Would you whiten your teeth?

[kenny]

I have friends who spent hundreds of dollars whitening their teeth in a dental office and they are astounded that I only pay about $25 a shot.

Indeed, it can be so expensive.
$25 is good but a two-week course of my home made Hydrogen Peroxide and water rinse costs less than 5 cents.

 

[Irishgrrrl]

I'm a big tea drinker. So imagine what my teeth MIGHT look like?

I clean religiously, and had used whitening strips on occasion. Then I decided to try Crest 3-D toothpaste. HUGE difference within a couple of uses. HUGE. It really does work.

My teeth are not bright white, but they are a perfectly normal tone, without tea stains. And that's without having a professional cleaning in a year.

Holly, I use the Crest 3D White toothpaste too, and I also use the 3D White mouthwash. LOVE THEM!!!!! They really do make a big difference. BTW, I'm a tea drinker too, and I don't have any tea stains at all.

 

[iheartscience]

I got all crazy right before my wedding and decided my teeth HAD to be whitened before the wedding, so I got the trays. They were very effective, but I haven't used them since. That said, if I was getting a permanent implant I'd probably whiten them. If my other teeth stop matching the whiter implant it would probably make me stop being lazy and bleach my teeth again. Would that motivate you?

Also, the trays made my teeth super sensitive and they hurt a lot for a few days after I stopped. That's probably the main reason aside from laziness that I haven't kept up with it.

Thing2, I think I'm embarrassed to say it may not motivate me. Maybe I'm trying to top you in the laziness department? I gotta be good at something.

HA! It might not make me do it either if it wasn't super noticeable. But I can be kind of vain sometimes (seeing as how I got crazy and bleached them) so who knows-you could definitely out-lazy me.

As for the current whiteness, I would say they're probably still lighter than they were before I whitened them. I got married in July 2009 and did them a week or two before the wedding. My dental hygienist said they got a shade lighter and I would agree. It was definitely noticeable. But I do drink coffee daily, which I'm sure doesn't help, and I haven't done the trays or even Crest White Strips since the wedding.

 

[lulu]

I did Zoom and I have sensitive teeth. It was fine.

 

[Cehrabehra]

I only go about 1/2 way in whitening because I want them whiter than normal but those ultra white teeth look so phony to me. That is such a personal decision... I think I'd shoot for something in the middle because it would force me to keep up on my teeth and I think it would bother me to never be able to. Not that I have done it in the past couple years lol

 

[diva rose]

My DH is a dentist and I have had my teeth whitened. I did the strips and trays - it didn't work well for me - made my teeth a tiny bit whiter but not by much. I already have natural white teeth - I wanted the movie star white. By the time I wanted Zoom, the machine broke and the clinic won't replace them due to costs. I was peeved. Just a few things I've learnt:

1. The pain and sensitivity. This occurs with any bleaching treatments. It varies depending on the individual how much pain you will get. Zoom won't cause you extra pain. If you are suffering from the pain - you will most likely suffer that pain with another procedure. What is causing the pain is the bleaching concentration. Sure bleaching toothpaste may not cause pain, but the concerntration in that is low hence the whiteness you will get is not as white. It's also a longer process.

2. Your results will vary depending on your teeth regardless of what procedure you use. The negative feedback about Zoom from patients stating their teeth didn't go white - well most likely their teeth won't go white with other treatments - unless the bleach is higher in concerntration. This will cause more pain.

3. Bleaching is NEVER permanent no matter what procedure you use. You will need to keep doing it to maintain those pearly whites.

4. There is a difference in results - if your teeth do respond to treatment. The 'whiteness' you receive from Zoom is far more white than the bleaching trays/take home kits. Zoom gives you those 'movie star' whites. If that makes sense.

5. ZOOM is more expensive for customers and dentists alike. The equipment is expensive and more difficult to maintain for a dentist.
Also there is Zoom 1 and the Zoom 2 model. There are other high end bleaching treatments like Zoom. Not all dentists will have access to them. Results again are dependent on each individual.

6. Lifestyle makes a huge difference. Clearly if you smoke, drink high levels of tooth staining substances like tea and coffee - your teeth are going to turn yellow more quickly.

In the end - it's the level of 'whiteness' you want for your look. Also costs and level of maintenance.

Good luck Tgal!

 

[Lovinggems]

I did Zoom and it was the most uncomfortable dental thing I've ever done. Result was ok, not bright white, a couple of shades lighter. Gum and teeth was sensitive for at least one week. Don't do Zoom.

