Teeth Whitening

[Rico'sAlice]

My teeth are fairly yellow from lots of coffee/tea and smoking. (I have quit the smoking but the stains remain)
I am having a wedding/vow renewal in 15 days and want them to be white for the events and also b/c of pictures being taken. Also for life in general would prefer a whiter smile. I have been using rembrant intense stain whitening toothpaste for a year, but haven't seen much effect. Perhaps b/c I continue to drink coffee and black tea.

What have you all found most effective?
I know some people have had success with Crest strips. I'm just not sure I can manage to do the strips everyday. I know it shouldn't seem like that much work, but I am just terrible with that sort of thing. Since I only have two weeks I would have to start now and not mess up the schedule at all.


I am seriously contemplating BriteSmile Whitening (some gel and then a blue light done at Dentist office. ~1 hr, one session only needed) It seems to run $600 which is a lot of money, but within my budget if it works.

Opinions please!! Thanks

[LeslieandPaul]

My teeth weren't severly stained (only drink cola), but I found that a generic version of a crest liquid whitening gel worked great (not too mention cheap!). I used it for 14 nights and it made quite a difference.

[MurphysLaw]

I just bought the Rembrandt/Oral B white strips....they are easy to use, stay on well and you only wear them for 30 minutes over a 5 day period. You can use them up to 7 days depending on if you are pleased with the whitening after 5 days. I'm on my 3rd day and I see a difference(albeit slight). FWIW - I smoked for about 8 years but quit in December when I found out I was PG...I enjoy coffee, but not as a regular/daily thing.

[jaeger]

I've used the Crest White Strips, but sometimes I forgot to use them twice daily. I'd like to get the BriteSmile whitening done at some point.

[Blossom]

I did the Brite Smile about a month before my wedding. My teeth were not bad, I just wanted them to look their whitest.
My teeth definitely came out a few shades lighter, but I think it would've been even more dramatic if my teeth were yellower or more stained at the time.

However, I have since become a major coffee drinker (2 cups a day) & I've noticed that it has affected the coloring w/some staining of the teeth.
Frankly, I'd recommend you NOT do Brite Smile unless you're willing to cut back on the java juice. Your teeth will just get discolored again in the long-term.
I'm trying to kick the coffee habit and when I do, I'm getting my teeth whitenend again.

[Rico'sAlice]

I actually don't normally drink coffee at all (like 2-3 cups per month) I was working at a different job since October and just drank it because it was there. I'm done tih that so perhaps I can just make an effort not to drink much coffee for a while.
I used to drink a lot of black tea, but have recently switched to green. I'm not sure how it affects teeth.

Thanks to all who responded.

[Camdynlyn]

I always get compliments on how white my teeth are (although I don't think they are) but I use a cheapo toothpaste from DollarGeneral (Natural White, I believe) and I occassionally use the white strips and I have a bleaching kit I got from the dentist for my wedding. I haven't used that since then, though.

[maplekitty]

I used the Crest WhiteStrips as well and they work *really well*. However, if you're not good at remember to do things ona daily basis, and this is a rush thing...if you can afford it then do the dentist whitening.

[Akemi]

I've had good results with both BriteSmile and the Crest White Strips... I only managed to do the Crest ones for about half the time you're supposed to, though, so I suppose for me the BriteSmile was a more complete thing. It was super fast and easy!

[Kristy]

Love the Whitestrips. My sister used to be in dental school and she used the extra strength one from the dentist she worked with and they were awesome. They're a little more expensive, but you can sometimes find them on Ebay for cheaper. Last longer than the regular ones too.

[lil_geek]

I've been using the white strips lately.

I don't use them twice a day like you are supposed to... I don't even use them once a day! And I have seen a HUGE difference already!

That being said, I can see them whiter, but after a few days of not using them, they tend to yellow a bit.

I say give them a try. I put them on when I get up and then shower with them on, etc. Also, use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth as they bother some people.

[shopaholic]

I used Crest WhiteStrips and wasn't impressed. Although I think my prev. dentist messed up my teeth. I had a "scratch" in my front tooth from when my braces were taken off. It started to discolor so he "painted" over it with some type of enamel and now its permanent...doesn't really match my other teeth either so I have a yellowish spot. Its annoying because it doesn't seem like it can be whitened. (I am going to check up with my current dentist to see if she can fix it).

