Teeth Whitening kits?

[cassiopeia]

Anyone have any good recommendations?
I've done the Crest ones before and OUCH! I have soft, kinda sensetive teeth and eep they hurt. But I am a heavy coffee drinker and a smoker and, ew. My dad did say that if I quit smoking (it's on the list), that he'd pay for half to have them done at a dentist, but in the meantime I need to do something...

[firespirit]

Listerine has a whitening mouthwash. I've just started using it but it seems to be pretty gentle, I don't think there is a lot of alcohol so you're mostly swishing with minty flavor peroxide.

[KMS]

I started using whitening toothpaste and withing a month my aunt, who didn't know I was using anything, commented on how white my teeth looked. Sorry I don't remember which one I used, but I'm guessing they're all about the same nowadays. Maybe something that takes a little longer to work (ie toothpaste or mouthwash) won't be so hard on your gums.

[SerendipityCrafts]

I was watching a show recently (Oprah I think) and they warned about habitual whitening - ie not to do it too too often or you will slowly wear down the enamel on your teeth. Some people on the show say that they got addicted to the kits (toothpaste is fine). Just something to think about ....

They suggested that the quickest and most effective method was to have it done at the dentist because their chemicals are so much stronger than any found in a kit.

[Always&Forever]

I use Crest Pro-Health toothpaste and it works very well. The Pro-Health line has an option for sensitive teeth, as well. My FH started using it months ago and it has made a lot of difference in his whiteness. Good luck!

[WBandMe]

I use the listerine whitening prebrush rinse. I also have really sensitive teeth and it hasn't bothered me, and my mom and FH have both commented recently about my teeth being a really nice color. I also smoke and drink coffee and/or pop every day, so I guess somethings working lol.

[shopmysongs]

I had mine done by Bright Smile & wasn't happy. I'm a non smoker & drink little coffee & red wine. So I asked my dentist what else I could do. He didn't offer whitening at the time. He carries Crest Whitestrips Supreme, professional strenth. You can only get them at a dentist not in stores. I've tried the strips in stores & they hurt but the supremes did not. My teeth look the best they have ever been. My dentist said all teeth will get to the same whiteness no matter what you use. But some just take longer. I did a whole box of the strips then keep it up every two weeks to maintain. I went to the dentist the other day & he said they look great to keep up what I'm doing. Zoom whitening is what I would reccomend if you want to go the dentist & get it done fast. From comments I've heard about it people seem to be pleased. Good luck!

[crazycatlady]

honeslty... i smoked 2 packs a day for about 4 years and drank lots of sweet tea. i quit smoking and (for the most part) quit drinking sweet tea and my teeth havent gotten any whiter. my dentist said "y'know if you quit smoking, your teeth would get whiter" but they havent. I have this stuff that you brush on your teeth. its not the trays or the strips and I havent tried it yet but I will and Ill let you know :)

Is there something temporary you can do? like if bleaching is too expensive maybe you can get temp. veneers or something overtop your teeth that come off after your wedding day? Im not sure how epensive they would be but you could try. I used to have a huge gap in between my teeth which is now fixed but it was 2 months of braces on the top front 6 teeth. which is also very expensive. so my dad told me that for my senior pictures in high school he would do a temporary filler on my teeth that would come off afterwards. just a thought :)

[LILBOBO1980]

FH's sister is a Dentist and has offered to whiten both of our teeth for free. I feel funny about it though... I don't really feel comfortable with the thought of her in my mouth ...lol. Is that silly? Its almost like going to the gyno to me : )

[august8bride]

I with you on the sensitive teeth. I can't even use the whitening toothpaste with out hurting my teeth.

[Rainbow Brite]

FH's sister is a Dentist and has offered to whiten both of our teeth for free. I feel funny about it though... I don't really feel comfortable with the thought of her in my mouth ...lol. Is that silly? Its almost like going to the gyno to me : )Are you crazy?? Take advantage of that girl! lol :bblol:

How much does it cost to get them whitened professionally at the dentist? I never remember to use the strips on a regular basis :(

[Rainbow Brite]

Just in case anyone else is curious...I asked a local dentist how much professional whitening would cost and this is what they said:

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We offer 2 kinds of whitening- Take-Home Custom Trays and ZOOM!