 

[Lorelei]

Tgal, I had a similar to Zoom laser whitening done, very pleased with the results. But it wasn't a pleasant process and my gums were SO sore afterwards, I couldn't stand to properly brush my teeth for 3 days after the procedure. My teeth were a little sensitive but not too bad, the gums were what was painful. I wasn't supposed to drink any coloured liquids for 48 hours afterwards or have coloured food ( pasta sauce with tomato paste, curries etc). So I was living on plain pale foods and drinking hot milk instead of coffee for 2 days.

I am pleased I had it done, my teeth aren't brilliantly white but they are whiter. I had it done in early November and the results are lasting well.

 

[dragonfly411]

I'm glad this thread was opened. I'm planning to find some whitening ideas for me.

 

[hawaiianorangetree]

I have been doing invisalign for about 3 years and wanted to have my teeth whitened also. Unfortunately I needed to have a small chip on my front tooth fixed as well and was done before the whitening so it was matched to my normal teeth colour. I used a product called nite white that I wore in my invisalign every night until the desired colour was achieved, it only rook a few nights.
My teeth looked great except for the false part covering the chip I had. It wasn't too noticeable to others but I could see it myself and in photos. I ended up having that bit replaced just before my wedding.
If I feel like my teeth are looking stained I just use some more of the gel for a couple of nights until they look white again.

I also used a one hour product provided by the dentist which left my teeth less sensitive than the nite white. I am assuming that was because of the length of time I had them in.

I would think that if you are happy with the colour your teeth are now then just leave them, but if you have ever entertained the idea of whitening them get it done before the crown, the cost of maintaining the whitening would be less than replacing a perfectly good crown with a whiter one!

 

[Italiahaircolor]

I do Brite Smile (similar to Zoom) and I've never had a problem. It's expensive...but I only go twice a year, so it's not awful.

 

[rubybeth]

TGal, I have EXACTLY the same situation. My bilaterals (teeth next to two front teeth) are both crowned. I did bleach before getting the crowns but I am not religious about keeping up with it and the slight shade difference isn't huge or noticeable to anyone except me. I am a coffee drinker so that probably has an impact.

I would say if you've never whitened before, try the new Crest Advanced White Strips, Professional Effects, and see how you react. There are 3 options with the Crest strips: the lowest level (touchup), the middle level, and the top level. I'd recommend the middle level. I love how the strips seal on your teeth and don't slip around like the older version. I've done trays and I think the strips do just as good a job, are far less costly, and don't feel as weird. I also had some sensitivity with the trays but almost none with the strips. With Zoom, it's a very strong process so if you are sensitive to mouth pain (and most people are) then using the strips will tell you that right away.

As for touchups, the strips are also easy; you don't have to do them every day, and you can use them for 3 days and then stop, or alternate days if you forget, or whatever. Very simple and you don't have to go to the dentist for refills. And, I like my dentist since my mom works for him

 

[TravelingGal]

I really want to thank you all for the time and thought information in your posts. It's a huge help. I've been researching a lot.

Interestingly, I also researched Kenny's idea a bit. It's not uncommon. Not sure I'm going to try it, but it seems like a method that doesn't have much to lose...except accidently swallowing the stuff and dying.

 

[Jennifer W]

And black hairy tongue. AprilBaby posted about that on a previous thread. Let me see if I can find it, it sounded really attractive...


ETA - found it:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/inexpensive-teeth-whitening.138868/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/inexpensive-teeth-whitening.138868/[/URL]

 

[kenny]

I think it gives you back hair too.
Thick black back hair.

Seriously, no tongue hair here.

I do use a tongue scrapper after my routine though.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

I have but it made my sensitive teeth more sensitive. Zoom was downright painful for me and I haven't used the trays for years.

 

[DiaDiva]

I asked my dentist's hygienist how to whiten my teeth at a low cost.
She told me:

Rinse for one minute with a 50/50 solution of water and regular cheapo 3% Hydrogen Peroxide every other day.
Do not swallow it.
Do this for two weeks.
Repeat as necessary.

I just bought the HP for $1.00 and poured half down the drain and filled the bottle up with water.
The taste isn't THAT bad.

Works like a champ and I save hundreds of bucks compared to my dentist doing it.
More $$$ for FCDs.

Kenny, I'm quite interested to try this out. Did you feel any sensitivity after doing this?

Thanks.

 

[dragonfly411]

I asked my dentist's hygienist how to whiten my teeth at a low cost.
She told me:

Rinse for one minute with a 50/50 solution of water and regular cheapo 3% Hydrogen Peroxide every other day.
Do not swallow it.
Do this for two weeks.
Repeat as necessary.

I just bought the HP for $1.00 and poured half down the drain and filled the bottle up with water.
The taste isn't THAT bad.

