I love a good glass (or two) of red wine. I love my morning coffee. I even indulge in the irregular cigarette. All take a toll on the whites of my teeth, but the good news? I also love Crest Whitestrips. In the relentless pursuit of a dazzling smile amid my penchant for teeth-staining indulgences, I found a true hero. And at a discount, no less, thanks to Amazon.
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As a self-proclaimed enthusiast of these teeth-staining pleasures, I’ve navigated the landscape of teeth-whitening products, searching for that elusive solution that combats my indulgences without denting my wallet or causing discomfort — that’s where Crest Whitestrips come into play.
Crest 3D 1-Hour Express Whitestrips
These thin, unassuming strips have become my go-to remedy for the consequences of my habits. They offer a compelling promise: the ability to indulge in life’s simple pleasures without sacrificing the brightness of your smile.
Pros
- Cling to teeth well
- No leaking “goo”
- No slipping and sliding
- Noticeably whiten
- Includes 10 full treatments
Cons
- Not ideal for very sensitive teeth (check out the highly effective sensitive version!)
- Should be worn for 1 hour
The strips were incredibly easy to apply and adhered snugly to my teeth — so slipping and sliding. Unlike messy gels or complicated trays, these strips stick securely, allowing me to go about my day without feeling like I had a dental apparatus in my mouth. The thin, flexible design also ensured a comfortable fit, and I experienced minimal sensitivity during and after use. That said, I have historically used Crest Whitestrips Sensitive with great whitening success and they have allowed me to avoid any sensitivity, no matter how often I used them.
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After just one use, I noticed a difference in the brightness of my teeth with the Crest 3D 1-Hour Express Whitestrips. That said, it was continued use that really made my teeth shine. I used them every other day for two weeks and saw dramatic results. It’s worth noting that individual results may vary, but my teeth became visibly whiter after one use and dramatically whiter with each use thereafter. After two weeks of testing, I stopped using the strips and noticed a sustained whitened effect, even while drinking coffee and red wine. Of course, I continued to brush and floss twice a day, which is essential for maintaining results.
Incorporating these strips into my daily routine was a seamless process, requiring only 30 minutes a day. Whether I was catching up on emails, watching TV, or even commuting, the strips allowed me to multitask without compromising on their effectiveness. This convenience factor is a game-changer for those with busy schedules who still want to invest in a brighter smile.
How We Tested
In our quest for a brighter smile, we rigorously tested Crest Whitestrips to bring you an authentic and detailed account of their performance. Over several weeks, we meticulously followed the recommended usage and noted overall effectiveness to bring you our review.
- Application: How easy were they to apply? Did they stay put? Was the process messy?
- Comfort: How do they feel during treatment? How do our teeth feel post-treatment?
- Results: How many treatments did it take to see results? How sustainable were the results?
Rest assured, this review reflects our genuine experience with Crest Whitestrips, providing you with valuable insights to help you make an informed decision on your journey to a whiter, brighter smile.
What We Learned
We also did some research. What causes that dreaded sensitivity after teeth whitening? As it turns out, a Research Gate study as well as a study The Journal of Clinical Dentistry determine that the bleaching agents, hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, in Crest Whitestrips cause “no deleterious effects on the enamel surfaces from any of the bleaching products assessed.” That said, there are many hypotheses that gesture towards the impact of these agents in making the tooth enamel porous enough to invite chemicals down to the tooth nerve.
Moreover, the New York Post spoke with Dr. Lauren Becker and Dr. Alice Hoang (of Brooklyn Mint Dental) about this phenomenon. “While they are safe to use,” Dr. Becker said, “they can cause increased tooth sensitivity. You should always discuss use with your dentist first. Time to time, my patients with sensitive teeth will get ‘zingers’ or sudden quick pain which is a temporary feeling but can really hurt. If your teeth are discolored from a larger issue like decay, these won’t resolve the issue” and may contribute to sensitivity rather than whitening your teeth.
“People with sensitive teeth may experience increased sensitivity (particularly to temperature) after any whitening product, including Whitestrips. If you have sensitivity concerns in general, I would be mindful of this and always consult with your dentist before using,” Dr. Hoang stated.