Right now I use Listerine Pre-Rinse Whitening mouth wash. It seems to work

[lil_geek]

I used Crest WhiteStrips and wasn't impressed. Although I think my prev. dentist messed up my teeth. I had a "scratch" in my front tooth from when my braces were taken off. It started to discolor so he "painted" over it with some type of enamel and now its permanent...doesn't really match my other teeth either so I have a yellowish spot. Its annoying because it doesn't seem like it can be whitened. (I am going to check up with my current dentist to see if she can fix it).


It does say that only 'natural' teeth can be whitened with it.

I would definatly ask your current dentist if they can do anything abou the dicolouration on the 'painting'... I'm sure there is something that can be done!

[shopaholic]

It does say that only 'natural' teeth can be whitened with it.

I would definatly ask your current dentist if they can do anything abou the dicolouration on the 'painting'... I'm sure there is something that can be done!
I know :( It stinks cuz my teeth are "natural" ;)

I guess my other teeth are pretty white though.

[looch]

So, I got a $7 off coupon for the crest whitestrips premium plus and have used them for 3 days, both morning and night. I have had to stop using them though, because my teeth feel really sensitive. Has anyone had any experience with this?

[jbenny75]

OP, of anything over the counter, Crest Whitestrips are the way to go. If you don't think you can adhere to the schedule, and you can afford it, I definitely would go for the in-office whitening. However, I've worked in dental offices that had both Britesmile and ZOOM (which is the in-office system used on Extreme Makeover). I wasn't impressed with Britesmile, I think ZOOM is much better if you can find an office that does it. It should be about the same price. If you can afford it, ask if the dental office can make you a take-home set of whitening trays to use for touch-ups in the future, because your teeth will always pick up stain. You would get the trays and some bleaching gel to put in them, and you'd need to just wear them overnite for a night or two about every six months to keep up your whiteness. My office includes them in the price of doing ZOOM, which is $595. That will save you from spending $600 down the road when your teeth begin to yellow again.

Looch, sensitivity is normal with whitening. It's not ideal, but try skipping a day of treatment. If the sensitivity continues, only wear the whitestrips every other day. Also, trying a flouride toothpaste or flouride rinse like ACT could help.

[Delaney21]

Although I think my prev. dentist messed up my teeth. I had a "scratch" in my front tooth from when my braces were taken off. It started to discolor so he "painted" over it with some type of enamel and now its permanent...doesn't really match my other teeth either so I have a yellowish spot. Its annoying because it doesn't seem like it can be whitened. (I am going to check up with my current dentist to see if she can fix it).

My previous dentist did the exact same thing to me when he took off my braces. He did the painting thing on mine, and it was a little off in color. I went to my current dentist and he redid the area and now it looks great. You can't tell that its painted at all - so definitely ask your new dentist.

[jbenny75]

My previous dentist did the exact same thing to me when he took off my braces. He did the painting thing on mine, and it was a little off in color. I went to my current dentist and he redid the area and now it looks great. You can't tell that its painted at all - so definitely ask your new dentist.

She's right. Sounds like what you both had done was bonding, which is basically just using a tooth-colored material over whatever defect was on your tooth. It is not affected by whitening. Bonding comes in tons of shades and can be very easily changed. You dentist should be able to match it up well enough to your natural teeth that you can't even tell that it's there. But because it's not affected by bleaching, if you want to do more whitening, do it before you have this area fixed, so that they can match the new bonding to your new bleached shade.

When you do have it fixed, make sure you get to see it before you leave the office, and if you aren't satisfied with the shade, speak up and have them fix it!

[SingleWhiteFemale]

I had BriteSmile done, and while it did whiten for the time, not even 6 months later my teeth were back to where they were. Granted, they're not horribly discolored/yellowed. Just not "wow" white. I used to want the Halle Berry/Jessica Simpson blindingly white smile, but as the dental assistant said "look at Halle, she had perfect and white teeth, but she doesn't have a man anymore does she?!" ;) That made me realize I didn't need psycho white teeth, and I'm much more content with the slight offwhite color.

I guess I should have a point to my rambling! I wouldn't redo Britesmile unless I had a situation like yours where I wanted my teeth their whitest for a big occassion, and wouldn't mind if a few months down the road I didn't have the same results. In the far off future when I get married, I'd do BriteSmile/ZOOM. Until then, nope :)

[greenbunny]

I have use Crest strips, the paint-on stuff, and the gel trays from the dentist, and nothing has worked permanently. I saw some lightening for about a month, then it faded.

