Ever done teeth whitening?

[Dave Gray]

I've done it once before a few years ago, from Whitestrips from the grocery store.  I think I had results, but I didn't take a picture anything to compare things directly.

I go work for a company that sells this stuff, and they sent me a sample in the mail, so I'm trying them again.  These ones have little mouthpieces that you boil and then put gel in.  I'm on my 2nd day.  Day 1 was fine.  Day 2 really hurt my gums and left them white and bloody.  I have to go another 8 days.  My teeth are only a little bit sensitive at this point...nothing too bad.

What were your results?  Do you do it often?  Are you considering trying?

[Phishfan]

I tried those strips from the store. I couldn't tell if it made a difference or not. Anything leaving my gums white and bleeding would not be used a third day.

[Thundergod]

Tried the mouthpiece and the strips. Didn't really get the results I expected. I never achieved true white, it looked more like I had white stains. Complete whiteness, nope. I read that the whitening products are good to maintain already white teeth, or maybe getting a shade lighter. But I'm still not convinced that those products get your teeth white white.

[Brian Fein]

I have been researching these because I want to use them.  I have been using whitening toothpaste and mouthwash but the results are suspect.  I feel like I would like the trays better than the strips.  I agree with Phish though, I wouldn't continue using them if they left my gums "white and bloody." 

However, I'd be willing to give your company's product a try.

[Dave Gray]

My gums were definitely sensitive afterward, and the white seemed to be similar to what you'd expect from using hydrogen peroxide.  ...it didn't last, though.  My teeth are a little bit more cold sensitive today than yesterday, which says that I should expect on the package.   ...like I said, I took a pic of my teeth next to a piece of paper, and I'll do one when it's done from the same distance, with the same lighting, to get an idea.  If I'm not too horrified by the pics, I'll post them.

[Buddhagirl]

I'm afraid to try tooth whitening. The whitening toothpastes makes my teeth hurt, so I'm sure the strips would be a disaster for me.

[bsfins]

^^WORD...I use baking soda...I've thought about it a couple of times,but not enough to actually buy.Now that Dave mentioned hydrogen peroxide I'll never try it,peroxide is the one thing I tend to get an allergic reaction too...

[Dave Gray]

Day 3 is down.  It was much easier tonight, but I was careful to only apply the gel to the trays where there's be minimal gum contact.  We'll see how the sensitivity is tomorrow.

[dolphins4life]

Does it fight germs?  Or is just like painting your teeth?       

[Dave Gray]

It's not like painting.  It's probably more like "stripping" or "bleaching".  It doesn't have any medicinal effect, from what I'm aware of.  In fact, you're only supposed to do it one a year or once every six months or something like that.  It takes off enamel, which you need to build back so you don't get damage.

[Phishfan]

^^^ I may be wrong, but I don't think enamel can regenrate or build back up. Once damaged it is damaged.

[Lee]

Can you build back enamel?  I have over-brushed my teeth that they are a little bit yellow because I have less enamel than normal people.  Its one of the main things that really bothers me about my appearance.  I wish I could get my teeth whiter, but I don't think it will be possible unless someone here knows a solution?

[Buddhagirl]

Can you build back enamel?  I have over-brushed my teeth that they are a little bit yellow because I have less enamel than normal people.  Its one of the main things that really bothers me about my appearance.  I wish I could get my teeth whiter, but I don't think it will be possible unless someone here knows a solution?

Couldn't you get veneers?

[Lee]

Couldn't you get veneers?

Veneers aren't a good decision due to possible bad side effects (cavities, etc).  Plus I don't want to look fake.

[Buddhagirl]

Veneers aren't a good decision due to possible bad side effects (cavities, etc).  Plus I don't want to look fake.

They rot your teeth? Ew.