Crest White Strips: A Professional's Opinion

Summary

This video script offers an in-depth look at tooth whitening, addressing common concerns and guiding viewers on choosing between budget-friendly and professional options. The host, a dental professional, compares over-the-counter products like Crest Whitestrips with custom take-home professional systems, discussing their effectiveness, longevity, and potential sensitivity issues. The script also includes a product demonstration and a detailed breakdown of ingredients, emphasizing safety and enamel protection. A follow-up video will showcase a real-life comparison between the two whitening methods.

Takeaways

• 🦷 Tooth whitening is a cost-effective way to improve the appearance of one's smile and doesn't necessarily require a significant investment.
• 💡 The effectiveness of whitening depends on the enamel; some people may experience sensitivity due to thinner enamel.
• 🔬 Hydrogen peroxide-based whitening systems generally work, but the longevity of the results varies with the system chosen.
• 💰 Lower-cost systems with lower concentrations of peroxide may require more frequent applications to maintain results.
• ⚠️ Custom molded trays provide longer-lasting results compared to simpler, less expensive alternatives.
• 👨‍⚕️ The speaker, a dental professional, advises against using baking soda due to its abrasiveness, but acknowledges that hydrogen peroxide is effective for whitening.
• 🌟 Crest Whitestrips are a well-recognized OTC whitening product suitable for those on a budget, but may not whiten teeth as far back as the canines.
• 📋 The instructions for Crest Whitestrips specify they should not be used by anyone under 18, emphasizing the need for parental guidance and understanding of the product.
• 📈 Professional strength take-home whitening systems offer longer-lasting results and are less likely to cause sensitivity due to the absence of certain additives.
• 💡 The cost for professional whitening can vary significantly, starting from around $200 for a single arch to up to $500 for both arches.
• 🔑 Having straight teeth can improve the effectiveness of whitening, as it allows for more even application of the whitening gel.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is tooth whitening, discussing the effectiveness and considerations of various whitening products and methods.

Why is tooth whitening considered a cost-effective way to improve one's smile?

Tooth whitening is considered cost-effective because it can significantly enhance the appearance of one's smile without requiring extensive or expensive dental procedures.

What are some concerns people have about tooth whitening products?

People are concerned about choosing the right product, the potential for tooth sensitivity, and whether they should opt for a budget-friendly or a more professional and expensive option.

What is the dental professional's opinion on the effectiveness of hydrogen peroxide-based whitening systems?

The dental professional believes that all hydrogen peroxide-based whitening systems will work to some degree, but the longevity of the whitening effect varies depending on the system used.

Why might someone experience sensitivity when using tooth whitening products?

Some individuals have thinner enamel, which can cause sensitivity when using whitening products. The use of certain additives in the whitening products can help mitigate this side effect.

What is the difference between using a custom molded tray and an over-the-counter product like Crest Whitestrips?

A custom molded tray is designed to fit precisely over the teeth and can hold the whitening gel for a longer period, typically overnight, resulting in less frequent reapplication and potentially less sensitivity. Over-the-counter products like Crest Whitestrips may need to be reapplied more frequently and may not cover all teeth evenly.

What is the main ingredient in Crest Whitestrips that provides the whitening effect?

The main whitening ingredient in Crest Whitestrips is hydrogen peroxide, which is also used in professional whitening products.

Why might a dental professional advise against using baking soda for tooth whitening?

Baking soda is abrasive and can be harsh on the teeth, potentially causing damage. It's not recommended for tooth whitening due to its abrasiveness.

What is the recommended age for using Crest Whitestrips according to the video?

Crest Whitestrips should not be used by anyone under 18 years old, as per the product's instructions.

What are some factors that can affect the evenness of tooth whitening with strips?

Factors such as overlapping or rotated teeth can affect the evenness of whitening with strips, as the strips may not reach into all the crevices between teeth.

What is the difference between in-office whitening and take-home professional strength whitening systems?

In-office whitening typically involves a shorter duration of exposure to hydrogen peroxide, which may not provide long-term results. Take-home professional strength systems involve a customized tray that holds the gel against the teeth for a longer duration, usually overnight, which can provide more lasting results.

What is the price range for professional tooth whitening services?

