Find out answers retalting to:

    •    Crest Whitestrips
    •    Teeth Whitening Kits (moulds / trays)

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Crest Whitestrips

Q. How do Crest Whitestrips work?
A.Crest Whitestrips are thin, flexible strips that are coated with a tooth whitening gel containing peroxide and are designed to conform to the shape of your teeth. They work by keeping the whitening gel on your teeth long enough to get at stain build-up below tooth enamel to visibly whiten your teeth. Crest makes 30-minute twice a day strips as well as 5-minute once a day strips for more convenient whitening

Q. How do I use Whitestrips?
A It is best if you do not brush your teeth immediately before applying strips. Open the pouch and remove the strip. Peel the strips from the backing liner and align with gum line. Press gently for good contact. Fold the rest of strip behind teeth to keep in place. Wear strips for required amount of time, then remove and discard.

Q. Is it okay to use Whitestrips back to back?
A Yes. With all the Whitestrips products except Supreme you can use one strip right after the other (back-to-back). Wear strips for the time instructed, then remove; rinse or wipe if needed, then apply a second strip. Remember if you do get any tooth sensitivity cease use and consult your dentist. Once you have used your initial Crest 3D Whitestrips it is recommended that you use Crest 3D Stain Shield the ongoing 5 minute a day treatment.
  

Q. What happens if I skip an application?
A. You can skip or miss a couple of applications without affecting your whitening benefit.

Q. Can I switch strips (wear upper strip on bottom teeth and vice versa)?
A. We do not recommend switching strips. Although the strips would still work if switched, each upper strip is designed specifically to cover the area of your upper teeth while each lower strip is designed specifically to cover the area of your lower teeth. These shapes were designed to keep the strips in place while covering those teeth that show when you smile. Wearing a lower strip on your upper teeth will result in you covering less area on your upper smile teeth.

Q. Can I reuse a strip?
A Using a strip over again will not provide any tooth whitening benefits. Even though there may be some gel remaining on the strip when you take it off, most of the peroxide is gone.

Q. I dropped a strip in the sink after pulling from the backing. Can I still use it?
A.It's not recommended. Start over with a new strip.

Q. Is it okay to use Crest Whitestrips on my back teeth?
A. It is not recommended. The strips provided for your upper and lower teeth are designed to fit the front teeth only. Using the strips on the back teeth may result in the strips coming loose and eventually falling off during the wear period.

Q. What happens if after using Whitestrips, I have white spots on my teeth?
A. The white spots are temporary. These spots are not harmful and will go away. The white spots are caused by a loss of water from the tooth enamel. This water loss is not harmful and will go away within a few hours.

Q. What if I experience excessive foaming or saliva while using Whitestrips?
A. You're experiencing a natural reaction between your saliva and the hydrogen peroxide on our Whitestrips. Saliva increases whenever you place an object of any kind in your mouth. Together they make a foam.

Q. What do I do if the strips keep coming off?
A. Try using a mirror to properly apply the strips, making sure the strip is in good contact with the teeth. If the strips begin to slip, close your mouth and create suction to tighten the strips up again. Don't touch the strips excessively with your tongue. You can try gently tucking the strip in the spaces between your teeth with your fingernail, then folding it behind your teeth. You can also try new Crest Advanced Seal- specially designed to strongly adhere to your teeth better with a new revolutionary formula.

Q. How do I remove gel left on my teeth after using strips?
A. Since the left over gel isn't harmful, you can do any of the following:
    •    Rinse your mouth with water
    •    Wipe the gel off your teeth
    •    Brush it off
    •    Leave it, as it will dissolve eventually

Q. Will my teeth be more susceptible to stains after using Whitestrips?
A. No. Whitestrips will not cause your teeth to stain faster.

Q. Can I eat while wearing Whitestrips?
A. Eating while wearing a strip is not recommended. Doing so will affect whitening results.

Q. Can I drink water while wearing Whitestrips?
    A.    It is okay to drink water while wearing the high adhesion Crest Whitestrips Advance Seal whitening strips. Drinking while wearing our other strips is not recommended. Doing so will affect results.

