Teeth Whitening
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Teeth Whitening
Safe affordable bleaching place?
March 2011
I was wondering if anyone has had good success finding a safe, afforadable
teeth bleaching place? I know that Dentists can make molds of the teeth and
then give you trays with bleach that you use while you sleep.(my dentist
quoted $400 total for both upper and lower teeth) However I hear ads for teeth
bleaching 'shops' such as Brite Smile (?) and wonder if anyone knows about
their safety, results and costs.
Thanks! wants a brighter smile
Forget the high-priced dental professionals for whitening teeth.
Crest White Strips work great.
Pearly Whites
May 2010
I am interested in getting my teeth whitened, but I don't really know what the
options are. I have a couple of ''limitations'' too. One is that my front tooth has
a cap on it, and I've heard that won't take to the whitening. I need to get it
replaced anyway, so I am willing to risk it looking a bit weird for a couple of
weeks if, in fact, the whitening is the catalyst for me having the cap redone.
Also, I have a huge gag reflex, and think that bleach stuff might just be a bit like
torture for me. Not only that, it just seems that the stuff must be pretty toxic.
Finally, cost is an issue for me. I don't know how much it normally costs, but if
it were, say, $500 or something, I wouldn't be able to afford to do it. Do any of
you have suggestions or tips from your experience of teeth whitening? Many
thanks...
Pretty teeth, but a bit yucky from years of tea and coffee.
Amanda
I've never gone to a dentist for teeth whitening. Several
years ago, a hygenist I knew socially recommended Crest
teeth whitening strips. But she said the key is to buy two
boxes, and do them both, back-to-back, which takes about 2
weeks. After dinner, I would put the strips on for 30
minutes, and that was that. It was painless, inexpensive,
and no dentist involved. And the best part was that, not
only did I notice a difference in my teeth, but others did
too.
It might be worth a try for you. good luck.
happy smile
I have had great success with Go Smile teeth whitening. I drink alot of coffee and
really like red wine so my teeth were looking pretty yucky---now they are so
much whiter! I bought it at either Sephora or Nordstrom and it was around $85.
I don't think it would bother your gag reflex since you just rub in on your teeth
with a little applicator---nothing goes down your throat. I thought Go Smile
was super easy to use---you use it twice a day for a week--and I was really
happy with the results. Good luck!
Beth
Check out GoSmile's products. I really like their
whitening kit product--it works quite well, yet isn't
gross or painful, unlike other stuff I tried (Crest,
Rembrant, dentist light), which I generally hated.
Basically neat little individual ampoules you just sponge
on your teeth, so you don't get the gum burning the strips
sometimes cause (at least they do for me). Their's is
pricier then the stuff in drug stores but I think worth
ig. I found their stuff much more pleasant and therefor
actually used it, versus the Crest strips I managed to do
for about 3 days out of the 7 I was supposed to (pretty
much the same with Rembrandt). And way cheaper than having
a dentist treatment (and less painful--when I
did Zoom in a dentist office a couple years ago it
literally brought me to tears!) I do a kit maybe once a
year so springing for it is well worth it to get rid of my
staining sins. I used to buy it at Sephora but now I just
find it easier to order from GoSmile.com. Happy whitening!
love me my wine and coffee but you can't tell :)
April 2008
Hello everyone. I've just been searching for tooth whitening recommendations and
couldn't find anything more recent than 2004. I didn't think I would ever consider
doing this but my teeth have gotten quite yellow in my 40's, a combination of
genes and too much caffeine and red wine probably. My dentist doesn't deal with
cosmetic stuff and has mentioned Brite Smile as one option. I'd like to get a
consultation with them or some similar outfit as close to Berkeley as possible, or
in Berkeley if one exists. Recommendations for a good place to go would be
appreciated - - I'm hoping for professional, conscientious, honest, not too
'Hollywood'. Also some idea of what to expect/how it works, cost these days, level
of success (I don't want blinding white, just not yellow), etc. Many thanks.
