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So I have yellowed teeth - coffee & red wine don't help. So I got an OTC Crest teeth whitening strip kit.

I want my teeth whiter for my dd's wedding in a month. Anyone know when I should do the kit? How long does it last? If I do it now and continue to drink my coffee & wine, well will that just ruin any results I get?

I was told that after drinking coffee or wine either rinsing with water or even better brushing your teeth.

I have never used the Crest strips but hear they work well. Depending on how yellow you may want to check out what the dentist offers. They might have a whitening treatment that is temporary.

[This message edited by fireproof at 5:07 PM, May 16th (Friday)]

I use the Crest strips about once a year.

Depending on which one you get (they have different kinds) you put them on, wear them for about 20-30 min, and then off. They say to use 2x a day. I only do once a day. Depending on the stains I ususally can see results in 3-4 days. I think there is enough for only 1-2 weeks.

You should see some difference, even if they don't end up "stark white"

So there are 14 in the box. So I should use these 1x/day for 14 days? Is that the regimen? I don't want *stark white*, but a little less yellow would be appealing and maybe be a better match to my front tooth crown .

Use them once a day for the 14 days. The results are wonderful! Mine stayed brighter and whiter for several months, and I plan to start the Crest White Strips again in August for my son's wedding in late September.

My dentist recommended the Crest brand; her dental whitening kit costs (Hundreds $$ vs less than $50 Cdn)

[This message edited by looking forward at 6:07 PM, May 16th (Friday)]

I go "old school".

Put a bit of baking soda in the cupped palm of your hand. Squirt a little bit of peroxide onto the baking soda to make a paste.

Brush (do not swallow), then rinse.

The first time I started using this regimen, I saw results within a week.

I usually brush at least twice a day, so I use the baking soda paste for one brushing and regular toothpaste for the other. This has kept my teeth nice and bright without the harsher strips and chemicals.

ETA: My mouth feels a lot cleaner when I do this too (versus regular toothpaste).

[This message edited by GabyBaby at 11:39 PM, May 16th (Friday)]

I can relate. When my daughter was getting married, I needed to have my front tooth cap replaced and a veneer put on the on tooth next to it. I ended up getting my teeth whitened as well.

I'll never forget my friend saying "you had your teeth done!!" at the wedding. It's amazing what a difference it makes. Nine years later and they're still whiter.

Enjoy the special day with a big SMILE!!

I can't do 2x/day or my gums get sore. Crest makes a mouth wash called sparkling white or dazzling white or something. You swish it for a minute twice daily & it really helps. And the taste is pleasant. Do not get the Colgate version, it is completely gross!

Thanks all! My hygienist always said baking soda was too harsh an abrasive to use on teeth and peroxide had a "free radical" and shouldn't be used in the mouth?

But ya know, she coulda been a scientist wannabe - she isn't with the dentist any longer.

I use optic white toothpaste and don't have to use white strips then...

My hygienist always said baking soda was too harsh an abrasive to use on teeth and peroxide had a "free radical" and shouldn't be used in the mouth?

I haven't had any issues and my dental checkups are always two thumbs up.

Not to mention there are toothpastes on the market that have baking soda and peroxide in them.