Q. Can I wear Whitestrips overnight while I sleep?
A. No, do not wear Whitestrips overnight or while sleeping.

Q. Can I brush my teeth immediately before using Whitestrips?
A. Do NOT brush immediately BEFORE applying strips. To avoid gum irritation, allow for some time to pass after you have brushed your teeth to apply strips.

Q. Can I brush my teeth immediately after using Whitestrips?
A. Yes, after using Whitestrips, you can brush gently.

Q. Can I use Whitestrips after a professional cleaning from a dentist or hygienist?
A. You may want to wait a few days after a cleaning before using Crest Whitestrips, otherwise, you may experience increased tooth sensitivity. We recommend you discuss this with your dentist.

Q. Can I use a whitening toothpaste while using Whitestrips?
A. Yes. We recommend using Crest Vivid White while you're whitening your teeth. To help maintain whiter teeth after using Crest Whitestrips, we recommend using a Crest Whitening Toothpaste to gently polish away surface stains daily.

Q. Can I use mouthwash after using Whitestrips?
A. It's OK to rinse with an over the counter mouthwash after using Crest Whitestrips. We recommend using Crest Whitening Rinse to help maintain your whiter teeth.

Q. My Crest Whitestrips is expired. Can I still use it?
A. We do not recommend using Crest Whitestrips that have passed the best used by date, they won't work as well for you.

Q. Will Whitestrips work past their expiration date?
A. Although Crest Whitestrips that has passed its expiration date is still safe, we don't recommend using it past its expiration date, as the whitening ingredient's efficacy will be weakened.

Q. What if I don't see results after using the Whitestrips?
    A.    If your teeth are significantly discolored, you may need to use 2 boxes of Crest Whitestrips initially to get the desired result. We recommend using a Crest whitening toothpaste to gently polish away surface stains daily.

Q. Can I floss my teeth while wearing Whitestrips?
A. No, the strips conform to the surfaces of your teeth, so flossing would pull the strip out of place.

Q. Can I smoke while using Whitestrips?
A. No, do not smoke while while wearing a strip. Doing so could cause the strips to dislodge from the teeth, thus affecting the whitening results.

Q. Will Whitestrips remove smoking stains?
A. Yes, however, smoking stains can be difficult to remove and may take a little longer. If you continue to smoke, your teeth may discolor faster.

Q. Can I use Whitestrips while I am outside in the sun?
A. Yes, however do not store the strips in the sun or heat.

Q. Can I use Whitestrips to bleach facial hair, age spots, fingernails, etc.?
A. Crest Whitestrips is only intended to whiten natural teeth.

Q. Can Whitestrips be used by children?
A. We have not conducted research with children under 12. No Crest Whitestrips product is intended for use in children under the age of 12.
NOTE: Crest Whitestrips Supreme (which is available only from dental professionals) should NOT be used in persons under age 18.

Q. Can I cut the Whitestrips into smaller pieces to fit them into different spots in my mouth?
A. No. If cut into smaller pieces, the strips could dislodge from the teeth and have the potential to become aspirated.

Q. Can I add additional peroxide to the strip before applying it to my teeth?
A. It is not recommended. No data is available on the safety of effectiveness of adding additional peroxide to a Crest Whitestrips. Also, adding anything to the strip will affect its ability to stick to the tooth surface, thus affecting whitening results.

Q. Do you have a teeth whitening chart so I can see my progress?
A. We don't offer a tooth color comparison chart. However, after a few days, many people who use Crest Whitestrips can already see a brighter difference in their smile. Friends or family may also begin to comment on the change! You can also see the result by looking at your back teeth.

Q. What should I do if I have skin irritation from getting gel on my skin?
    A.    Prolonged contact with your skin may cause small, white spots on your skin. These white spots are not harmful and will disappear. Be sure to rinse off any gel that gets on your skin.

