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Tooth Whitening: Is Cheaper Better?

Wed, 11/07/2007 - 3:00pm by bellasugar
4,319 Views - 48 comments

Lately, I've been thinking of having my teeth whitened at Brite Smile, but the idea of spending a few hundred dollars for gleaming chompers doesn't sit so well with my inner cheapskate. So this morning, I asked my dentist which method he recommended.

"Honestly," he said—and I paraphrase—"I'd just get some Whitestrips." He went on to say that while Brite Smile would give me slightly better results than Whitestrips, he didn't think the difference was worth the significantly larger cost.

He's not the only one. My former dentist once told me the same thing: Whitestrips are effective and relatively inexpensive. Thought you all might like to know that in my completely informal survey, the at-home stuff gets the thumbs-up from dentists. It's been a few years since I've done Whitestrips, so I'm curious: Do you think they work? Or would you rather save up and do something like Brite Smile?


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48 Comments Add a Comment

  • Lovely_1's picture
    Lovely_1
    1

    I used them for grad and all my pics from grad show my SUPER WHITE teeth.
    And now, I just use whitening toothpaste and mouthwash and people always compliment on how white my teeeth are (weird thing to compliment on eh?)...

    40 weeks 6 days ago Report Comment
  • karisaamy's picture
    karisaamy
    3

    I don't like the whitestrips because of the taste it leaves in your mouth.

    I personally really like the GoSmile products. They are great and they don't taste funky.

    40 weeks 6 days ago Report Comment
  • JaimeLeah526's picture
    JaimeLeah526
    4

    I see great results with whitestrips. I do experience some sensitivity but it's subsides in a day or two.

    40 weeks 6 days ago Report Comment
  • fabulousogy's picture
    fabulousogy
    5

    I've been using Crest Whitestrips on and off for about four years now! The first time I used them my teeth were SO WHITE...almost too white almost like Ross's teeth on that Friend's episode, but that was my fault for using them too much. Otherwise I think Crest Whitestrips are AMAZING and the whiteness sticks around for about 8 months to a year Smiling

    40 weeks 6 days ago Report Comment
  • estrela's picture
    estrela
    6

    I like the whitestrips I think that they made my teeth whiter than the gosmile whitening system did.

    40 weeks 6 days ago Report Comment
  • Babychloe's picture
    Babychloe
    7

    I think it depends on the person. I've used whitestrips and they made virtually no difference in my tooth color. So to get "white" teeth I would need to have them professionally whitened.

    40 weeks 6 days ago Report Comment
  • 4BYRDS's picture
    4BYRDS
    8

    I used to just brush with a mixture of baking soda and peroxide and it worked great on whitening my teeth! Better than all the gels. I don't know why I quit doing it. I should start again!

    40 weeks 6 days ago Report Comment
  • inertia's picture
    inertia
    9

    I've had great results and used them several times. There's no way I'd spend extra for a professional treatment when Whitestrips have been so effective for me.

    40 weeks 6 days ago Report Comment
  • acemonkey's picture
    acemonkey
    10

    The Crest whitestrips work great, but don't try Listerine's brand. They aren't worth a dime.

    40 weeks 6 days ago Report Comment
  • Cadi Con Carne's picture
    Cadi Con Carne
    11

    I need to pick up some whitestrips...thanks for the reminder!

    My upper teeth required heavier guns than even Britesmile...I had veneers done about 5 years ago. High fevers as a wee'un=SERIOUS mottled enamel. My lower teeth still need a bit of a hand (what can I say, I'm an avid tea drinker), so I think this should do it!

    40 weeks 6 days ago Report Comment
  • JessNess's picture
    JessNess
    12

    I've used Whitestrips and got great results. My only advice is don't get the like ultra premium ones because they may be to abrasive. I get the ones that say results in 7 days instead of three.

    40 weeks 6 days ago Report Comment
  • ddene5713's picture
    ddene5713
    14

    the basic "classic" crest strips are AMAZING. i've been using them for a few weeks. they are awesome and def do work.

    40 weeks 6 days ago Report Comment
  • hottpink's picture
    hottpink
    15

    I used the Whitestrips and they worked so well...made my teeth almost too white. I recently tried the Aquafresh trays and they worked even better and didn't slime all over my mouth like the crest strips did! Reminder...I need to get some more! Smiling

    40 weeks 6 days ago Report Comment
  • hottpink's picture
    hottpink
    16

    Acemonkey-I was thinking about trying the Listerine ones....thanks for the heads up!!!

