I will cop to being a total teeth whitening junkie. Strips, pastes and gels -- you name it, I’ve tried it. Usually, the results have run the gamut from fair to ineffective.

Last week, I heard about a brand new device that combines teeth and technology. Invented by Dr. Jonathan Levine, DMD, GLO Brilliant promises to be a breakthrough in 21^st century teeth whitening. As a fashion and beauty editor, I figured I would be remiss in my duties if I couldn’t get my hands on this fancy new machine, take it for a test drive and report back to you.

So, that’s exactly what I did.

GLO Brilliant is a sleek, sexy little device. It looks like an iPod, except that instead of earbuds, it comes with a plug-in mouth piece.

“It’s professional grade whitening that you have complete control over,” Dr. Levine told me. “It’s simple to use, and it’s as effective as in-office whitening.”

Combining a “closed-circuit" -- which takes oxygen largely out of the equation -- with heat, light, and a lower percentage of hydrogen peroxide, this pocket-sized machine promises to deliver noticeably whiter teeth in three to five days. Plus, the mouthpiece lights up like a light saber once you power up, so you can entertain your skeptical children while you whiten.

I gave the machine three days to show me the white. And, after three days, I have to say, my teeth are enjoying a lot of attention. They’re definitely whiter, and not even a little sensitive, like they usually are after repeated applications of whitening strips.

“By incorporating light and heat,” said Dr. Levine, “we can actually use a gel that has a lower concentration of hydrogen peroxide, which is what causes the sensitivity.”

I’m no chemistry expert, so I’ll take his word for it. What I do know, is that my teeth and my hot pink lip gloss look better than they did two weeks ago.

But, as you might imagine, cosmetic technology isn’t cheap, and it’s not available everywhere. GLO Brilliant retails for $275. Included in that price is the device, one removable mouthpiece, and ten capsules of whitening gel. When you consider, however, that you easily spend $40 at a time on brand-name whitening strips, the price seems a little more reasonable. Because, once you reach your desired level of white, you need only use GLO a few times a month for maintenance.

Overall, I give GLO two manicured thumbs up. It’s easy, it’s tech-beauty chic and it works.

And you can find it at Sephora, in Greenwich or Stamford, or on GLO’s Website.

Do you work to whiten your smile? What method works best for you?