GLO Brilliant

First, their explanation:

"The GLO Brilliant Personal Teeth Whitening Device reinvents the experience of teeth whitening using patent pending G.L.O. (Guided light optic) technology, combining professional elements of heat and light built into a one of a kind- closed system mouthpiece to accelerate the whitening process. The mouthpiece prevents the whitening oxygens from escaping the tooth surface, making the process more effective and more efficient.

Used with our innovative, whitening Gel G-Vials that contain a thixotropic formula which adheres to your teeth without getting on gums and other soft tissue, this avoids the problems of sensitivity common with other whtiening methods. Created by renowned aesthetic dentist Dr. Jonathan B. Levine, this sleek, hands free, take-anywhere device is truly radical and unique."

-Excerpt from gloscience.com

Here's what you do:

Charge the controller for about 4 hours. You'll know it's ready when all three parts of the circle light up. When it's fully charged, and you have a 40 minute chunk of time ahead of you, plug your mouthpiece into the controller. You can hang the device around your neck like a necklace which makes this hands free while it's working to make your smile whiter. Next, apply the special lip balm. Open a vial of whitening gel, squeeze it up into the bristle top and apply it to your top and bottom teeth. Insert the mouthpiece and turn it on.

After 8 minutes the controller lights will blink, and then it will shut off automatically. I like to write down my start and stop time too. The control doesn't make a sound, it only blinks, so you might miss it if you aren't keeping track. Once it shuts off just spit out any excess, rinse the mouthpiece in warm water and do it again. The process takes 4 eight-minute sessions in a row, per day. 5 days in a row is what is recommended, but they give you enough gel for 10 days (40 applications).

Oh, and make sure to keep the gel in your refrigerator while not being used. If you don't empty out a G-Vial in one sitting put it back in the fridge for the next day. They say you get 4 doses per vial, but I got 7 out of mine.

12.26.11 I took photos of my teeth before starting and plan to continue after each treatment. I'm hoping to see whiter teeth of course. Fingers crossed this works! I'll let you know if and when I can see any difference, and will post pictures too. Will I start off the New Year with a new smile?

12.27.11 Saying hello while I'm sitting here during my second day of GLOing. I just took the second round of pics for my comparison. There was no noticeable difference after the first night of use. I wasn't really expecting any yet so I'm not disappointed.

12.28.11 Day 3 of using the GLO device and gel. I just finished so I thought I'd update. I looked at the pics from tonight (before this treatment) and I *think* I can see a little difference. Could just be wishful thinking. I've been using the same camera, about the same time each night, in the same location, with the same lighting, and a white card to color correct, and it's still hard to make sure the pics are 100% accurate, but I'm trying my best. I've put this little graphic together showing where I started, and after the first and second sessions. (Each 'session' being 4 eight minute exposures to the light/heat in a row.) Oh, and goodness, looking at huge pictures of yourself closeup is alarming, and not very flattering. Ha. Consider yourself lucky to only see these small clips. ;)

12.29.11 I just added last night's picture below. I decided to give my mouth a break for tonight so I won't be using my GLO. I woke up with some blisters behind my upper lip so I want them to get better before I continue. It's probably from the light. This is typical 'me'. If something can go wrong it will. I'm lucky like that. On my off night I'll be adding my responses to some of the negative reviews I've read online today.

12.30.11 One more night off. I plan to start again tomorrow night. I'll be posting at least two more photos.

12.31.11 My mouth is 100% better so I went ahead and did treatment #4 today. Took pictures after and I added it to the group below. I was hoping to see more change by now, but I'm not giving up.

1.1.11 Finished my first 5 treatments. I'm not seeing much difference from the day before. Maybe my stubborn teeth need a full 10 days?

I've been reading through some online reviews of GLO Brilliant and finding lots of complaints that I don't agree with. I thought I'd address them here.

Not enough gel in the vial for 4 applications.
I find that really hard to believe.  Unless you try to cover all of your teeth at all angles, instead of the fronts of the teeth that show when you smile like instructed, you will have more than enough. I had enough for 7 applications with my first vial.

Gel is watery.
You need to keep the gel refrigerated. I haven't had a problem with messy or runny liquid. The gel is thick and is easy to apply.

Unit doesn't stay on.
You have to charge it before the first use. Plug it in and when it's ready the blue lights will turn off. When in use it will automatically shut off after 8 minutes letting you know it's time for the next application of gel. If your unit never turns on ask to exchange it.

It doesn't whiten teeth.
This one was mostly said by people who gave up after one or two days. It takes a minimum of 3-5 consecutive days, and up to 10, to get the best results. I can already see a difference.

Pain after use.
My teeth have had no sensitivity at all, and neither have my gums or lips. But I did wake up with blisters inside my mouth after my 3rd night of use. It's just in the front top (behind the skin from my top lip to my nose). It's enough to have me take a night off from GLO, but not enough to stop using it altogether. I don't want it to get worse, so it's better to be safe than sorry. This is the only complaint that I can somewhat agree with.