The price for professional tooth whitening services can start around $200 for one arch and go up to $400-$500 for both upper and lower arches.

What is the main concern regarding the use of preservatives in whitening products?

The main concern is that some preservatives, like PVP, can potentially cause damage to gum tissue with long-term use, and there is also the risk of ingestion since some of the gel can mix with saliva.

How does the dental professional reduce sensitivity in professional whitening gels?

The dental professional reduces sensitivity by using pure carbamide peroxide with minimal additives like glycerin and water, which results in less exposure to chemicals and less sensitivity.

Outlines

00:00

🦷 Introduction to Tooth Whitening

The speaker introduces the topic of tooth whitening, emphasizing its popularity and cost-effectiveness while acknowledging the various concerns and questions people have about the process. They offer to share their professional experience with both over-the-counter and professional-grade whitening products and plan to demonstrate the whitening process on a team member to address these concerns and provide guidance on choosing the right product. They also reference a previous video discussing how whitening works and the importance of individual enamel differences in the whitening process.

05:02

🧪 Hydrogen Peroxide in Whitening Systems

The speaker discusses the role of hydrogen peroxide in tooth whitening, noting that all systems based on this compound will work to some extent but vary in longevity and effectiveness. They differentiate between simple, low-cost systems with shorter usage times and custom-molded trays that provide longer-lasting results. The speaker also mentions the use of hydrogen peroxide mixed with baking soda as a harsh, non-recommended alternative, and highlights the importance of a balanced pH in whitening products to protect enamel and minimize sensitivity.

10:04

📦 Reviewing Crest Whitestrips and Professional Systems

The speaker provides an in-depth analysis of Crest Whitestrips, a well-known over-the-counter whitening product, discussing its effectiveness, ease of use, and limitations, such as not reaching all teeth in the mouth. They mention the importance of age restrictions and parental guidance for younger users. The speaker also compares Whitestrips to professional take-home systems, which offer custom-molded trays for overnight use, providing a more even and long-lasting whitening effect. They discuss the process of creating these trays, either through traditional impressions or digital scanning, and the advantages of professional gels without preservatives.

15:06

💸 Cost Considerations and Upcoming Demonstration

The speaker addresses the cost differences between over-the-counter options like Crest Whitestrips and professional whitening services, noting that while the latter is more expensive, it offers longer-lasting results. They mention that the price for professional whitening can vary depending on the number of arches treated and the specific office. The speaker also discusses the ingredients in professional whitening gels, emphasizing the reduced sensitivity due to the absence of certain additives. They conclude by announcing an upcoming part two of the video, where a team member will test both the Crest Whitestrips and the professional custom trays to compare their effectiveness and longevity.

Keywords

💡Tooth Whitening

Tooth whitening is a dental procedure that lightens the color of teeth, typically through the use of bleaching agents. In the video, it is the central theme, with the host discussing various methods and products available for improving the appearance of one's smile. The script mentions both over-the-counter options and professional dental treatments, highlighting the differences in cost, effectiveness, and longevity of results.

💡Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a common ingredient in tooth whitening products due to its bleaching properties. The script explains that all whitening systems based on hydrogen peroxide will work to some degree, but the effectiveness and duration of the whitening effect can vary. It is also noted that the concentration of hydrogen peroxide can impact sensitivity, with higher concentrations potentially causing more discomfort.

💡Enamel

Enamel is the hard, outermost layer of a tooth that can affect the whitening process. The video mentions that the thickness and quality of enamel can influence how easily teeth whiten and the level of sensitivity experienced during the process. For instance, people with thinner enamel might experience more sensitivity and may need to be cautious with whitening treatments.

💡Sensitivity

Sensitivity is a common side effect of tooth whitening, where teeth may become temporarily more reactive to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli. The script provides tips on how to mitigate this, such as using fluoride mouthwash or desensitizing toothpaste. It also mentions that the type of whitening system and the concentration of hydrogen peroxide can affect the level of sensitivity experienced.

💡Custom Molded Tray

A custom molded tray is a dental appliance made to fit an individual's teeth precisely. In the context of the video, it is used for professional-strength take-home whitening systems, where a gel is applied to the tray and worn for several hours. The script contrasts this method with simpler, less expensive options, noting that it provides longer-lasting results due to the extended contact time with the whitening agent.

