Advice on Teeth Whitening Discussion Thread

Thurrabred

Perhaps I've overdramatized the difference of my canines, they're darker but not to the point where I think it'd make things worse.

I guess I've convinced myself that to get the whiteness I want I'd need a treatment. My concern is that a polishing won't give me the result I want.

Also how much would a polish from the dentist cost? unfortunately it's been a while.

Toothsmith

I would look at your priorities.

Teeth looking good is obviously important to you.

What would be the point in slapping something on them to whiten them up if there was something wrong with them?

Getting a dental check up is not as difficult as you'd think from reading the papers. What is difficult is getting it done on the NHS.

A check up done privately would cost from £30 to £75. Initial check ups (The first time you've been to a dentist) tend to be dearer than regular six monthly ones as there is more to do when you first see a patient. But still, it's about the same as having something like highlights done at a decent hairdressers.

If it's been a while since you've been, then a clean & polish might make a world of difference. This would cost again between £30 and £60 depending on where you went.

To have your teeth whitened at the dentist would cost between £250 and £500 depending on the place and the system used, but you would have the piece of mind of knowing that it wouldn't mess anything else up, and that the result would be what you expect.

It seems dearer - it is dearer, but I would recommend this route over DIY, and if you've not been for a while, and you value your teeth, get them checked!

gkf

My daughter regularly uses the Crest Premium white strips, her teeth are a gleaming white now.

SparkyG

I use Excel nite white 16% for a few days every 6 weeks or so to keep my teeth white. I originally had a take home treatment from my dentist, and he does not recommend a higher strength than 16%.

Looking on the net I have found that safety studies in USA were conducted using 10% carbamide peroxide, and they concluded that that strength was safe. As far as I can tell, no studies (that would satisfy the US government) have been done with higher strengths.

Bleaching is still "illegal" in this country, so I don't think that any government approved safety studies have been made. HTH

Toothsmith

When things are available 'over the counter' there is always the temptation to over use.

Carbamine peroxide is safe - when used as directed.

Crest white strips don't do much harm - but will if used too frequently.

Teeth are not disposable things and you can't get a new set on eBay. Don't bung anything on them for a short term gain. The consequences could well come back to haunt you and your wallet.

Lova_2

Thanks for your recommendations above. I finished with the dentist's kit and was disappointed as the result was not worth that money. After reading other people's experiences about the Crest whitestrips supreme, I decided to give it a try as it was only £30 from ebay. I am only 7 days into the 21 days treatment and I am so happy with the result. I think that the problem with the dentist's kit is that it was not a custom tray and therefore the product didn't adhere much to my irregular teeth, plus 6 trays were not enough (I discovered later that it is usually sold in a set of 10 trays). Plus I feel that the strenght of the product (9% hydrogen peroxyde) is not enough for me. The Crest whitestrips supreme has 14% hydrogen peroxyde and the downside is that my gum feels sensitive, however I discovered that if I take arnica 30 homeopathy during the treatment my sensitivity lessens.

coolio_2

SparkyG wrote:

Try https://www.dentist.net I order Excel nite white 16% from them and it is excellent. My dentist wanted £150 for a refill set, ( I'd paid £250 originally for custom trays and syringes) and I can get the same thing for about £40 inc shipping charges from dentist.net. The service is good, and the products arrive about 8 days after order. Have just realised, my syringes are carbamide peroxide, and the strength is not directly comparable to hydrogen peroxide. I'm sure Toothsmith can advise on that one.

My dentist does not reccommend using a higher strength than 16%,(carbamide peroxide) and I find it works brilliantly. Any other questions, ask away!

Did you get caught with customs? And how many syringes do you need to get them looking super white?

SparkyG

coolio wrote:

Did you get caught with customs? And how many syringes do you need to get them looking super white?

No. didn't have a problem with customs. Dental.net put on the declaration form "dental sample" and that seems to be good enough. Have ordered 3 times now successfully.

If you order the pack of 3 16% nite white syringes that should be good enough for optimum results if you use them continuously, or every other day(or night) if you have sensitivity. It will probably be more economical to order 2 packs of 3 syringes, as they have an offer on them, and you will pay less in shipping charges. I suggest you use the first three syringes, and then top up as needed with the next pack.

Good luck!

coolio_2

Thanks, went for some of the mint 16% ones, well 9 syringes altogether 3x3

coolio_2

Just to give an update. I have now worn the tray for the upper teeth for 2 nights now and the contrast between my upper and long teeth is VERY noticable. After the first night moreso but the 2nd night whitened them even more, so so far I am extremely pleased, and cannot wait to see how white they get after a week or so.

I had ordered Thursday, they sent an email asking for confirm of the order, giving me a postale price, I confirmed and it arrived next working day from the US, madness.