Teeth Whitening Kits (moulds / trays)

1) Is bleaching safe or does it damage the tooth?
To our knowledge nothing detrimental has been documented and microscopic research shows no changes to the tooth surface with use of 10% bleaching solution. Most research available was initially done with a 10% concentration. There is no literature that we have come across showing any structural changes or irreversible damage to the tooth structure whatsoever.

2)What are the side effects of tooth whitening?
All bleaching gel causes some degree of tooth sensitivity. This is sensitivity to cold/hot fluids and even air can cause discomfort. This is normal and an expected side effect. Some of the brands of bleaching gel contain desensitizing agents which claim to alleviate post bleaching sensitivity. From customer feedback, this doesn’t seem to be noticeably effective. All bleaching causes tooth sensitivity and we recommend to either discontinue use for a few days and the sensitivity will dissipate within 24-48 hrs.  Don’t be concerned as bleaching does not need to be done consecutively. You will get to the same whitening point, it will just take a little longer. A better alternative option is to use Dr. Collins Desensitizing Gel which is applied after bleaching in the same manner as the bleach. For maximum benefit use the Dr. Collins Desensitizing Gel and a desensitizing toothpaste like Sensodyne or any of the over the counter toothpastes containing potassium nitrate as the active ingredient will help.

3). How long will it take for teeth to become their whitest?
Results vary. Some teeth whiten dramatically in just a few days, while others can take a few months. The majority of people whiten within 2-3 weeks.  The more yellow versus gray color you have in your teeth, the better the bleaching. Grey enamel similar to that of Tetracycline (antibiotic) staining is more difficult to bleach and can take a few months to achieve a result.

4) How long the whitening will results last?
Generally, immediately after bleaching, the color will fade slightly and then remain stable for approx. 6 months to a year, sometimes longer. It is recommended for maintenance to touch up your smile every 4-6 months with 1-2 applications.

5) What do the different bleaching percentages mean?
The percentages (%’s) prefer to the concentration of bleaching agent. It is generally accepted that the higher the % of bleaching agent, the stronger the bleach and the more effective it is at bleaching. There is however, no objective research to substantiate it. One of the main advantages of the higher % is reduced wearing time. 10 - 16% can be worn for a few hours to overnight, where as a 20-22% bleach should only be used for 1 hour per application.

6) What is the shelf life and wearing time of bleaching gel?
Generally the shelf life of most bleaching gel is approx. 2 yrs if refrigerated and 1 yr un-refrigerated. Un-refrigerated bleach should be stored in a dry cool environment. The wearing time is based on the strength of bleaching gel.
    •    10% -16% can be used for minutes to overnight  if no sensitivity
    •    20- 22% - 1 hr / application)

7)Why it is not recommended to bleach your teeth or use whitestrips while pregnant or nursing?
No research has been done into bleaching teeth while nursing or pregnant, so manufacturers for liability reasons recommend NOT to bleach while pregnant or nursing.

6)Will bleaching gel whiten my veneers, caps (crowns) and bonding?
All bleaching agents used to whiten teeth will only work on natural tooth structure. This means that all dental work including but not limited to bonding, veneers, crowns (caps) and bridges will NOT bleach or whiten. All dental work would need to be replaced to match the newly whitened teeth.

8). What brand of bleaching system/gel does The McCann Agency recommend?
There is no objective research at the present time comparing the different tooth whitening systems or the effectiveness of various bleaching gels currently available. They all work, some bleaching gels just gets you there quicker. They will all eventually get you to the same bleaching plateau (maximum whitening). Results vary, some teeth whiten very well as others show minimal changes no matter what product is used. We recommend to stay with a brand or strength that has worked for you and to maybe try another brand or strength if you are unhappy with your current bleaching results.  Ultimately the choice of bleach agent is really a personal one.

9)What is the difference between carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide bleaching gel?
There are 2 main bleaching ingredients. Carbamide peroxide (e.g.Day White & Bdazzled) and hydrogen peroxide (e.g. Crest Whitestrips,and Nite White). Comparatively, a 7.5% hydrogen peroxide is equivalent to a 16% carbamide peroxide while a 9.5% hydrogen peroxide is equivalent to a 26% carbamide peroxide.