    40 weeks 6 days ago Report Comment
  • marissa g's picture
    marissa g
    17

    I have used Crest White Strips before AND I have had my teeth whitened at Brite Smile... Brite Smile was amazing results faster than white strips, but I am not sure it is worth it in all situations... (My grandma bought me the Brite Smile service once I got my braces off as a teenager, and I think it is perfect for that!) I do think White Strips are probably a better option for everyday. (Although, I would do Brite Smile again if I was getting married!)

    40 weeks 6 days ago Report Comment
  • marissa g's picture
    marissa g
    18

    P.S. You can only drink/eat a limited diet for the day of and after Brite Smile! (clear liquids, rice, etc. so you don't stain your teeth)

    40 weeks 6 days ago Report Comment
  • JessNess's picture
    JessNess
    19

    My friend did the strips before I ever tried them so I saw how white her teeth got (like glow in the dark white). I didnt want that so I spread out my application to prevent that. Once I got the whiteness I wanted I stopped using the strips and only did one every once in awhile to keep up appearances.

    I think Im going to put a strip on right now

    40 weeks 6 days ago Report Comment
  • colormesticky's picture
    colormesticky
    20

    I hate Crest strips. The taste is awful and they're so slimy I don't like to swallow when they're in my mouth. I much prefer the Listerine strips. Just read the instructions about how to tell which side has the adhesive on it- that seems to be the problem a lot of people have. They taste a lot better, they aren't slimy, and if you put them on right they work just fine. I might give those Aquafresh trays a try if they aren't slimy.

    40 weeks 6 days ago Report Comment
  • emalove's picture
    emalove
    21

    I think WhiteStrips work really well! I've also tried some by Rembrandt and got good results from those as well. I think going cheaper is definitely okay.

    40 weeks 6 days ago Report Comment
  • GiggleSugar's picture
    GiggleSugar
    22

    I love these, but they work so well that I can't go through the whole pack like you're supposed to for fear of the dreaded Chiclet teeth!

    40 weeks 6 days ago Report Comment
  • klovie's picture
    klovie
    23

    Give Crest Vivid White toothpaste a try. My good friend is a dentist, and she recommended it to me, and I like really like it. It really works!

    40 weeks 6 days ago Report Comment
  • aimeeb's picture
    aimeeb
    24

    I love these.

    I had a friend who just had her teeth whitened and said it looks pretty much the same as when she used Crest white strips.

    The only difference her gums hurt waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more now that they've been done professionally.

    40 weeks 6 days ago Report Comment
  • sarabel's picture
    sarabel
    25

    I did the Brite Smile and it didn't whiten as much as I wanted. The dentist gave me the trays for free and they work 10X better than the in office whitening.

    40 weeks 6 days ago Report Comment
  • coffeelove's picture
    coffeelove
    26

    I tried the Crest Whitestrips years ago, and my teeth have never been the same. They are now sensitive to hot and cold foods and beverages, and I haven't been able to whiten my teeth since. I am not sure if people have the same reactions to Britesmile, but I was very unhappy with my results from the Crest Whitestrips. I followed the instructions meticulously, and saw no improvement, and had the increased sensitivity, which has lasted for years.

    40 weeks 6 days ago Report Comment
  • Skelly1029's picture
    Skelly1029
    27

    I used the Crest Whitestrips for a while and really liked them, but recently my friend turned me on to Listerine Dissolving White Strips. If you cut them to fit your teeth and only overlap just a tiny bit, they totally dissolve and leave your breath fresh without all that goo on your teeth! Smiling

    40 weeks 6 days ago Report Comment
  • catherela's picture
    catherela
    28

    i've used whitestrips before and they def do work. the only cons are that they make your teeth very sensitive for a bit~ and if they touch your gums, they may get pretty sensitive as well or even bleed a little. Also, bc they're just strips, they will whiten just your front rows~

    40 weeks 6 days ago Report Comment
  • rachelbojangles's picture
    rachelbojangles
    29

    Whitestrips are awesome. My teeth are blindingly white. My dentist said the same thing to me. "Just get some whitestrips"

    40 weeks 6 days ago Report Comment
  • lexichloe's picture
    lexichloe
    31

    These don't work on veneers, so what does? Do any of you know if there are any OTC remedies for dull veneers? I'm guessing you have to go to the dreaded dentist?