I have awful yellow and spotty teeth from liquid allergy medication I took as a kid. Now it's pulled off the market because of the way it deforms growing enamel. My dentist said the only sure thing for me would be to have the teeth capped, which I don't want to do and can't afford. I keep hoping something new will come on the market.

[jbenny75]

[COLOR="indigo"]I had BriteSmile done, and while it did whiten for the time, not even 6 months later my teeth were back to where they were. [COLOR]


Nothing will ever whiten your teeth permanently. (Greenbunny, you have a unique and different problem- do you have tetracycline staining? That's usually really tough to whiten).

The key to keeping your teeth white is doing touch-ups every 3-6 months depending on the amount of staining your teeth pick up, like for instance, if you drink a lot coffee or red wine. If you do Britesmile or ZOOM, ask for trays to take home so that you can do touch-ups later on. You just wear overnite with bleaching gel in them. It's very easy.

[greenbunny]

(Greenbunny, you have a unique and different problem- do you have tetracycline staining? That's usually really tough to whiten).

I think that's what it was called. It was a bubble-gum pink syrup.

[keska]

I just did bleaching with trays from my dentist. In addition to avoiding coffee and wine, she recommended avoiding tomatoes and any other colorful or acidic foods during the bleaching period and for at least 2 days after you finish bleaching. She said your teeth will pick up color really easily during that time and that's why so many people's teeth lose the whiteness very quickly. Of course, if you want the best long term results, you have to give up the dark drinks permanently.

[shopaholic]

bringing this back up because I am contemplating going to Brite Smile.

Since being in this thread last I did have my one tooth retouched by my current dentist. She did a fairly good job and the color difference isn't that noticeable now, however I still feel my teeth aren't as white as they could be.

Anymore opinions on Brite Smile.....or are there at least any other suggestions for office whitening? Every time I go to my dentist and bring it up she never offers a kit so I don't think she even has anything like that.

[Noa]

I am also considering forking over the $$ for britesmile. Right now they have a special- if you book your appointment over the internet by the end of July, for $399 you will get a one hour whitening session PLUS 4 additional 20-minute sessions for the next 2 years (i.e. follow ups every 6 months).

Opinions????

[SingleWhiteFemale]

For $399 and the follow-ups... maybe. But they do those specials all the time (I've gotten on their mailing list, and I've seen that offer twice so far), so if you don't jump on it in the next few days, it will come up again.

I recently was at my dentist, who recommended I do Britesmile again. He Loves my teeth, apparently they're a nice shape and fit my big smile... whatever the case may be, he wants to see my teeth whiter so I take the full potential of my orthodontic work ;) I was told the trays they do aren't bad, but before dropping large amounts of money, to try the Rembrandt strips that take a week. They're much more highly recommended than the Crest WhiteStrips. I plan to pick them up later in the week, and intend to to a before and after pick to see the difference. A huge selling point is that the Crest strips usually take 14 days, while the Rembrant whitens 5 shades in 7 days/once a day use.

I heard through the grapvine that Listerine is introducing their own whitening strips soon. Unlike the other ones where you must remove the plastic strip, these will disolve in your mouth and leave it feeling minty fresh. I'm not exactly sure how that works though...

[KGif]

Looks like they are offering another special! $379. I'm having problems finding out what that includes tho (extra trays? Touch-ups?)

http://britesmile.com/

Special expires this Friday - you just have to book by then. Like a previous poster said I am sure another special will come up sometime soon :)

[Foley42]

Of course, if you want the best long term results, you have to give up the dark drinks permanently.

When I had braces, the Doc recommended if I drank dark drinks to sip through a straw. This helps the liquid not to get on the front of the teeth. I think it's a good suggestion for the die hard Coke drinkers :)

[greenbunny]

I've seen coupons for BriteSmile at bridal shows. They offer special packages for $100 off for the bride, and additional coupons for the bridal party. I don't know if that's only a local thing, but it might be worth dropping by one in your area and checking it out.