Works like a champ and I save hundreds of bucks compared to my dentist doing it.
More $$$ for FCDs.

Kenny, I'm quite interested to try this out. Did you feel any sensitivity after doing this?

Thanks.

And did you chase it? B/c I dunno if I can handle the peroxide taste

 

[kenny]

I asked my dentist's hygienist how to whiten my teeth at a low cost.
She told me:

Rinse for one minute with a 50/50 solution of water and regular cheapo 3% Hydrogen Peroxide every other day.
Do not swallow it.
Do this for two weeks.
Repeat as necessary.

I just bought the HP for $1.00 and poured half down the drain and filled the bottle up with water.
The taste isn't THAT bad.

Works like a champ and I save hundreds of bucks compared to my dentist doing it.
More $$$ for FCDs.

Kenny, I'm quite interested to try this out. Did you feel any sensitivity after doing this?

Thanks.

And did you chase it? B/c I dunno if I can handle the peroxide taste

Well, the taste is certainly not exactly Hagen Daz chocolate, but it's not THAT bad, and I DO brush and clean my tongue immediately after rinsing with the stuff.

It's just that it costs pennies as compared to hundreds of dollars in a dentist office for perhaps the same dang active ingredient.
Can you say rip off?

But hey, I respect diversity.
People vary.
If you want to spend $300 for what I paid 5 cents for I respect that.

 

[DiaDiva]

Kenny
Taste, I can handle. If I can eat durian, I can handle this. But I'm more concerned about any tingling sensation or sensitivity of the gums after use. I'll need to also check that they sell hydrogen peroxide in the chemists here (I'm in Delhi).

Thanks.

 

[kenny]

Kenny
Taste, I can handle. If I can eat durian, I can handle this. But I'm more concerned about any tingling sensation or sensitivity of the gums after use. I'll need to also check that they sell hydrogen peroxide in the chemists here (I'm in Delhi).

Thanks.

I have experienced no tingling, sensitivity in gums or tongue and certainly no pain whatsoever.
This is a very very weak solution compared to the expensive and strong stuff the dentists use.

Keep in mind I have superb gum health, so perhaps that makes my mouth tissues less sensitive.
I have meticulously brushed and flossed and used a tongue cleaner every day for 35 years and get professional cleaning at a dentist twice a year.

I've read the vast majority of people do not do this and have gum disease as a result.
I have no idea what their experience will be using this solution.

Be sure to get 3% Hydrogen Peroxide not the stronger stuff.

 

[dragonfly411]

I asked my dentist's hygienist how to whiten my teeth at a low cost.
She told me:

Rinse for one minute with a 50/50 solution of water and regular cheapo 3% Hydrogen Peroxide every other day.
Do not swallow it.
Do this for two weeks.
Repeat as necessary.

I just bought the HP for $1.00 and poured half down the drain and filled the bottle up with water.
The taste isn't THAT bad.

Works like a champ and I save hundreds of bucks compared to my dentist doing it.
More $$$ for FCDs.

Kenny, I'm quite interested to try this out. Did you feel any sensitivity after doing this?

Thanks.

And did you chase it? B/c I dunno if I can handle the peroxide taste

Well, the taste is certainly not exactly Hagen Daz chocolate, but it's not THAT bad, and I DO brush and clean my tongue immediately after rinsing with the stuff.

It's just that it costs pennies as compared to hundreds of dollars in a dentist office for perhaps the same dang active ingredient.
Can you say rip off?

But hey, I respect diversity.
People vary.
If you want to spend $300 for what I paid 5 cents for I respect that.

I think keveryone would like a cheaper alternative . No pain? I have had to apply peroxide to my inner lip before for REALLY BAD fever blisters when I was younger (I had the flu and had them in my entire mouth and throat for three weeks. I couldn't eat anything more than pudding, jello, and liquids. Lost a LOT of weight. Ayways.) The taste was horrible back then.

 

[kenny]

I think keveryone would like a cheaper alternative . No pain? I have had to apply peroxide to my inner lip before for REALLY BAD fever blisters when I was younger (I had the flu and had them in my entire mouth and throat for three weeks. I couldn't eat anything more than pudding, jello, and liquids. Lost a LOT of weight. Ayways.) The taste was horrible back then.

No pain.
None.
Zero.
Zip.

BTW for cold sores/fever blisters my dentist prescribes this for me. See pic below.
It works like a champ.
Cheap and easy to use.
I love to share this with people.
Cold sores/fever blisters suck and this, for me, is a miracle drug.