    40 weeks 6 days ago Report Comment
  • emilyquinn's picture
    emilyquinn
    32

    You guys- seriously. Listerine FTW. WAAAAAY better than crest and I bought the prescription strength whitestrips for 50 bucks off of ebay. DS Listerine strips seriously demolished CWS in terms of ease of use, sensitivity (way less) and whitening (much more!)

    40 weeks 6 days ago Report Comment
  • zc's picture
    zc
    34

    i's rather get them done proffesionally. Getting a dentist to do it ensures that it's done properly and safely and it lasts for longer. white strips also make your eeth extremely sensitive, more so than when its done proffesionaly.

    40 weeks 5 days ago Report Comment
  • ur_momm's picture
    ur_momm
    35

    emilyquinn - prescription listerine strips off ebay??
    hmmmm i cant find the listerine ones ANYWHERE here (Montreal)... maybe ill check ebay.

    40 weeks 5 days ago Report Comment
  • nslods's picture
    nslods
    36

    I'm glad this article came up! I'm wanting to whiten my teeth before my wedding, but had no idea about all the different brands on the shelf these days. Everybody's comments will really help my decision easier, since I know what works good and what to avoid. And to know they work just as good as if the dentist did it, that makes me feel even better!

    40 weeks 5 days ago Report Comment
  • purrtykitty's picture
    purrtykitty
    37

    i think it really depends on how much whitening you need. if it's just a shade or two, then the strips are probably the way to go. i wanted to go several shades whiter, so i opted for trays and whitening gel from the dentist...and i had fantastic results.

    40 weeks 5 days ago Report Comment
  • lily8206's picture
    lily8206
    38

    I don't like using Crest White-strips. The taste is awful and because it is 'one size fits all' (and I have a small mouth), the gunk irritates my gums.

    I like the GoSmile products better. You can focus on which teeth need more attention and don't get any on your gums.

    40 weeks 5 days ago Report Comment
  • Ericka's picture
    Ericka
    39

    Don't use those new tray ones! I tried them and they burned my gums it was horrible, but I love the strips if you can handle the taste.

    40 weeks 5 days ago Report Comment
  • actorgirl21's picture
    actorgirl21
    40

    I got the same advice from my dental hygienist friend. I bought the white strips and thought it worked wonders. It's really not that bad of a taste, it certainly isn't pleasant but it's not bad. I found that it was kind of a pain in my arse to have to put aside a hour a day (in 30 minute increments) for a week! But in the end it was good and my teeth are significantly whiter!

    40 weeks 5 days ago Report Comment
  • vikingprin's picture
    vikingprin
    41

    It really depends on how deep your stains are. I got some results with the white strips, but after years of smoking and drinking red wine, I had to get the night trays from the dentist before I could get a surface cavity filled. Now my teeth are whiter than ever - and the funny thing is people have started commenting on how red my lips are! Since I have the trays, I can use them whenever I need a touchup, but if I lost them, I think whitestrips would work now.

    40 weeks 4 days ago Report Comment
  • Linz81's picture
    Linz81
    42

    I had my teeth sealed when I was younger (sealants) and never had any problem with them until I tried to use Crest Whitestrips. They ate all the sealants out and I had to pay $200 to get them re-done because my teeth, being suddenly exposed to everything, started like instantly developing cavities. Nightmare!

    40 weeks 4 days ago Report Comment
  • AIMEESUGAR's picture
    AIMEESUGAR
    43

    The only problem I have with Whitestrips is that they make my already sensitive teeth over the top sensitive. The result is almost worth it, but not quite...

    40 weeks 4 days ago Report Comment
  • miszJAX's picture
    miszJAX
    44

    I used Crest White strips weeks before this city beauty pageant, & it really works. Only thing though is you have to make sure you don't stain 'em by drinking coffee or foods that'll " dye " your fresh pearls. Also - - the choice of your toothpaste & mouthwash.

    40 weeks 4 days ago Report Comment