Crest Whitestrips

karymk

Hello my dears. Been on a "beauty rehab" for the last month or so so have not posted WIWs. I can't focus on it all at once, and right now I've got the "post 50" motivation to polish myself up a tad. Including Les Dents.

I am trying these Crest Whitestrips Gentle Routine things on my teeth because Garance Dore tried them and was happy. The only thing is, why don't the strips cover your WHOLE rack of teeth? The bottom ones only cover 8 teeth I think. And someone with a wide upper smile wouldn't get to cover her whole upper deck either with the way they have made these.

I didn't want to have to go back to the tray thing, and I thought the strips would be convenient. but really Crest, I'd like ALL my teeth the same color if you please!

Have you used these? What do you think? Do they have another line of strips that are longer on both the bottom and top arches?

Do you have any other whitening secrets that won't scorch my enamel and make me have spontaneous tics of pain?

9 years ago

Off Topic

12 replies

Latest reply was from

Gail

Veteran

I know exactly what you mean ! I have used them but have the same problem in addition to the fact that they make me gag ! I have tried baking soda and also peroxide but I think that the strips were a little better. My teeth and gums are very sensitive so I have not used the trays. I don't have any suggestions for longer strips hopefully others on the forum do

9 years ago

rabbit

Veteran

Ah, I want to know the answer to this question too. I've try various at home systems, with foam trays and ultra-violent light and special rinses and all but they all work about the same as what I'm currently using, which is an Arm & Hammer whitening booster.

I've used different brands of this before, it comes as a clear gel and I basically brush it on my teeth with a toothbrush at the beginning of every shower, keep my mouth closed, and use toothpaste and spit at the end of a shower -- that seems to keep it on long enough and it makes a difference in a few days. You can also put in on the brush with your toothpaste, but I feel like then it only has a minute or two to work. I also sometimes floss with it in my mouth and it seems to get all sides of the tooth. I don't have sensitive teeth/gums though so I can't speak to that.

9 years ago

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I really like the Plus White five minute whitening system. If you buy the kit you get a plastic mouth guard thingie and the gel, and then you can buy the gel refills later. With strips I always got teeth sensitivity afterwards but with the Plus White I don't. And you can do your whole mouth, including back teeth, or just focus on what parts you need to whiten most.

http://www.drugstore.com/plus-...../qxp394256

9 years ago

rabbit

Veteran

Oh yeah, I've done the Plus White thing too. I think I started using the gel without the mouth guard after awhile, but the gel did seem to work pretty well both ways.

9 years ago

karymk

Veteran

Rabbit, I have never counted on a whitening toothpaste to actually do anything, but maybe I need a better one. I will try the Aand H.

Laura, I am glad to know the Plus White 5 minute treatment works well! I have trays, maybe I could just buy the gel refills. Yes, that's the ticket I think.

I spent about 40 dollars on the kit I have now, and I know they allow you one refund, so maybe I will send them back..Or give them to my kids who do indeed have normal colored, yellowish kid teeth. I am sure the strips would fit a kid well and be gentle.

I saw something online about using peroxide and pure charcoal as a "home treatment" but I don't think I would mess with that.

9 years ago

rabbit

Veteran

The Arm and Hammer 'booster' isn't a toothpaste, it's similar to the Plus White gel. I think using the Plus White gel with the trays you have might be a good plan.

Yeah baking soda as a home treatment could work for a one off, but is abrasive so can damage your enamel...I'd assume charcoal would be similar.

9 years ago

Parsley

Veteran

I've used Crest strips, and they do work. They're big enough for me, but I've got a small mouth. If you want more coverage you can use another upper for your lower teeth, or combine 2 lowers side by side for more coverage. Hopefully if you alternate you'll not have leftovers of one type!
A long time ago I did the custom made tray method, but I think Crest strips work just as well.

ETA: Even when I used the trays, my dentist said to just use Crest strips for maintenance.

9 years ago

Eliza

Veteran

I do the custom trays from the dentist and the gels come in at least a couple of strengths. I use the stronger one (22%) and brush regularly with Sensodyne to prevent sensitivity. I also keep the gel off the gums. Works to counteract my daily cappuccino.

9 years ago

Anonymous

Yes, the Crest Whitestrips really work, and fast. We have the 3D White with Advanced Seal. They really stick to your teeth well and have a minimum of ooze (unlike the older kind). I had bleaching trays made at the dentist's office years ago, and teeth whitening has come such a long way since then. Just patch together a couple of strips if you want more coverage. This is really the best product out there according to DH's research.

Don't leave them on longer than the recommended time though. I did and I had very sensitive teeth for a few days and had to reschedule my teeth cleaning. On the plus side, I only needed one application to see noticeable results.

9 years ago

shiny

Veteran

My teeth are naturally pretty dang yellow, plus I used to smoke, and like red wine. My teeth were awful, so I talked to my dentist about having them professionally whitened. My dentist told me to use the Crest White Strips instead - she claims they are just as effective, and easier on sensitive teeth. They just take a little longer than a professional job.

So I used a course of them for awhile (this was years back when I quit smoking) and they made an enormous difference. Except in a few spots, like near the gum line, and one tooth which had had a root canal. Eventually my dentist gave me a veneer for the dead tooth, and bonding along the gum line. I still use the Crest white strips but only need them on occasion for touch ups between cleanings.

My dentist also recommends that, provided I am willing to pay out of pocket, I add a third cleaning per year. I have yet to do this because even though I may be willing, I don't have the time! Also now that I actually like the color of my teeth I no longer drink red wine. Red wine is just the worse!!! Turns my teeth grey. I still drink coffee though. I chew gum afterwards.

I don't have the issue you have with the strips, but my mouth is small. (Small mouth but huge horse size teeth, ha). Can you try using more than one?

9 years ago

Anonymous

I'm always interested in this topic. I keep buying the Crest Whitestrips in different formats/varieties/formulas, use them for a few days, then lose interest or forget to put them on one day and the whole project falls apart. But they do work, and like Parsley, I don't mind the shortness of the strips - small mouth and it covers any teeth that show.

So - now I'm motivated once again to go out and buy a new package . Thanks

9 years ago

Anonymous

P.s. - please share what else you are doing on this beauty rehab of yours:) As a fellow plus 50 - I'm now on a permanent beauty rehab.

9 years ago

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