Carbamide peroxide actually breaks down into hydrogen peroxide. Patients must wear Nite White for a longer period of time so that the carbamide can break down in to hydrogen peroxide, the active ingredient. The only real difference for you is the wearing time. Nite White was first developed in a 10% solution to be used overnight, allowing time for the carbamide peroxide to breakdown into hydrogen peroxide. With the demand for a more effective bleaching agent, the 16% and 22% were launched. The 16% can also be used overnight while the 22% is used for 1 hour only. Both Day White and Nite White will take you to the same bleaching end point.

Theoretically it would appear then that Day White 9.5% would be more effective but there is no research to substantiate this. Likewise Bdazzled Xpress is 29.5% carbamide peroxide and Bdazzled Professional 24.5% carbamide peroxide.

10)How many bleaching syringes do I need to buy in order to whiten my teeth?
As brands of syringes vary in the amount of bleaching gel, it is easier to quantify by using the ml’s or cc’s (same thing) and NOT the number of syringes. It is generally accepted that each treatment requires approx 0.5 ml’s (cc’s) of bleaching gel per application. The average person with yellow teeth will therefore needs about 10-15ml’s (cc’s). Keep in mind that you may need to do touch-up's at a later date to maintain the whitening. Grayish colored teeth are more difficult to whiten and will require additional bleaching gel. Keep in mind that only a small droplet needs to be placed on the inside surface of the outer wall of your custom made whitening tray opposite each of the front 8 teeth. It is not necessary to whiten the teeth towards the back of your mouth as these teeth are not usually visible when you smile.

11)How long I should refrain from coffee and red wine after bleaching?
It is recommended to avoid such during whitening and for 1 week after tooth bleaching. McCann Agency Ltd however recommends not changing your lifestyle. If you feel that your teeth have yellowed over time, it is okay to do touch-up bleaching 1-2 applications every 4-6 months as needed.

12)Will teeth whiten to the same degree on everyone?
No…Results vary. Some teeth whiten dramatically in just a few days, while others may take weeks to months to show a difference, if any. The more yellow versus gray color you have in your teeth, the better the bleaching result. Grey enamel similar to that of Tetracycline (antibiotic) staining is more difficult to bleach. Some normal teeth will achieve only minor whitening improvement no matter what product you use. Results cannot be guaranteed.

13)The area of the teeth near the gums is still not as white as the rest of the tooth?
Make sure that the bleach covers the entire surface of the tooth and not just the bottom half. The average tooth will usually have a seamless whitening transition from whiter at the bottom of the tooth (biting surface) to less white towards the gum line. This is normal and an expected result. This is due to thinner enamel in this area allowing more show through of the tooth color. Very few cases have total uniform whiteness. With grayish teeth, the transition is occasionally somewhat more noticeable. One might see a demarcation area / line between the 2 areas. Keep in mind that whitening fades and the tooth will in most instances gradually blend. In some cases that are extremely resistant to bleaching, one might consider bonding or veneers as an alternative treatment.

14) I just started bleaching and it looks uneven with white spots. Should I continue bleaching or stop?
It is also normal that certain areas of the tooth such as areas of decalcification will respond more rapidly to bleaching resulting in blotchiness at first while the rest of the tooth catches up as one continues to bleach. The blotchiness is the first to fade after stopping resulting in a more uniform appearance.

15)How long do you recommend using the bleaching gel?
The choice when to stop bleaching is really a personal one. Stop when you are pleased with the results. Teeth will gradually get whiter and within either a few days or 2 weeks in most cases reach a plateau where they will not get any whiter. This is the maximum amount of whitening you will reach and at that point do not bleach any further. It is normal for it to fade slightly and then stabilize after you have discontinued. The McCann Agency does not recommend bleaching beyond 2-4 weeks. Most teeth whiten well within the first week of use.