💡Crest Whitestrips

Crest Whitestrips are a well-known over-the-counter tooth whitening product. The video discusses this brand as an example of a budget-friendly option for at-home whitening. The script notes some limitations, such as the strips not covering all teeth and the need for repeat treatments to maintain results, but also acknowledges its effectiveness for quick whitening boosts.

💡Professional Strength

Professional strength refers to whitening products with higher concentrations of active ingredients, typically available through dental professionals. The video script contrasts professional strength systems with over-the-counter options, emphasizing the longer-lasting results and the custom fit of the whitening trays for even application of the gel.

💡PVP (Polyvinylpyrrolidone)

PVP is a thickening agent used in some tooth whitening products, including the Crest Whitestrips mentioned in the script. It helps the whitening gel adhere to the teeth without slipping. However, the video raises a concern about potential long-term damage to gum tissue with its use, although it acknowledges that more research is needed in this area.

💡Orthodontics

Orthodontics involves the treatment of improper bites and crooked teeth through braces or other corrective appliances. The script mentions that parents often inquire about whitening their children's teeth after orthodontic treatment. It is noted that whitening should be done with caution and under supervision for teenagers, reflecting the video's emphasis on safety and appropriate use of whitening products.

💡Carbamide Peroxide

Carbamide peroxide is a form of peroxide used in tooth whitening products. The video script explains that professional whitening gels may use pure carbamide peroxide to reduce sensitivity and the number of preservatives and thickeners, which can contribute to a more comfortable whitening experience with fewer side effects.

💡In-office Whitening

In-office whitening refers to dental procedures performed by a professional in a clinical setting. The script mentions that while in-office whitening can provide immediate results, the host has found that the long-term effectiveness may not be satisfactory for some patients, leading to a preference for customized at-home whitening systems.

Highlights

Tooth whitening is a cost-effective way to improve the appearance of one's smile.

There are various tooth whitening options, ranging from budget-friendly to professional-grade.

Dental professional shares personal experience with different whitening products.

A demonstration on a team member will address common concerns about tooth whitening.

Different enamel types affect the ease and sensitivity of whitening.

Tips to mitigate whitening side effects like sensitivity are provided.

All hydrogen peroxide-based whitening systems work to some degree but vary in longevity.

Custom molded trays provide longer-lasting whitening compared to simpler systems.

A homemade method using hydrogen peroxide and baking soda is mentioned but not recommended due to abrasiveness.

The importance of a balanced pH in whitening gels to prevent enamel harm is discussed.

Crest Whitestrips are a well-recognized OTC whitening system with a respectable reputation.

Whitestrips may not cover all teeth, especially those beyond the canines.

Crest Whitestrips are not recommended for anyone under 18 without proper supervision.

The ingredients in Crest Whitestrips are analyzed for safety and effectiveness.

Professional take-home whitening systems offer a customized mold for better gel application.

Price points for professional whitening vary, with options for single or double arch treatments.

Professional gels like Pola are used without many preservatives to reduce sensitivity.

A follow-up video will demonstrate the comparison between Crest Whitestrips and custom trays.