Gently dab the sore with a clean Q-Tip or tissue to remove the slimy coating and expose fresh tissue.
With a clean fingertip gently damb a tiny dot of paste onto the sore.
Do not rub! Dab!
If you rub it will crumble away.

To get it to say put dry it by sucking air in or using a hair dryer with no heat.
Immediately rinse mouth with clean water so the paste will not be removed by sticking to your cheek or lips.
If this will be on one lip, put lip balm on the opposite lip so the medicine won't come loose.

Use 2 or 3 times a day for 2 or 3 days.
For me it makes a sore go away 10 time faster than with any other treatment.

Taro is the Generic and it works fine for me. About $8 a tube without insurance.
The brand name is Kenalog in orabase and it's much more expensive.

 

[dragonfly411]

Thanks Kenny!

 

[LAJennifer]

Oh crap oh crap oh crap. Since this is a dentist thread, can I post about the thing I just discovered two minutes ago? I felt something odd on my gum, and just got up to poke at it in the bathroom mirror. Um, it's a freaking tooth. A new tooth. Poking through where no tooth should be. It's behind my wisdom tooth. This is just plain wrong.

Back to the dentist I go...

Huh? Seriously? Do people have several sets of wisdom teeth (I vaguely remember reading something like that...or maybe I am delusional).

I had 2 complete sets of wisdom teeth - 8 total. Of course they were all removed before they ever tried to come in. My dentist and surgeon said they had never seen another case with a complete second set. Though it is common for some to have one or two extra.


And to answer your question - I would skip the professional whitening. Try Kenny's suggestion.

 

[Jennifer W]

So I'm not a complete freak of nature! Interesting.

Mine are coming in ok - straight and not crowding anything else. I seem to have a lot of tooth-free mouth. I'm scared I'll just keep growing teeth until I look like that thing out of Alien...

 

[Miss Sparkly]

I asked my dentist's hygienist how to whiten my teeth at a low cost.
She told me:

Rinse for one minute with a 50/50 solution of water and regular cheapo 3% Hydrogen Peroxide every other day.
Do not swallow it.
Do this for two weeks.
Repeat as necessary.

I just bought the HP for $1.00 and poured half down the drain and filled the bottle up with water.
The taste isn't THAT bad.

Works like a champ and I save hundreds of bucks compared to my dentist doing it.
More $$$ for FCDs.

This works very well and is also great for keeping the gums healthy. I've noticed the best result when doing it right before brushing my teeth then following up with a fluoride rinse

 

[DiaDiva]

Kenny
Taste, I can handle. If I can eat durian, I can handle this. But I'm more concerned about any tingling sensation or sensitivity of the gums after use. I'll need to also check that they sell hydrogen peroxide in the chemists here (I'm in Delhi).

Thanks.

I have experienced no tingling, sensitivity in gums or tongue and certainly no pain whatsoever.
This is a very very weak solution compared to the expensive and strong stuff the dentists use.

Keep in mind I have superb gum health, so perhaps that makes my mouth tissues less sensitive.
I have meticulously brushed and flossed and used a tongue cleaner every day for 35 years and get professional cleaning at a dentist twice a year.

I've read the vast majority of people do not do this and have gum disease as a result.
I have no idea what their experience will be using this solution.

Be sure to get 3% Hydrogen Peroxide not the stronger stuff.

Thanks, Kenny. I'll go check it out at the chemist.

 

[Amber St. Clare]

I had my teeth Zoomed 5 years ago and the results were OK. I've had to do maintenance a couple of of times with the trays.

For the last year I've maintained with baking soda and peroxide similar to what Kenny has been doing--but I brush with the baking soda and I rinse with the peroxide. My teeth will never be white, it just doesn't run in my family, but they are a lit brighter than they have been. I drink a LOT of tea and diet soda and my drink of choice os vodka and cranberry juice so my teeth really take a beating. My dentist said I should use the baking soda 4-5 times a week to save the enamel.

I remember the Zoom was extremely painful and I was disappointed that the results were not more dramatic.

 

[monarch64]

I did Zoom before having 4 wisdom teeth removed, and upper palate expansion surgery. I loved it. I had no sensitivity, but I am a glutton for dental punishment and honestly would sit in a dental chair and let them do whatever they felt like doing to me.

I've had teeth "fixed" teeth pulled, teeth bleached, etc., all without any anesthetic. I LOVE the dentist!

i wouldn't say that I had 'BAD' teeth prior to Zoom, but I had some cosmetic and bite issues that I wanted fixed. Even before that, I didn't mind the dentist.

It's all mental, I promise. If you want to fix your smile enough, you'll do anything. Zoom isn't a bad thing...it mightnot have the best reviews, but it really isn't that painful at all.