This was not my first attempt at whitening my teeth, as originally I purchased one of those “Rembrant” kits, and felt it was just glorified toothpaste.
When I started seeing the advertisements for the Crest Whitestrips, I must admits it caught my interest, and finally about a week ago I purchased a box of them at Wal Mart. At nearly $40 they are not inexpensive, but I thought worth a try. There was no way that I was going to pay hundreds of dollars at the dentist.
The box is divided in two sections, one with the lower strip, and one with the top. There are enough strips for two applications a day, which is the recommended treatment. Simply you get 28 top and 28 bottom strips that are to be used in two weeks. However, sometimes it is impossible to use they twice a day, and it is okay to miss a day, or use them only once. There also is an excellent instruction book included with illustrations and detailed information.
How do they work? The strips are in sealed packets and are a soft plastic with a gel substance similar to what a dentist would use to whiten your teeth. When you open the package, apply the strip, you can feel a bubbling sensation which is the peroxide working to whiten your teeth.
My week using them has taken some time to get used to the best way they work for me. One of the first things that the instructions say is “do not brush your teeth before using”, and this is very important. The top one goes on quite well, and I have found that by running a towel over your teeth so they are dry, the strip will stay on better. Also, I do not find that I can go about my “normal” routine while using them, as they do not slide around if I am doing something quiet, like using the computer, reading, or watching TV. They tend to not want to stay in place very well if you are talking or moving around.
My biggest complaint is the bottom strip. It is much smaller, and does not want to stay in place very well. I got so frustrated with it that I actually e-mailed the Crest help desk and told them I felt this was a problem. They replied within a couple of days and made several suggestions such as wearing only the bottom one by itself, use a mirror to apply (which I always do), and tuck the strip in the spaces between your teeth with your fingernail.
Additionally the bottom strip is quite small, and really only covers the very few front lower teeth. It could be bigger to cover more teeth.
Am I satisfied, and are my teeth whiter. Overall, this product is working well for me, with the exception of the bottom one wanting to slide out of place. My teeth are whiter. Since it is a gradual thing, you cannot say “Wow, look at my teeth”, but I can tell that they are working and no doubt my teeth will be several shades lighter by the time I am finished.
Your teeth are supposed to remain whiter for about six months, and then the process is to be started over at that time.
Would I buy them again? Yes, I think so. Teeth stain, get darker with age, and this is a safe process for helping them at home. It isn’t going to create a miracle, but there is a definite improvement.
Creststrips are a product that does what it advertises! Nice concept with all the hype about things that do not work. Give them a try, you should be satisfied with the results.
Product Benefits Introducing Crest Whitestrips, a breakthrough in tooth whitening. Whitestrips contain the same enamel-safe ingredient dentists use t...More at Dental Depot on-line store
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