Transcripts

hey everyone welcome back to my channel

today I really want to dive deeper into

tooth whitening of course it's one of

the hottest simple cost-effective things

someone can do to improve the appearance

of their smile and it really doesn't

have to cost a lot and yet there's all

kinds of questions and you know concerns

about it people don't know what to

choose they don't know whether spend a

little bit of money and hope for the

best or they should invest in something

more you know more professional so I'd

like as a dental professional myself to

give you my experience with both types

of products and you know we're gonna be

doing actually a demo demonstration on

one of our team members and we're going

to be clarifying some of the concerns

that people have and hopefully give you

some guidance as to what maybe you would

like to try so you know somewhat of a

product review and also just a

clarification of the whole process so if

that interests you stay tuned and we

will get started so the first thing I

want to just quickly review I did do a

video about this before and it was

talking about you know how whitening

works and just you know why what to

expect from whitening is you know

looking at the enamel some people have

great enamel that whitens really easily

and it isn't sensitive and then other

people have thinner enamel and they have

so much sensitivity they try a couple

nights or a couple days applications and

they just stop so you have to realize

that I mean hopefully you're one of

these people that really can continue on

and whiten I did give some tips on how

to you know kind of mitigate these side

effects like sensitivity which is only

temporarily temporary like using you

know a fluoride mouthwash or

desensitization toothpaste and even

taking Advil while you're whitening that

can really cut down but again you can go

back to that video check that out and

hopefully you know this will continue on

helped you figure out which products you

want to use the first thing I want to

say is that I believe to some degree all

hydrogen peroxide based whitening

systems

we'll work you'll probably see some

results what the difference is what I

really see and again my experience

through just from my own patients and

through the trays that you know we

provide here is and even what you'll see

on the ingredients or the sort of

description on the box of let's say and

take home or over-the-counter product is

that they're not gonna promise it's

going to last so the whitening ability

is there but the amount of time you're

going to get out of the product is

really really going to be different

depending on the system you choose so

the very simple system is with low price

and peroxide with shorter time so if

someone says you know only gonna be it's

a half hour a day that you need to

whiten that system is going to weigh in

your teeth but I really see a difference

in those patients and how many times per

year or over a period of a few years

that they have to rewrite and versus

someone who uses a custom molded tray

where the gel sits in the audience the

teeth but for a very long period which

is up you know anywhere from six to

eight hours a lot of my myself my team

we have hardly ever rewind in years and

it's because we've had access of course

to the you know custom systems that are

the professional strength so if you

really are on a budget I have had

friends I'm gonna be perfectly honest

here and speak you know candidly I have

had friends who have used the hydrogen

peroxide mixed with baking soda which is

rather harsh I might add and just done

exposure or brushing of the teeth

now the worrisome about that is that the

direct baking soda is very harsh you

know it's abrasive to the teeth

so I don't recommend it but again what I

noticed interestingly it was that the

three percent hydrogen peroxide is the

same three percent or three point three

percent that's

and you know our formulations so you

know 3% hydroperoxide out of it

cheap no-name bottle of hydroperoxide

like this is certainly still there what

I said before is you know it's the

amount of times you're gonna have to do

that to keep your teeth white and so do

you want to whiten once or twice and

then be done and not you know be

abrasive to your teeth or do you want to

just again just try to get away with

just trying to whiten them with some

toothbrush and some Joe so I think that

we really have to consider you know

hydrogen peroxide really whitens teeth

it's an acidic formulation but when we

add other things with it we create a

better ph balance so that it doesn't

harm the enamel and that it doesn't

cause you any harm so the thing about

tooth whitening if it's done with the

right concentration and with the right

additives with the gels that come with

the gels either in the white strips or

the take-home we're not harming the

enamel because we're sort of

neutralizing and we're not using a high

percentage of hydrogen peroxide so the

product we're going to be trying out

that on our team member on the live

demonstration and also on you know for

that I'm going to be talking about today

is Crest Whitestrips it's pretty much

the most well recognized tooth whitening

system over-the-counter and honestly

they've had years doing this and I feel

that it is definitely a respectable

brand that again if you're on a budget

you certainly have no nothing to lose

thing about the Crest Whitestrips that I

have always sort of had a little bit of

an issue with is it seems to only reach

far as far back as your round your

canines so as you know like a smile kind

of goes further than the canines there's

other teeth behind the canines that are

full part of a nice full smile that are

not going to get whitened if you just

use the way strips however it gives you

a quick boost if you certainly have to

expect to be able to

