Buy It And Try It: The White Light

"You see celebrities and stuff, the supermodels have white teeth," said Hockenson.

And this 16-year old would like to have a bright smile too but, "It's really expensive," said Hockenson.

Professionals charge hundreds of dollars, but an infomercial claims the $20 White Light system works at home in just 10-minutes.

"Can light really whiten teeth?" questioned Hockenson.

Let's see, with the help of Sutter Terrace Dental Group, and Dr. Chris Cantrell, who's skeptical a tiny battery operated light can whiten teeth.

"It seems too good to be true," said Dr. Cantrell.

He starts out by checking the shade of Lauren's teeth.

"Looks like you're at a C2 shade," said Dr. Cantrell.

Dr. Cantrell opens the packet, it comes with a special gel and tray. The directions state Lauren first has to brush her teeth.

Right away, Dr. Cantrell has reservations with the tray because it isn't custom fitting.

"It's hard to say how it's going to stay put and not get on the gum tissue," said Dr. Cantrell.

He then puts the special whitening solution on the tray, and he's familiar with the ingredients.

Kurtis Ming: How's that different than what you use?

Dr. Cantrell: It isn't in the sense of the ingredients, the only thing we don't know is what the concentration of the solution is.

Kurtis Ming: Same ingredients, but you guys use something a bit stronger.

Dr. Cantrell: Exactly.

Lauren puts the trays in her mouth then attaches the special light which automatically stays on for ten minutes.

Kurtis Ming: What do you think of it?

She's absolutely speechless. While we wait I read some of the paperwork that comes with it.

Kurtis Ming: The amount of gel included is good for three to five sessions, then you have to buy more for $14.99

Ten minutes go by the light goes off! Lauren takes it out.

"This is nasty," admitted Hockenson.

After rinsing she checks out her pearly whites.

Kurtis Ming: Look in the mirror, do they look any whiter to you?

Lauren: Uh, not particularly.

Kurtis Ming: It does look like on the edge it might be a little lighter.

We put up an image of the before and after and checked the exact shade. The display teeth sticking out are the shades she had before.

"She doesn't look like she changed a whole lot, maybe a little bit toward this end…slightly," said Dr. Cantrell.

Yeah, she's possibly two shades lighter but just on the edges, not the entire tooth. The doctor admits it could get lighten even more, if she keeps using it. But neither Lauren, nor the doctor would recommend the White Light.

"I would say save your money," suggested Hockenson.

The doctor believes any results we got were from the solution not the light.

"The light just seems kind of like a gimmick," said Dr. Cantrell.

And Lauren thought it was too messy. Fortunately she had a bright smile from the start.

The doctor says the whitening strips on the market are cheaper and do a better job.