Crest Whitestrips Dental Whitening System, 56 Strips

I am a dentist who recommends Crest White Strips because they do work to whiten teeth. Follow the directions in the box, and here are some further tips:

1. (Optional step) I recommend you first brush your teeth with water (don't use toothpaste) to remove the layer of plaque. Your enamel has pores and the pores need to be open for the chemical to penetrate. If you use a fluoridated toothpaste, the flouride may block the enamel pores. (Crest's instructions indicate you do not need to brush. I talked to a Crest representative on this point, and she indicated that the hydrogen peroxide will penetrate plaque, therefore this step is optional. The instructions indicate no brushing because they do not want fluoridated toothpaste on the teeth before whitening).

2. Use the strips twice per day for maximum efectiveness. The inner part of the strip has a chemical called carbamide peroxide (a 6% form of hydrogen peroxide; in-office dental whitening uses a...Read more

First, this product really *does* whiten teeth--it's not a gimmick as some people think. (It uses a peroxide, which is probably how your dentist would do it, although this is a less concentrated form and takes two weeks.) Of course, it only whitens natural teeth, not dental work, but for most people, they should work.

Now, on to the product itself. Some people have complained about them being difficult to apply, but after the first couple strips I didn't have any problems, and even the first time I applied it I didn't fold a strip or mess up anything major. Keep in mind that some tooth sensitivity is normal; personally, mine was only mild at worst and really only noticeable right after I applied a strip, but I know some people who aren't as lucky. If this is you, using a toothpaste for sensitive teeth may help. Also keep in mind that eating, drinking, and probably talking (unless you have better luck than I) are pretty much out of the question while you're wearing these,...Read more

I love this product. It is true what other say about the sensitivity. I would recommend using sensitivity toothpaste while you are using the strips, it helped for me. It made my teeth noticeably whiter. I would suggest you take a picture of yourself smiling before and after. I noticed the whiteness of my teeth when I saw a picture taken recently and I couldn't believe how nice they looked. I just had to dig up an old picture to compare and it was a big difference. After I have noticed this in the new picture, I love smiling for pictures now and showing my teeth. I was alway self conscious about it before. That alone makes it worth the price.

I was very satisfied with my results. Make sure to read all the instructions before using.

It just became a part of my bedtime routine, not a bother at all. I just put one on while I was watching my evening TV programs and just kept an eye on the clock.

Also, I recommend that after you have finished your...Read more