to use them at least once a year and

again doesn't because it doesn't last as

long but at the same time if you're

going somewhere and again you're on a

budget absolutely I feel that it's

probably going to give us good results

but we are gonna try it on our team team

member tanja and one of the other things

about the way strips that is important

to note is that it does make it very

clear in the instructions that they

don't recommend anyone 18 or younger or

in it you have to be 18 years or older

to do the whitening a lot of questions a

lot of parents come in you know that

kids have finished their orthodontics

and they want to know if their child can

wait and because again that's this

that's the society we live in and

sometimes the teeth do need a little

freshening up we are very careful to

whiten teenagers teeth when we do give a

little bit of whitening gel to to finish

a northern orthodontic case or

Invisalign case no matter what the age I

guess if their teenager we're doing it

with close supervision so I believe I'm

sure that you know the wave crest white

nurse strips are okay to use and I'm

sure there are people using them under

18 however you know really want to you

make sure there's great parental

guidance there and that there's a good

understanding of you know what you're

doing or not doing with this room so

just a little disclaimer there I think

it's important to think about age and

think about supervision so let's get

into the ingredients I've written some

things down so I'm gonna put my glasses

on so I can read this so the crest 3d

luxe professional effects whitening

strips claimed to be just as effective

as a professional formulated brand with

safe enamel ingredients so this is what

crest 3d luxe professional white strips

had on their website and this is what

they claim they can

so the first is that deliver

professional level teeth whitening at

home they will give you results that

will last 12 months and beyond so I'm

not sure again at least 12 months they

will remove 14 years of stains or a

whiter smile okay they will the strips

will mold to the shape of your teeth and

you can even use them while drinking

water so they don't want to interrupt

you know your life so if you're

whitening at home you know you can

certainly have a drink of water with

them in that's that of course is true

the other thing is they talk about is

that PvP which is a thickening agent for

no slip so these little sheets that go

on your teeth it's a little worried is

that they will slip off your teeth

especially if you're talking or whatever

because you're not using them while

you're sleeping and the hydrogen

peroxide the bleaching agent is 9.5% and

that's actually what we use in our

products as well you can get the supreme

for 14.5% but again the problem that

i've noticed is that the higher the

strength of more sensitivity that

patients will get the sodium hydroxide

is a pH balancer and they have a carbon

bar which is a thickener and there's

glycerin in there it keeps the strip

from drying out but there's nothing in

these strips known to be bad for enamel

of teeth or teeth and it's safe to use

but do remember that some of this does

get ingested while wearing as your

saliva will mix with it and that is the

other thing about again the strip's you

know if you're doing a lot of talking or

you're you know you're had them on for

any amount of time there's going to be a

little bit of ingestion I'm sure that's

also partly why they would not want

anyone 18 years or younger using them so

I've looked into what PvP does and it

does suggest that there can be some

damage to gum tissue with long-term use

and the PvP is

the ingredient again that's in the

weight weight strips but whether or not

that damage is you know long-term

effects or just a short-term visual

change in the gums I actually don't have

information on that but that's something

that we're going to be looking into I

think that you know when you have

anything with that has to have a long

shelf life you have to remember that

there has to be agents and and

preservatives and things like that in

the gel with with these products to help

keep them stable for a long time

professional whitening that doesn't have

to have these preservatives because

again we're using more of it more often

and we do refrigerate our gel so that it

lasts without the preservatives in it

the other thing about the wait strips

and then I've always had an issue with

and this is why of course having

straight teeth is another advantage too

before you whiten is that when you're

placing the strip's you're really just a

tearing them or you're pushing the strip

into around every tooth if you've got

significant overlap of teeth or

rotations or turns of your teeth it's

not going to get into those little

crevices like an actual gel that just

sitting over the teeth in a tray that

I'm going to show you in a minute that

we do with that with the custom to take

home professional strength and that is a

little bit of an issue because you may

see inconsistencies in the amount of

whitening you're get in between like

where the teeth you know kind of sit

against one another then you would in

the body or the front side of the tooth

so you want an even whitening and

certainly you can get some

inconsistencies if you have crowded

teeth so it's always better and my

recommendation is to have you know

straighter the teeth the better for many

reasons but another reason is to you

know have that whitener work a little

more effectively if you have perfectly

straight teeth I honestly think that you

could get a great start on whitening

with just the Crest Whitestrips and

perhaps see good results especially if

you need that quick efficient

cost-effective option

don't think it's gonna harm your teeth

and in fact if you're you know if you