Take Home Trays: You come in one day so we can make an impression of your teeth and the next day your trays are ready to be picked up. We give you 2 weeks worth of whitening gel with it. You can expect it to take 14 nights to lighten up to a shade you are happy with. If your teeth are sensitive, you can do every other night. We do both upper and lower trays for $386.00.

ZOOM II : This is the In-Office whitening procedure that you see on the makeover shows. You are in our office for about 2 hours total. You will notice a difference when you leave and your teeth continue to lighten over the next 48 hours. For the best result, You won't want to drink/eat foods that stain during this time - Red sauces, Red Wine, Coffee, Tea, etc. You still get custom trays to take home so you can boost your color when you like. We do both arches for $598.00.

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I'm still not sure I'm going to do it...but I'm considering it. My FH is going to ask his dentist as well just to get a price comparison.

[Fireman'sgirl]

Anyone have any good recommendations?
I've done the Crest ones before and OUCH! I have soft, kinda sensetive teeth and eep they hurt. But I am a heavy coffee drinker and a smoker and, ew. My dad did say that if I quit smoking (it's on the list), that he'd pay for half to have them done at a dentist, but in the meantime I need to do something...
I agree about using the Crest ProHealth. They have toothpaste and a mouthwash, and since my teeth are so sensitive, it's the only stuff that keeps me from being in pain. I love it.

[BrideInCuffs21]

Casseopiea.... you should swish with a cap full perioxide in some water water bout 8ox and swish for 10mins twice a day!!!!

[LadyDante]

ZOOM II : This is the In-Office whitening procedure that you see on the makeover shows. You are in our office for about 2 hours total. You will notice a difference when you leave and your teeth continue to lighten over the next 48 hours. For the best result, You won't want to drink/eat foods that stain during this time - Red sauces, Red Wine, Coffee, Tea, etc. You still get custom trays to take home so you can boost your color when you like. We do both arches for $598.00.



I'm getting Zoom done on Monday. Will be interesting. Thanks for mentioning about food/drink that stains for the next 48 hours, cause I didn't know that.

[RebeccaRush]

I had the Zoom done a few months ago...and WOULD NOT do it again! To be honest, I guess my teeth were pretty white to begin with, but my FSIL is a dentist so I got a good deal! They said my teeth would be a little sensitive that day...boy that was an understatement! By noon I went home from work crying. (I had them done at 9am) I have never been in that sort of pain! Nothing helped it go away. I guess if my teeth had been more stained it would have been worth it, but it was a terrible experience:purplex:

[RebeccaRush]

oh, one thing I forgot to mention...after I brush my teeth at night, I have been putting a little baking soda on my brush and brushing real quick...it makes my teeth super shiny and white! And the sonicare toothbrush does wonders!

[Rainbow Brite]

I had the Zoom done a few months ago...and WOULD NOT do it again! To be honest, I guess my teeth were pretty white to begin with, but my FSIL is a dentist so I got a good deal! They said my teeth would be a little sensitive that day...boy that was an understatement! By noon I went home from work crying. (I had them done at 9am) I have never been in that sort of pain! Nothing helped it go away. I guess if my teeth had been more stained it would have been worth it, but it was a terrible experience:purplex:How long did the sensitivity last?

I'm using the Listerine Dissolving Whitening Strips right now...but it's been a week and I'm still not noticing any difference :purplex:

[RebeccaRush]

I guess about 10 hours. Maybe if you had some good painkillers it would help! The dentist gave me something called MI paste (it's something you rub on your teeth) supposed to take away sensitivity, but it didn't work very well

[Dani]

You know, I bought Walmart's brand teeth whitening kit for $15.00. I noticed a difference the first time I used it. I drink tea and coffee everyday. Though, the 3rd time I used it my teeth were a little sensitive, so I back off using it 2 times a day to about every other day.

[Amabilis]

I've been using the Listerine Dissolving Whitening Strips as well, they seem to be helping my teeth.. and mine are pretty sensitive too.

I have 23 more days for them to work...

[Jenfur427]

I had my teeth ZOOM whitened, and I will never do it again. My teeth are pretty white to begin with, and the dentist told me that my teeth might not get any whiter, but it would be worth a try. Cost me $300 since they were running a special.

I was in SO much pain about an hour after the procedure. So much that I took one of my mom's pain killers and slept for the next 12 hours. I normally wouldn't take some one else's meds, but I was in so much pain. I have 6 tattoos, so pain is usually not a factor for me, but this was unbearable.

Worst of all, there wasn't any difference afterwards.