- - Strips, Schmips
Many of the OTC whiteners are good. The thing is...if you have
any fillings in your front teeth, your teeth will get white but
the fillings stay the same color. So you'll have whiter teeth
but more obvious fillings. I whitened about 6 months ago...it
was pretty nice (except the faded fillings) and I feel like I
could do it again now.
anon
They just did a piece about this on NPR, and I had also just
done a bunch of research myself, because I was thinking about
getting it done. Bottom line: you can spend $500 - $600 for
Zoom or Brite Smile, both of which use a very mild UV light
which they say speeds up the whitening process of hydrogen
peroxide (the agent that does the whitening). The radio program
said that independent research showed no significant difference
in using the light, with one scientist saying that the amount of
UV radiation is so minimal (so as not to cause harm) that it
could not act as a catalyst in any way. The zoom people and
dentists that sell the service (as well as many people who have
paid hundreds for it) will say otherwise. Nevertheless, after
you spend all that money, they tell you that you still will need
to do some ''upkeep,'' meaning get trays made to do re-bleaching
at home, after some number of months. Those trays cost an
ADDITIONAL $300-ish.
When I went in for my Zoom treatment, the practitioner told me
that my teeth would only get 2 - 3 shades whiter because they
weren't that dark. With all the costs involved, I could no
longer justify it, so I cancelled on the spot, apologetically,
and thanked them for their honesty. While paying the office
woman ($150 for the impression they did for the trays, before I
even knew that was optional), I commented on how nice her teeth
looked and asked if she had done Zoom too. She looked up at me,
and quietly said, ''Crest white strips and brushing with Baking
Soda a few times a week.'' That's all I needed to hear. ;-)
$150 in the hole, but $900 still in my pocket!
In March of this year, I had a whitening at Transcendentist in
Berkeley, the first green certified dentist in the country. Now
I'm thinking of switching there for my regular dental care,
since my experience was so pleasant and everyone I met there was
genuinely kind and so knowledgeable. They offer a spa-like
environment with herbal tea and relaxing music which made it
very enjoyable... not to mention I got an amazing foot massage
during the treatment! The woman who did my whitening was very
sweet and thorough, and the results were far brighter than my
previous home attempts. Plus, my personalized whitening trays
and a few months worth of touch up gels came with the package.
They sell a bunch of other products at their office too.
They have a website, www.transcendentist.com; I actually found
them through a friend at work. Their number is 841-3040. I found
my experience there to be very rejuvenating - just part of my
springtime self-care to go with a cleanse and a new haircut... I
highly recommend them.
Alexis
I have to whiten my teeth on a somewhat regular basis due to
bonding work I have had near my gums due to enamel wear. My
dentist suggested that he make bleaching trays for me. While it
was expensive even 14 years ago--I am glad I did it. At the
front end, having the trays made is more costly, but you have
them the rest of your life, so ultimately it is more economical.
I buy my Opalescence bleaching gel on-line now (it is about $15
a treatment), and I just do it when I need it. You don't have
to go ''California white''--you initially get your teeth to the
level of white-ness you prefer and then keep it up somewhat
regularly (every 4-6 months). It also depends on how much
coffee, tea and red wine you drink--they tend to stain teeth.
On my dental hygienist's recommendation, I buy a 20% solution
and then do the process for only two hours while I watch a
movie--I can't stand having that gel in my mouth all night. I
have sensitive teeth, so I use a toothpaste formulated f!
or sensitive teeth when I brush. My teeth are still a little
sensitive after a treatment, but it's not painful and only lasts
a day or so. I know people who use the commercial whitening
strips, and they seem to do the job, but from what I have
observed, trays are an easier way to go. It's worth discussing
with your dentist as to what is best for you.
Glad I have my bleaching trays
Nov 2007
I've had a gray front tooth since high school (20 years). About
10 years ago my dentist ''tested'' the tooth and said that it
wasn't ''dead'' so he did not want to replace the tooth
altogether. He said he could grind the front of the tooth down
and put a cap on it (does that make sense?). I didn't like that
idea so I've kept the tooth gray since then. I'm ready for a
change. I would like some advice about the choices for fixing or
lightening a gray tooth without too much grinding or drilling :
). Thanks.