just follow the instructions very

carefully and understand or not be

disappointed when you have to redo it in

a few months then there's no there's

nothing so now I want to talk about the

professional strength take-home systems

I have done in office cuz you know

customized whitening as well I have

found immediately great results but what

I've unfortunately felt that my patients

were long-term disappointed because

again do the short duration of the

exposure to the hydrogen peroxide there

was not enough long-term results so

again we have no longer do that in our

clinic and I know some clinics do and

that's great but I just really don't see

the longevity there you know again I see

the great results of beginning longevity

is not there for those that type of

whitening but when you do whitening at

home we make you a special customized

mold that goes over the teeth and that

will essentially be the carrier or the

holder of the gel overnight so while you

sleep there's about six to eight hours

there hopefully if you get enough sleep

to where the to wear that and it sucks

down over the teeth very carefully and

keeps any gel from seeping out which

means you're not swallowing the gel and

also it really helps hold gel very nice

and a very thin even way against the

front sides of the teeth so you're going

to apply the gel to the front side of

this special tray so I'm going to show

you that now

so there's two types of ways we can do

models we do the stone model where we'll

take an impression but one of the other

things we started doing is making our

models with this digital printing so we

have digital printing here in the office

and we will take a scan of your mouth

and then

in within a few hours we can have a you

know a beautiful model that's printed

and it's a really comfortable easy way

to take these impressions so once we

have that then we're going to take your

model and we're gonna create like a

little blue thin layer and what we're

doing is we're simulating where the gel

is going to go against the teeth so if

you look at this tray it doesn't it kind

of looks like an Invisalign aligner but

it's very very what I would call very

soft so it's very flexible and it's very

thin okay and the gel is going to gel is

going to be injected to the front side

of each tooth so we're gonna push it and

it's going to be in the stimulation

thickness of what you see in the blue

which is on this tray so we've created a

border on this that goes up above the

teeth so that gel doesn't seep out past

the area where we want to whiten and yet

it stays against the tooth and the nice

of full-thickness properly for you while

you whiten or while you sleep

so you can see it just sits right down

over the over you're gonna snap it over

the teeth like this and again the gel

pretending that the gel is the simulated

blue the price point however for

professional whitening it varies between

offices sometimes we will there's a base

cost some people just really can't

afford to do upper and lower they see

they say you know I don't see my lower

teeth if we just want to up whiten my

upper teeth that's the possibility that

is certainly cheaper than if you want to

do upper and lower I do find that the

price points for tooth whitening

beginning with one arch only start

around $200 and couldn't go up to with

two arches can go up to you know four or

five hundred dollars so again it's about

what can you invest early on what can

you afford to give you the results you

need

want and then be more confident that

it's gonna last a long time maybe you

don't want to be doing this every year

so you would rather just make the

investment in the custom whitening up

front and then you know basically not

have to worry about it anymore and to

compare the cost of Crest Whitestrips is

about fifty dollars for you know one

package I guess so definitely a lot less

expensive but that just so that you have

an idea if you go to the drugstore you

can get the weights just for about fifty

dollars and again with the office it can

be up to four four five hundred dollars

gels that we use and the professional

strengths are not using many

preservatives so our gels but we use is

what's called Pola day there's Pola

night and pull a day and I'm gonna show

you right now this particular one oh

yeah so we'll get there and what it is

is this 9.5% so it's the lowest strength

I can give you because the highest

strength the higher the strength go up

to up to 22% will cause more sensitivity

one of the things that we did to help

reduce our patient sensitivity is

removing the carbamide part of the gel

so when you don't have the some of these

other ingredients preservatives and

thickeners in the gel then it actually

reduces the sensitivity so we have

patients with generally not a lot of

sensitivity there's still some of course

but by having just pure carbamide

peroxide with just some you know

glycerin and water nothing extra in it

then we're giving you something that is

like less less exposure to chemicals I

guess but also that's going to give you

great results with lessons to be so

that's it for today's video

I hope that clarified things for you we

are going to be doing a part two for

this video and that is where we actually

have our team member tanja she's going

be trying out both systems we're gonna

do half of her mouth with the custom

overnight trays she's great

willing participant and half with the

Crest Whitestrips again I really believe

we're probably going to get very similar

results but we'll have to stay tuned to

see that we're going to be about a month

from now we're gonna be showing you that

but again it's like you know how long

does it last and that's what I've found

is generally the results may not may be

great at first but they just don't last

as long so I hope that you look into

that and we will see you next time