have cracked or compromised dentin or sensitivity. The 'numbing' process is not invasive and works the same way the whitening process will, through mess free application with your custom fitted trays. The trays are a pliable poly material that is lightweight, but fragile to grinding or tears (so be mindful when wearing them.) Because of this they are also quite comfortable and undetectable, so you can go about your whitening while folding laundry, making lunch, or Google chatting.

SmileBrilliant! allows for a wide window of whitening time. Leave the trays in up to 2 hours for maximum whitening, or 30 minutes for an in-between, touch up, treatment. I left mine in for about 40 and noticed my teeth were more brighter overall. Keep in mind I whiten my teeth regularly, and that the even-ness of your whitening results will be greatly impacted by how well you floss and clean your teeth prior to the treatment! In all, I think this custom whitening system is very convenient for modern lifestyles and would make a great gift, or subtle hint, to anyone this upcoming holiday season!

What Daughter Says: Next to your eyes, your smile is the first thing noticed in first impressions- make it sparkle!

One Momma Told Me reader will win a custom Smile Brilliant system, valued at $179!

a Rafflecopter giveaway