(Closed) OTC, affordable, effective teeth whiteners

• Mrs. Spring
• 9 years ago

• Wedding: May 2009

Hmmm, well my Fi and I are trying out some OTC products right now to see what works best.  So far, I am using the Crest Extra Whitening Toothpaste (it’s in a blue box) and he is using the Rembrandt equivalent.  I don’t like the Crest strips either because they don’t work well for me and they leave a film on my teeth.   Also, the Crest trays don’t work because my mouth is too small for them and my teeth don’t get all the way covered.  I’ll let you know how it goes, but if you want a home remedy, I’ve heard brushing your teeth with yellow mustard and cigar ashes does wonders.  That’s if you can stand it, of course!

• Hollie720
• 9 years ago

I have really white teeth and it’s all thanks to the peroxide I’ve been brushing with since I was about 15.(I’m 31 now) I just gargle a little before I brush.  It works wonders! Everyone that has ever tried it has been happy w/ the results. I don’t know how fast it will work or when your wedding is…but it’s worth a shot. Peroxide is SO cheap. I swear by it and both dentists that I have gone to in the past 6 years have commented on how white my teeth are and asked which whitening method I had done…then I told them the trick and they agreed that it works wonders. I have a cousin who always mentions how white my teeth are and when I tell her it’s just the peroxide she always says" Yeah, you’ve been telling me that for years but I don’t believe you. So, what did you really do?" ha….so it’s worth a shot if you have the time to try..and if not, it’s always something you can do once you get your teeth whitened to KEEP them white long after your wedding. White teeth are a sign of youthfulness..so I’m all about keeping my teeth as white as possible. good luck!

• Mrs. Spring
• 9 years ago

• Wedding: May 2009

I’m not sure WHY it works, but my Future Father-In-Law swears that he has used it before with amazing results.  Personally, I’m not brave enough to brush my teeth with mustard and ashes, but maybe someone else on here would do it and report back?   😉

• teris
• 9 years ago

• Wedding: June 2009

The Advanced Seal Crest Whitestrips are GREAT! They do make your teeth really sensitive but after only 2 or 3 strips, there’s a noticeable difference. So much so I have kind of falen off the Whitestrip wagon; I keep forgetting because my teeth are already so much whiter!

• rosychicklet
• 9 years ago

• Wedding: September 2008

I found that flossing really improved the color of my teeth.  It got rid of all the discoloration around the edges, between the teeth.  I just used regular floss, but they also sell whitening floss.

• Hollie720
• 9 years ago

YES…flossing IS a good idea, too.

 The last time I got my teeth cleaned at the dentist, I remember them looking even whiter so having them professionally cleaned is another idea.

• bridezilla09
• 9 years ago

My teeth are super white! I started about 2 months ago brushing with water and baking soda after a brush with whitening toothpaste. Then I rinse with crest whitening mouthwash. You can use peroxide and water. I also use whitening strips (crest)about twice a week. One of my bridesmaid actually thought I had went and got my teeth professionally whitened. Crazy Uh? I have had people try and say that baking soda is bad for your teeth and it’s ok. I have asked my dentist about it…..it’s fine!

-crest whitening toothpaste

-baking soda w/H2o

-crest whitening mouthwash

-crest whitening strips (2X a Wk)

HOPE THIS HELPS YOUR SMILE FOR YOUR BIG DAY!

• Mrs. Bruschetta
• 9 years ago

• Wedding: August 2009 - St. Thomas of Villanova Church & the F.U.E.L. House

I haven’t used any, but love the whitening I get from flossing regularly (it really does make a difference!) and drinking lots of water (particularly after red wine, tomato sauce/gravy, etc.).  Combined with a whitening treatment, this regimen would probably make a HUGE impact!

• mizunoheaven
• 9 years ago

• Wedding: June 2009

there are a lot of great suggestions.

I realize you are going to get them bleached at a med spa, but you could do a few things in the meantime or even as post treatment to help keep them white.

1.  As Hollie mentioned, peroxide is great. not only will it help whiten but it kills germs, and doesn’t that make us all feel good? however, you could actually mix the peroxide with baking soda, I had a hairdresser that used to do this, her teeth were very white. 

2. Listerine whitening wash is AMAZING. I love it. 

3. Crest makes different levels of bleaching, typically the most intense forms are a little more $$ but have few treatments. But I will admit that I personally like the lower strength strips and only wear one set a month when or about that regularly. I have sensitive teeth and they are already pretty white. Too much more and I think it might be obnoxious. But I might not feel this way if I lived in Dalles, LA or FL (only because I see these as places where I notice more "things" about women).

4. Certainly a cleaning is great as it polishes the teeth and that can help get an even penetration of the whitening agents.

And of course your selection of lipstick can make a huge difference.

• Future Mrs M
• 9 years ago

• Wedding: November 2001

Arm and Hammer has a whitening toothpaste that is AWESOME! Check around dentist office and see if they have any  specials going on. I know we will have coupons sometimes for some around here.

• dancerchick
• 9 years ago

• Wedding: September 2010

Crest White Strips are really good. Sometimes you have to use two boxes though. I think they give you a refund if you don’t like it. You can use that to buy another box if one isnt enough. I tried the whole peroxide and baking soda bit and it didnt work for me :(. The white strips are about $40.