Not crazy about dentists
My son had the same problem on his front tooth. We went to see Dr.
Louie Mendoza
in Kensington and he recommended external bleaching where
bleach is applied to the outide of your teeth using a customized tray.
Another option would be internal bleaching. This is a procedure where
you drill a small hole on the tongue side of the tooth and place the
bleach internally. We decided to go with more of the conservative
approach which is the external bleaching option and if that didn't
work, go with internal bleaching.
He gave us a lot of useful information. He believes in saving as much
tooth structure as possible. Give him a call, he's very thorough and
very patient.
Louie B. Mendoza, DDS or Kensington Dental Care
(510) 526-8311
anon
My husband had this problem and was successful with a combination of
the Brite Smile whitening process and a specially made whitening tray
from his dentist that would bleach only the gray tooth. The tray is
pretty inexpensive and you wear it at night for several days in a row.
Hope this helps!
happy with bleaching
Nov 2006
I believe that I am one of the few remaining people in this state with tea and age-
stained teeth. It seems that so many people have shiny white teeth. What am I missing?
I know a few people who have paid for expensive whitening treatments. I can't afford
that. Are there over the counter treatments that really work?
Fang
I use Crest White Strips - about every 18 months. If you follow the instructions,
they work well. You may need to repeat more frequently if you drink a lot of tea
or coffee or red wine, but I've heard people say supplementing with Crest
whitening toothpaste and mouthwash will make the treatments last longer. I don't
know for sure about that though
-White teeth too.
According to Consumer Reports, the best tooth whitening
toothpaste is actually Ultrabrite Advanced Whitening, a
relatively inexpensive older brand. I've been using it for a few
months and can actually see a difference. My teeth aren't
white-white, but I've kept the coffee and tea stains at bay. You
might have to look around a bit to find some, it wasn't at
Walgreens. Maybe Longs. A cheap alternative to try before going
for something more intense
Jan
Sept 2005
Last year, in preparation for my 20th year high school reunion,
I started whitening my teeth. My dentist, a very good one, made
a mold of my teeth and sent me home with the Colgate home
(professional) whitening tubes. Needless to say, the results
were stunning and I love my new white teeth, BUT I think the
whitening solution makes my teeth more prone to tea and coffee
stains. Maybe I'm just getting old and my tooth enamel is just
weaker?
Has anyone experienced this? I know dentists make a LOT of
money of teeth whitening so I forsee a bias in my dentist's
answer. I thought I would ask here first.
Whiter teeth with a cost?
My dentist told me that whitening weakens tooth enamel.
I genetically have weak enamel (and yellowed teeth) so I've never tried whitening. I wish I could.
He also said that if you have discoloring around showing fillings, or the fillings have yellowed that the whitening won't change the color of the fillings.
I'd love to try it, but that swayed me away.
anon
Nov 2004
I am interested if anyone has undergone a method of whitening
teeth in the dentist's office. I have heard of methods where a
tray is made but the whitening occurs in the office instead of
home. I also have seen a method on ''Extreme Makeover'' where
they paint the teeth and use a light. Can anyone recommend a
method and dentist?
Kathy
I have had yellow teeth my entire life due to my being given certain anibiotics when I
was a baby. When I got married last year, one of my splurges was to get my teeth
whitened at the dentist's office. I got the trays made from a mold of my teeth and
was given the kit. I think I slept with the ''mouthgards'' for 2 weeks and the
difference was AMAZING. My teeth were sensitive for the first few days (as they said
they would be) but after I stopped using it the sensetivity went away. The whole
thing was about $400, I think, and the best part is that I was frugal with the
application of the whitener (half of it squirts out anyway when you push the guards
up into your teeth), so I have tons left for touch ups (I am a
coffee/red wine drinker), and I have the molds to wear with any other kind of
whitener I may need/want in the future. For me, the $400 was money well spent.