[FFC]

I'm glad this thread is here... I have been thinking about getting the ZOOM treatment, and so far I haven't heard anything good about it!

[saltyveruca]

I just went to the dentist on Monday, and picked up some Crest Whitestrips Classic on the way home. I've been using them once a day (you're supposed to do 2) and I've already noticed a difference. My gums have been a bit sensitive, but I'm not sure if that's because of the kit or because of the cleaning at the dentist (it had been about 2 yrs!). The kit does say you may experience sensitivity, but really it hasn't been unbearable, and I don't remember any pain the last time I used them (probably 5+ years ago). Next week, I think I'll start to do 2 a day and see how it goes. But I'm really happy so far! I may stop before the kit's out if they start to get *too* white.

[ro5ar1a]

i agree with everyone about the listerine prebrush whitening rinse.. i smoke and drink coffee everyday and my i have been told my teeth are whiter than before i started using it..definitely a good choice!

[Rainbow Brite]

Ugghh...I used those Listerine whitening strips twice a day for the full 2 weeks and I don't think they made ANY difference :(

I think I'll make an appointment for a teeth cleaning soon and then try the Crest strips.

[shopmysongs]

I posted earlier about the Crest White Supreme Professional Strength. You can only get them at your dentist. I had my teeth cleaned yesterday & my dentist asked what I was doing. I told him that I did one box then to keep up every two weeks. He said that I was in the 1% groop for white teeth. He commented 3 times. Told me to keep doing it. Every part of my body including my teeth are sensitive & I've had no problems. I'm 52 yrs old also. Your teeth get duller the older you get.

[LadyDante]

i agree with everyone about the listerine prebrush whitening rinse.. i smoke and drink coffee everyday and my i have been told my teeth are whiter than before i started using it..definitely a good choice!

I love that stuff. Dunno if it made a difference on the whiteness of my teeth, but I notice if I had a minor sensitivity or a minor toothache, it would go away if I rinsed with that stuff.

[saltyveruca]

One bit of advice on the whitestrips...make sure you take them off in 30 minutes like you're supposed to. I've left them on for an hour before, and OUCH. My teeth hurt the rest of the day because they're so sensitive.

[Deanna2112001]

I have used the crest strips twice. And I loved them! They last about 6 months for me. I did try to use a meijer brand. I seen a slight difference. But not enough. I used 2 boxes of those things!

My opinion. Use the Crest. They work.

[LoLo62808]

I've used the in-store brand of strips and they seemed to do just fine for me. I have a 2 week pack I'm saving for closer to my wedding day... gotta get ready for those photos!

[Rainbow Brite]

I just started up some new ones. At night I'm using the Target brand strip/tray things. They're so big and bulky I feel like I've got a retainer in. And in the mornings at work I'm using the Crest Whitestrips Premium. I can already feel some pain/sensitivity after using them for a day and a half - so it seems like they're working...even though I obviously can't see any results yet. Here's hoping!

[LadyDante]

I had Zoom 2 done just a few hours ago. So far, the difference is drastic for me, but then my teeth very pretty stained. I was able to sit through an hour, with not much pain. But right after it... OMG. I couldn't talk cause talking made zingers get worse. It's getting better though. We'll see how it will be at the end of it all.

[acidcookie]

I've used Rembrandt's 2 Hour White. It's $15-20 for the kit and even though it's meant for ONE 2-hour session, they put so much more than enough gen in each of those capsule that I've managed to use 1/4 of the amount and use the kit for 4 uses.

I think it worked for me? Honestly my teeth are naturally pretty white so I hardly notice a difference. I only ever whitened my teeth with that one kit. If your teeth are sensitive you may not want to do this one though, as it is 2 hours of whitening.

Anyway, what I do now is just rinse my mouth occasionally with hydrogen peroxide (1 cap H2O2 to 1 cap water). Think that sounds weird? Look at the ingredients of your whitening stuff!

[MrsDM]

I used to use the Crest Whitestrips and those work pretty good. But, FH and I splurged and each got trays made at our dentist ($200/kit) and you keep them in for a couple of hours. FH teeth got sensitive - mine didn't. The results are so worth it - much more permanent and I have the gel and trays to freshen up before the engagement pics/wedding, etc.

[tawni8806]

I used Crest for about....10 seconds.

It made me throw up. ICKY. I want to go to the dentist, but Ithink it's pretty spendy.