I have been thinking about using crest whitening strips for a long time now, but never actually got to it. Do they actually work the way they show them in the commercails??..and how old do u have to be to start using them??

Hi,
As a dental hygienist, I'd have to say you need to follow the directions on the package. They only go on the front 6 teeth, and don't whitened any fillings in the front teeth, so it works if you have no fillings and if your teeth are relatively straight, as they don't get inbetween very well. It may take a couple boxes, and if you don't do it a couple nights, you'll have to start all over. Also, if you get sensitivity during treatment you should discontinue, but if bare-able.. it will go away after you are finished the treatment. Hope that helps. Thats what we suggest, but if someone likes the results.. they will get much better results with the full trays. Also we recommend not using the whitening toothpastes. I've seen the damage they can cause!
Sherri.

I have used them before and agree that some temporary sensitivity can occur. I suggest NOT brushing your teeth immediately before or after as it made my sensitivity worse. I noticed a difference after the first few applications.

y_mom:

What kind of damage are you talking about with the whitening toothpaste? I use that stuff and didn't know they caused damage!

Hi,

I have used Crest White strips in the past and have found they work a ton better if you dont brush your teeth before applying and not eating/drinking anything within the 30 minutes of taking the strips off teeth! They do work, both my sister and I worked in a dental office for years and we have found they worked for alot of people. If you are looking for a more permanent whitening, I would check into "zoom" its a one time visit in your dental office that will whiten teeth dramatically! Also, I love coffee and I always knew it wasnt good for keeping teeth white, but I recently found out that drinking TEA is worse for discoloring teeth than smoking and coffee drinkers!!! Hope this helps!!

So you would recommend professional whitening if someone was willing to pay that much or would you recommend the whitestips first ?

Hi, I'd check with your dentist. Get a shade guide match on what you have and get his/her opinion on what whitening would do for you personally. Then go from there.

Is there any other Teeth whitener alternatives?

A rubber dam is placed over your teeth to protect the gums. A bleaching solution is placed on the teeth. A light or laser that generates a small amount of heat is directed at the teeth. Oxygen from the solution enters the enamel and bleaches the colored substances. The color of the tooth is made lighter. It is one of the powerful treatment for tooth whitening. The process takes approximately one hour. The teeth have the solution applied throughout the course of the appointment. The results are usually seen at the first appointment.