Teeth Whitening Products?

[JulielovesDisney]

So I've been thinking about using a teeth whitening product, but I have no clue which one to use! There are so many out there!

So does anyone on here have any suggestions on which one is better? I'm thinking the strips would be the best, but there are about 6-7 different varieties at my local drugstore. My teeth aren't really stained or anything, just not as white as I'd like.

Also, are there any really negative side effects? I heard about teeth becoming sensitive after using it, but how bad?

Thanks for any info you all may have!!

 

[MK2thcleaner]

If you want to use strips buy the one that is the strongest. It's the same active ingredient in professional whitening, just not as strong. The "super amazing deluxe" white strips are going to be the strongest. I can't recommend a brand, however.

Yes your teeth can get sensitive, but it usually goes away a few days/weeks after stopping the whitening. If it's really sensitive you can whiten every other day.

Use the product as directed and there should be no adverse reactions, long term damage to enamel.

During whitening, avoid dark colored liquids. Stick with lighter liquids to boost the results.

If you have any restorations such as crowns(caps) or fillings in your smile line, they will not whiten. The teeth around them will, and your restoration will no longer match!

Good luck!

 

[dzneelvr]

I started whitening about 6 years ago. Same logic as you--nothing drastic, just wanted to get in on the new (at that time) white teeth craze. I bought the basic Crest strips, nothing fancy, but expensive enough. since my smile doesn't encompass my bottom teeth (smile normally in a mirror and you'll see what row(s) to involve) I do the top row only so the strips last for a long time. For 2 weeks I did it every day on my way to work--commute time 40 minutes or else I did it before going to bed for the night. after 2 weeks I do it once a week to maintain. I didn't ban any food or drink but that may be a case if you drink dark beverages all day long--I don't My teeth look great and I get regular compliments from my dentist. Never had any sensitivity problems but that could be from using only the normal strength and not going overboard with daily whitening. I consider it well worth the cost. Remember to brush and floss daily--that's the real key to a good smile

 

[JulielovesDisney]

If you want to use strips buy the one that is the strongest. It's the same active ingredient in professional whitening, just not as strong. The "super amazing deluxe" white strips are going to be the strongest. I can't recommend a brand, however.

Yes your teeth can get sensitive, but it usually goes away a few days/weeks after stopping the whitening. If it's really sensitive you can whiten every other day.

Use the product as directed and there should be no adverse reactions, long term damage to enamel.

During whitening, avoid dark colored liquids. Stick with lighter liquids to boost the results.

If you have any restorations such as crowns(caps) or fillings in your smile line, they will not whiten. The teeth around them will, and your restoration will no longer match!

Good luck!

Thanks! I only have one filling, but it's on the top of one of my molars, so that won't be affected in the whitening.

I've recently cut out sugary drinks from my diet (sodas, sweet iced teas) and I really only drink water and milk now. So that should be a problem either.

I was looking at the Crest 3D Whitening strips. They say they are as strong as professional whitening treatments. Not sure if I believe it, but I think I'll try that one.

I started whitening about 6 years ago. Same logic as you--nothing drastic, just wanted to get in on the new (at that time) white teeth craze. I bought the basic Crest strips, nothing fancy, but expensive enough. since my smile doesn't encompass my bottom teeth (smile normally in a mirror and you'll see what row(s) to involve) I do the top row only so the strips last for a long time. For 2 weeks I did it every day on my way to work--commute time 40 minutes or else I did it before going to bed for the night. after 2 weeks I do it once a week to maintain. I didn't ban any food or drink but that may be a case if you drink dark beverages all day long--I don't My teeth look great and I get regular compliments from my dentist. Never had any sensitivity problems but that could be from using only the normal strength and not going overboard with daily whitening. I consider it well worth the cost. Remember to brush and floss daily--that's the real key to a good smile

Haha, I do brush and floss and use Listerine everyday, but my teeth are never as white as I'd like!
But thanks for the info! For some reason, I didn't realize I would have to keep up with the whitening strips after I got the color I wanted. Silly me, haha.

 

[LadyZolt]

I've used the Crest strips and I don't have a box handy now, but I think it says to use it about once every 12 months, which is about what I've done for the past few years. I get compliments all the time on how nice and white my teeth look (I'm 47 and don't smoke or drink coffee or wine, but do drink Coke sometimes). So, I don't think you have to use the strips more often than once a year, but I think the directions say you can use a second package if you didn't get the results you want with the first one. I hadn't thought of using it more often than the directions say, so you might want to talk to your dental professional to see what he/she says.

-Dorothy (LadyZolt)

 

[Tina]

I've tried the Crest strips, but I can't stand to have them on my teeth for more than 5 minutes. I don't know what it is, but I just can't stand them and have to pull them off.

I tried the Crest 3D toothpaste about a month ago and I was pretty pleased. I noticed a difference after only a few days. My sister tried it too and is also very pleased. I'm sure the strips can do more, but I'm just using the paste for now.

 

[focusondisney]

I'll second the Crest White Strips. Depending which one you get, they advise using it every 6 -12 months. So I've usd the 6 month ones about 3 or 4 times. First time I sort of did it secretly, didn't tell family I was using them. DH noticed & complimented me tho. I haven't used any since Dec. My dentist just asked me last month if I had whitened them. Said they looked really good. So I guess they really work if the dentist notices.


I just put them on before I shower. Then by the time I'm done showering & blow drying my hair, I take them off & brush. I couldn't use them anywhere except at home the. I have to brush after I take the strip off! Teeth can get a little sensitive when you start. But it does go away after you're done using them.


BTW, I'm in my 50's. People are always surprized by my age. You do look better with nice white teeth as you age. Wish I could get DH to use them. Guess he just wants people to think he's married to a younger woman!

 

[DisneyFan32WI]

Honestly, the only thing that truly works long-term is a professional whitening by your dentist.
I have had ZOOM done. You can google it for more info.

 

[JulielovesDisney]

Thanks for the info everyone!
I'm definitely gonna look into the Crest White Strips. I'm liking all the positive feedback on them.
If they don't work, I'll definitely look into the professional treatments. Like I said, my teeth aren't horribly stained, they just aren't as white as I'd like them to be. So I'm hoping the OTC strips will work!

 

[curious3069]

If you get the Crest Whitestrips, I highly recommend the kind that are the "Advanced Seal". Those babies stay on and don't slip around after you've worn them for awhile.

 

[Luv2Scrap]

I'm halfway through my first ever series of the Crest Whitestrips - the professional level ones. My husband noticed a difference within the first week and asked me to pick him up a box too, which I did yesterday.

At Walmart there is a special offer. On the regular shelf it's $50, but on the endcap there is the same exact kind with the same amount of strips, but with a sample size of the toothpaste (the advanced professional whitening... whatever... one) and it was only $43. There were also a bunch of coupons for other Crest whitening products in the box. Great deal!

My teeth are a little sensitive right now but I expect it to go away. They've been much more sensetive than this after I've had a cleaning or dental work done.