Whitening Teeth?
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Overall I would say that most of my patient's have had some measure of success with the Crest Whitestrips, some more than others. Our office uses Crest Supreme which are much stronger than what you can buy in a drugstore and don't cost that much more ($60.00 vs $30.00). You can purchase the drugstore version, but do yourself the favor of using them right after you get your teeth cleaned as any staining and buildup (tartar or plaque) will impede their ability to work. Also, don't use fluoride toothpaste before putting the strips on (same reason). The strips are probably your best low price alternative, much less than in office whitening or custom trays (about $500.00). I am also hearing happy reviews with the Aquafresh whitening trays, unlike the strips they don't have the tendency to slip or move). All of the methods (strips, trays, custom trays, in office whitening) have the potential to make your teeth temporarily sensitive, but will not harm the enamel. You might try to drink dark liquids through a straw and don't smoke. Most whitening toothpastes just remove stain on the surfaces of your teeth and therefore are not so effective. Whatever method you use it will not whiten your teeth for life, as you age your teeth will get darker and may need to be whitened again.
Good luck!
JAMRDH - a dental hygienist
Personally, I think whitestrips are the best way to go without getting anything done professionally. Before you put them on, make sure your teeth are clean and as dry as possible so that the strips will stick for as long as possible. Keep them on for an hour or two every day and you should notice a difference within three or four days.
whitestrips, vivid whitetoothpaste, whitning mouthwash ect
Crest Whitestrips are generally considered the best way to whiten your teeth without spending thousands at the dentist's office to get the work done.
I tried the whitestrips several years ago and they worked pretty well. Eventually I ended up shelling out for the professional treatment because I wanted results a little quicker, but the whitestrips are great for a non-dental office fix. :]
I used the Crest Renewal Whitestrips last year. It was the 10 day program. My results were excellent. It really did take a lot of the color (coffee, wine, smoke) off my teeth. Then I did a shorter Premium strip stint (7 day) this year. It worked, too.
Good luck!
The professional stuff is best, but things like brushing your teeth right after drinking coffee, grape juice goes a long way in preventing stains on your teeth.
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