Anyone had their teeth whitened?

Heavenly+

I want to do this and will be willing to give up coffee once I do it.  Do I need to go to a professional or do those in-home treatments work well?

I am afraid to go to white and be made fun of but the same time, my teeth looks so yellow next to my pale skin.

hainesherway

I've used Crest Whitestrips, and I thought they worked pretty well.  The only thing that bugged me was towards the end of the treatment, my teeth got sensitive to cold beverages.

emma245

Ive done both the Zoom type whitening and the trays.  I felt like the Zoom whitening was really painful and I have a pretty high pain threshold.  I preferred the trays.  Talk to your dentist bc they usually have the best stuff out there.

UDscoobychick

I did mine through my dentist.  It was basically a peroxide gel that I'd put in a tray and wear for a bit each day.  It worked really well--I definitely noticed the difference.  The best part is that the most expensive part is making the trays (since they're custom fitted to your teeth), and I got to keep those, so my dentist said it would only be like $50 if I ever wanted a tube of the peroxide gel to touch it up.  I want to say the upfront cost to me was $200, but they were running a special where it was 50% off, so I think it would normally be ~$400.

starburst604

I use the Whitestrips once a year or so to perk up my smile a little. They work well for me. If I find my teeth/gums getting sensitive I'll reduce it from twice to once a day for a longer period. Same cumulative effect. Not sure how much whitening you are looking for, but I don't drink coffee so I may have less staining.

Heavenly+

UDscoobychick:

I did mine through my dentist.  It was basically a peroxide gel that I'd put in a tray and wear for a bit each day.  It worked really well--I definitely noticed the difference.  The best part is that the most expensive part is making the trays (since they're custom fitted to your teeth), and I got to keep those, so my dentist said it would only be like $50 if I ever wanted a tube of the peroxide gel to touch it up.  I want to say the upfront cost to me was $200, but they were running a special where it was 50% off, so I think it would normally be ~$400.

I think I like this idea.  I will check with my dentist before I do anything.

LandOBiscuit

I used Crest Whitestrips and it worked extremely well. Too bad they have all those options now. It used to be less than $30 for a 15 day treatment that was just perfect. If you have senstivie teeth, stay away from the most powerful strengh they have. But it does work and it's cheap (less than $50).

HoolyGo

I've done both professional treatments and in home treatments. For the amount of money I spent, I'd say that the professional treatment wasn't worth it. The difference in whitening was not dramatic enough to justify the price. Plus, the professional treatment made my mouth and gums sore in a way that Crest Whitestrips did not.

If your teeth are really yellow it might be worth it, but I think it's best to try the Crest Whitestrips first. Then once it's done, use a straw for drinks that can stain your teeth and/or brush your teeth right after eating foods and drinks that stain. 

achase123

I'm addicted to whitening my teeth.  I like the Crest trays as opposed to the white strips.  At least I think that's what they're called.  They're soft plastic like, almost like wax and they fit around your teeth.  The only problem I've found with them and the whitestrips is they hurt my teeth SO much when I'm doing the treatment.  i've never had a professional whitening but I find the trays work very well.

Then as maintenance I drink my coffee out of a straw.  I also brush really frequently especially because I'm a big red wine drinker.

Heavenly+

achase123:

I'm addicted to whitening my teeth.  I like the Crest trays as opposed to the white strips.  At least I think that's what they're called.  They're soft plastic like, almost like wax and they fit around your teeth.  The only problem I've found with them and the whitestrips is they hurt my teeth SO much when I'm doing the treatment.  i've never had a professional whitening but I find the trays work very well.

Then as maintenance I drink my coffee out of a straw.  I also brush really frequently especially because I'm a big red wine drinker.

 

I will have to try that drinking coffee with a straw thing, I have never even thought of that before.

I think you ladies have convinced me to try the at-home treatment first.  I am a bit nervous because I think I do have sensitive teeth so I will go lightly at first.