[wander_woman]

I did the bleaching thing with custom-made trays from my dentist. I thought it worked really well. My dentist actually recommended the trays for me instead of BriteSmile. He said each works well on different kinds of stains. Unfortunately, I don't remember which is which -- I *think* the BrightSmile works better on grayish stains and the trays work better on yellowish stains, but I could be wrong. Anyway, I did the trays for several weeks before the wedding and was really happy with the results. The good thing is that once you have the trays (about $100), the bleaching solution is really cheap (and it lasts a long time). So I can do touch-up bleaching myself every few months and it costs me very little. I was also told that bleaching works best when your teeth are clean, so whatever method you choose, try to start bleaching after a teeth cleaning session.

[Basia N]

I just did Brite Smile yesterday. I have tried Crest White Strips, and after a few times my teeth would get sensitive. It wasn't that bad, more of an annoyance. So I wouldn't use them consistantly.
Well during the second round (there are three 20 minute sessions) I felt a few strong painful jabs that came on quickly for like a second, then went away.
After the treatment I didn't feel any pain. Then about 4 hours after, I was in excruciating pain! It was pure agony. I took Advil, like they recommended- but it didn't help one bit. In fact, I was swallowing Advil like candy. I took so many, which I shouldn't have. I was in so much pain, I didn't care. My whole mouth felt like needles jabbing me endlessly.
I don't know how I even slept with all the pain, but I finally did. When I woke up the pain was gone.
I have I believe like four touch ups I can do at a later date, and I am so afraid of the pain I won't do it.
Has this happened to anyone else? My teeth aren't extremely sensitive, I mean hot or cold drinks don't bother me. I don't know why I was in such pain.
Just wanted to warn anyone thinking of doing it. I would try to get some type of presciption pain relief beforehand. The pain was so very bad!

[Basia N]

Oh, I wanted to add- my results weren't worth the pain. I only got 2 shades whiter. I wanted them to be ***white white*** , and they aren't. It's just a minor difference.

[princesse]

I am interested to hear if anyone has used GoSmile before. These are the little vials....they are available at Sephora. I got a sample and really liked the application. It was not gooey, didn't taste bad and didn't make my teeth sensitive. The girls there really swear by it and said that in 7 days you get slammin' results. At Sephora it is about $89- for the kit but on eBay you can get some great deals. I am going to do this for the holidays. If you do this make sure you get the right formula to start out with and not the touch up formula...I understand there is a difference...but it really seems worth looking into!

[hokiegirl]

Bumping this thread back up to see if anyone has tried the listerine whitening. My teeth have started to lose their whiteness with the coffee, tea and wine that I've been imbibing in.

[Eric's Wife]

Bumping this thread back up to see if anyone has tried the listerine whitening. My teeth have started to lose their whiteness with the coffee, tea and wine that I've been imbibing in.

I use it and I have noticed a subtle difference. Of course if I used it day and night every day I'd probably see a bigger difference.

[ash313]

I have noticed a difference with Listerine whitening.

[Rose]

Just bumping up, and hoping to get more thoughts on GoSmile. My teeth aren't badly stained but when I use crest strips they don't change much and I am not sure I want to pay for Brite Smile or Zoom.

[jbenny75]

Has this happened to anyone else? My teeth aren't extremely sensitive, I mean hot or cold drinks don't bother me. I don't know why I was in such pain.


Completely normal for bleaching procedures.

[junkinmytrunk]

I had the in-office ZOOM! procedure done in July and well, like Basia said a year ago:


After the treatment I didn't feel any pain. Then about 4 hours after, I was in excruciating pain! It was pure agony. I took Advil, like they recommended- but it didn't help one bit. In fact, I was swallowing Advil like candy. I took so many, which I shouldn't have. I was in so much pain, I didn't care. My whole mouth felt like needles jabbing me endlessly.
I don't know how I even slept with all the pain, but I finally did. When I woke up the pain was gone.
I have I believe like four touch ups I can do at a later date, and I am so afraid of the pain I won't do it.
Has this happened to anyone else? My teeth aren't extremely sensitive, I mean hot or cold drinks don't bother me. I don't know why I was in such pain.
Just wanted to warn anyone thinking of doing it. I would try to get some type of presciption pain relief beforehand. The pain was so very bad

ITA. And the results weren't worth the pain. I mean they look a little cleaner, maybe, but not that whitewhite look I was hoping for.

[ihearttx]

I had the Zoom done last week and the same thing happened to me too..the pain was HORRID. And my lower lip ended up being all sore too on the inside from the device they use to keep your mouth open. Fun times..not. I'm happy with the results but am also glad I got the bleach trays because I'm never doing Zoom again!!