I want to get my teeth whitened, what's the best way?

Question

I smoked for six years (quit on New Year's), drink two cups of coffee a day, and can't put down a Dr. Pepper. I know I shouldn't do these things and plan to cut back and quit soon. When I do I want to get my teeth whitened. Should I go with the whitening products in stores like Whitestrips or should I go get them professionally whitened (and how much does that cost)?

I have a bad gag reflex and would prefer not to have to use trays
:-)

Answer 1

You should definitely try some at home whitening products first if money is a concern. Crest Whitestrips and the gel that you brush on have had amazing effects on people's smiles.
If, after trying these products, your teeth still aren't as white as you would like, move up to prescription strength white strips. Many dentists sell them. They're the same as the ones you buy in the store, just stronger. They sell for $80 where I worked.
The next step would be (with your dentist's approval), trying the trays that are made at your dental office and the at home gel you buy there. My office sells this for $250.
If you're still not happy, you can try Zoom (again, with your dentist's approval). Zoom works great, but you must still use trays and gel at home to maintain the effects. It costs $350 in my area.
Be careful when trying these products. They do cause sensitivity. Talk to your dentist about a safe time line in which to try the different products.
Best wishes!

Answer 2

While I'm no coffee drinker and never smoked, sodas, teas and just general aging has made me consider whitening too. I just checked with a local dentist and was told the Zoom Whitening process is $600. This is in California - perhaps it is lower by you.

This may sound expensive, but it is far less than it was years ago (where the price was in the thousands!).

Some love Crest Whitening Strips or Rembrandt Whitening gel. I've tried both, but haven't really seen a difference - but perhaps I didn't do it quite right or long enough. But those are far less expensive alternatives (along with whitening toothpaste).

However, based on what you wrote, you may need more professional whitening. Strips, gels and toothpastes may go up a shade or two at best. You may need several shades, which only a dentist can do.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Okay.... I would suggest getting your teeth cleaned first by your dentist, then follow these procedures to keep your teeth white. 1.) Floss thoroughly. 2.) Brush teeth for 2 minutes at least. 3.) Gargle with Listerine. Then once a week, use a whitening gel that you can apply in strips to your mouth, and let it sit there for 30 minutes. Baking Soda is a bad idea, I wouldn't suggest it. Crest or Listerine brands (whitening strips) are fine for whitening teeth, just don't leave them in long. By doing this, you don't damage your teeth and increase the health and strength while giving yourself a great shine. :) Hope that helps you out. Remember that your local dentist can give you further advice!

Answer 4

Start now at home with a whitening toothpaste. There are many and you will see a difference if you follow the directions and are consistent. Then after awhile go to the whitestrips. I would not bother with professional whitening unless you are extremely self conscious. Get goin and start brushin!

Answer 5

The newer technology with light therapy work very well but is quite expensive(done at a detal office..was around $800.00 2 years ago when I checked) My friend just told me that her dentist would charge $250. to have the molded tray made and for the gel. You can do it at home, although the effects are not as dramatic, for around $10-30.00. Walgreens even has a mini version of the light therapy to use at home. I haven't tried it yet as I am currently using a store bought gel with the trays and it seems to be brightening up my smile. Again, not as dramatically as I have seen the dental office versions. Good luck!!

Answer 6

Peroxide. If you check all the whitening products on the shelf they all contain this as the #1 ingredient. Oprah had a "secret" episode and there was a dentist there that said just to gargle with it for a few minute. It taste nasty, but it works! This is also good for whitening your clothes, pour just a little in your washer!

Answer 7

If you have the money, then do it professionally. If not, use crest whitestrips. They work very well. The professional way would be alot quicker and I'm sure your teeth would be whiter, but the strips would be cheaper.