All this to say, the use of Crest Whitestrips should be limited to the instructions provided — overuse is a sure-fire way to encourage sensitivity!
Other Crest Teeth Whitening Products We Like
Crest 3D Whitestrips with Light
Pros:
- 20 strips in a box
- Comes with LED light for a more dramatic teeth whitening experience
- Enamel safe
Cons:
- Application is 1 hour
If you’re serious about making your teeth icy white, you’ll like this whitening kit. It comes with Crest’s infamous Whitestrips, plus a light to enhance the treatment. It’s safe but takes a bit of time (roughly an hour). However, it’s totally worth it, according to many a happy customer who purchased on Amazon. We recommend doing the treatment while watching TV. Time will fly by.
Crest 3D Whitestrips Sensitive At-home Teeth Whitening Kit
Pros:
- Formulated for those with extra sensitive teeth
- Accepted by the American Dental Association
- 36 strips in the box
Cons:
- Like all Whitestrips, the results aren’t instant. It’s recommended to use for 14 consecutive days for visible results.
The original Crest Whitestrips are gentle on teeth, but for those with very sensitive chompers, we recommend this. They’re even more gentle, and use the same peel and stick method that everyone knows and loves.
Crest Whitestrips FAQs
We interviewed Dr. Lauren Becker and Dr. Alice Hoang to discern the following frequently asked questions.
How do Crest Whitestrips compare to professional teeth-whitening treatments available in dental offices in terms of effectiveness and safety?
“In terms of any teeth-whitening, it’s always best to consult your dentist and have them whiten your teeth in the office for the best results for you. However, for an at-home option I do often suggest Crest Whitestrips,” Dr. Becker said.
“In-office whitening is always the most effective and impactful. That being said, for those who want a whiter smile and may not be able to do so in the office, this is a nice at-home alternative. The main difference between whitestrips and professional whitening is predictability,” Dr. Hoang said. “Side-by-side comparisons by the maker will demonstrate similar results, however, these are under ideal conditions: Fresh and straight from production.”
“A consumer will purchase at a third-party vendor and will have no idea how long they have been on the shelves or if the transit went through a heat wave. The active ingredient for most bleaching products oxides (make them go bad or lose effectiveness) quickly when not kept refrigerated. Therefore these over-the-counter products will have variable results,” Hoang added.
How do whitening products like these work?
“White strips are usually covered with peroxide,” Dr. Hoang stated, “and applied to your teeth so it directly touches the enamel of your teeth to whiten. All teeth are made out of tubes (like pores). Richly colored foods are highly chromogenic or produce colors easily. Teeth become stained when these compounds penetrate these ‘pores’ entering the structure of the enamel making it difficult to remove with normal brushing. As the staining molecules become longer, our teeth look more stained. The oxidative effect of bleaching our teeth breaks these big molecules up into smaller ones, making our teeth look whiter. These stain molecules can eventually become longer and longer whitening products open up.”
Are there any safety concerns or potential side effects associated with using Crest Whitestrips?
“People with sensitive teeth,” Dr. Hoang said, “may experience increased sensitivity (particularly to temperature) after any whitening product including Whitestrips. If you have sensitivity concerns in general, I would be mindful of this and always consult with your dentist before using.”
What are the potential long-term effects of using Crest Whitestrips regularly?
Dr. Hoang weighed in: “Over time, these products can become more acidic. Long-term effects can include gum damage, breakdown of the enamel on your teeth and increased sensitivity long term. Since they only cover the front part of the upper and bottom teeth, it can look odd at times if the inside and back teeth remain darker and stained in color while the front is a brighter, completely different shade of white. The effects often only last as long as you are using the Whitestrips.”
What recommendations do you have for maintaining the results achieved with Crest Whitestrips, and is there any specific aftercare advice?
“First and foremost you should always make sure you’re brushing and flossing twice a day to maintain your oral hygiene. I always recommend drinking through a straw whenever you’re drinking a darker beverage that could stain your teeth, whenever possible,” Dr. Hoang said.
Dr. Becker continued, “For a whiter smile, you should always make sure you’re maintaining good oral hygiene, brushing and flossing twice a day. I do recommend pairing it with a whitening toothpaste as well.”
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