Even now, 18 months after the only 2 week period I used it (I was pregnant in there
and didn't use it), my teeth are still whiter than before I used it. And you've just
sparked the urge for a touch up!
anon
I gave myself teeth-whitening for my 50th birthday. I chose to do
the dentist version with the tray molded for my teeth for two
reasons. First, the whitening occurs slowly over about two weeks,
so when people notice it is a more subtle ''wow, you look younger,
so good, etc.'' rather than ''wow, you bleached your teeth.'' Second,
the tray is yours forever and you can replenish your supply of
bleach anytime through your dentist so that you can do touch-ups
whenever they are needed.
anon
March 2003
Does anyone have any recommendations for an office/dentist who
does teeth whitening? In particular, does anyone have any
personal experience with both the BriteSmile method and the
longer, bleaching trays method? I think I'm leaning towards the
BriteSmile office in Walnut Creek, so any opinions about an
experience there would also be helpful.
I went to Brite Smile in Walnut Creek about a year ago and was
very pleased with the outcome -- dramatic difference, lasting
improvement. I thought it was a little pricey, but worth it.
Sara
I had the molds taken of my teeth to make the retainer-like
things to hold the whitening gel and have used them for three
years now and they are great! Anytime you want to whiten your
teeth again you just buy the gel which is about $20 and whiten
them and it lasts for several months. Very happy I went this
route.
happy with white teeth
I have used several teeth whitening methods, including tray
whitening from a dental office, which was the most effective.
I would however, recommend that you try the Colgate Simply
White product before spending alot of money at a dentists
office. I have found it to be equally effective.
I had my teeth whitened at BriteSmile in Walnut Creek last
year. The process was painless and quick, although quite
expensive (around $500). My teeth were fairly light to begin
with (cream, as opposed to yellow), and I was hoping for
the ''true white'' shown on all of the advertisement photos. I
was a bit disappointed in the results; my teeth were whitened
one level (according to the BriteSmile charts), but they were
still cream, not white. The difference was not really that
noticeable, and not worth the price that I paid. Perhaps if my
teeth had been more stained or yellow, the results would have
been more dramatic. The ads of BriteSmile are misleading in
that you don't walk out with ''white'' teeth, which is what I had
expected since my teeth were so light to begin with.
Creamy Smile
June 2004
I'm about to have crowns put on most of my teeth; the prosthodontist has
recommended that I bleach my remaining teeth, and then he'll make the crowns in a
shade to match. Then I'll have to continue bleaching my natural teeth twice a year
forever, so they'll continue to match the crowns.
The cost, for having this done professionally is $400 to start. Maintanance cost is
minimal.
Has anyone out there had their teeth bleached professionally? Was it worth the
expense? Did it make that significant a difference in your smile? Is professional
bleaching that much better than the bleaching kits at the drug store? Did you have
to swear off red wine and coffee?
I did precisely what you outlined about 2 years ago. I needed
to have my front crowns replaced, after 20 years, and my dentist
recommended that I first bleach my teeth. Boy, am I glad I did
it. My teeth are much whiter, they match the crowns nicely, and
I figure, if I'm going to spend over $2K on new front teeth,
they may as well be white. Not Chiclet white, though, just
nicely white. Go ahead and do it.
Wendy
April 2003
Hi; A follow-up question to the posts on the best method of
teeth whitening. Where have people found the best gel to use, if
you already have the tray from the dentist? What brand /
strength / etc.? Is it available from a drugstore, or do you
have to make a dental appointment, or ?? I have a tray but am
not sure where to get more gel (don't see that dentist anymore
either). Thanks,
Need the whitening gel only
This is the best price I have found for Nite White teeth
whitening gel -- http://www.drdodge-dentist.com/nite_white.htm
The percentages of the active incredient vary, the larger the
percentage the faster the whitening process and the more chance
of teeth sensitvity.
I asked the doctor on this site for a recommended percentage
and he said that he starts people off at 16% and if that does
not cause a problem they can go up.
This is the gel that was recommended by my dentist, and I have
used Nite White to good success. I have not yet purchased from
this site butintend to.
margo
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