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In the lead up to my wedding, there are quite a few beauty treatments that I’ve either already outsourced or plan to do before the big day. From acrylic nails to a natural-looking tan and even laser hair removal, there’s no doubt I’m holding back. However, there it was a treatment I couldn’t bring myself to undergo professionally: teeth whitening. Intense post-treatment discomfort during my first attempt years ago left me determined to explore other options. So here I am now, typing this with my top and bottom teeth squished in Crest 3D Whitestrips ($44, originally $46) choosing an at-home solution that works best for me. While experiences vary, this is officially my method of choice for achieving a brighter smile.
Ahead, I go into more detail about them, including my before and after photos.
About Crest 3D Whitestrips
- Crest Whitestrips have been around since 2001.
- Comes with a total of 44 strips (22 up and 22 down): 20 professional effect treatments and two one-hour express treatments.
- The American Dental Association (ADA) Crest 3D Whitestrips recognizes Crest Whitestrips as a safe and effective method of teeth whitening.
- For best results, the brand recommends using them once a day for 30 minutes.
What I love about Crest 3D Whitestrips
What really impresses me about Crest 3D Whitestrips is their effectiveness. Even though it had been over a decade since I last used them, I couldn’t resist trying them again and added them to my virtual Amazon shopping cart. The box boldly claimed that they could “remove over 15 years of stains in three days”, which initially made me a bit skeptical. However, the results speak for themselves. After just four treatments, the difference is already noticeable. The “before” picture on the left and the “after” picture on the right clearly show the noticeable change. And I’ve barely made a dent in the box with plenty of treats left.
How to use Crest 3D Whitestrips
Using Crest 3D Whitestrips is a simple process. Inside a box containing 20 treatments, each strip is individually wrapped for convenience, making them travel-friendly. To use them, you simply peel and open the package using the tear notch, then place the longer strip on the front of your upper teeth and the shorter strip on your lower teeth. As you do this, try to line up the straight edge of the strip with your gum line, then fold the back of your teeth to secure it in place. Leave the strips on for 30 minutes and then remove them. I always brush my teeth afterwards to get rid of the peroxide taste, but that’s ultimately a personal preference.
It is important to note that perfecting the application process may require some trial and error. I found that the tight texture of the whitening strips worked very well on my upper teeth, but not as effectively on my lower teeth. Towards the end of the 30 minutes, I noticed that the bottom strip had a tendency to slip, resulting in a gap in the coverage. Other buyers have shared similar experiences. One satisfied Amazon customer who rated them five stars and thought they were worth the money, reported that “the bottom strips didn’t seem to stick properly, but other than that they work GREAT!!” Another equally impressed buyer agreed, stating, “I found the bottom a little harder to stay on, but other than that, they work well!”
What to consider before trying Crest 3D Whitestrips
Before trying 3D Whitestrips, it is important to be aware of the potential for irritation. I was in pain and had to take a Tylenol to relieve the sensitivity, which persisted throughout the day. As a result, I decided to skip a day to avoid dealing with the discomfort again. However, when I started using them again, I had no pain and have been using them every night since.
When deciding on a teeth whitening method, it is essential to consider whether whitening strips are best for you. As someone who appreciates the convenience of whitening my teeth at home, saving money and being able to multi-task, strips have become my preferred choice over professional treatments. However, it is important to recognize that there are alternatives available, such as toothpastes and gels that can be applied directly to your teeth or through a tray that fits in your mouth.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), in-office teeth whitening treatments can have stronger results, which aligns with my experience of feeling significant discomfort afterward. The ADA states: “Bleaching compounds in over-the-counter whitening products are typically peroxide-based and contain carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide in lower concentrations compared to in-office or dentist-prescribed, at-home whitening techniques.” . Still, I’m cool with sticking with my white stripes, especially since the results are top notch.
And finally, Crest recommends some maintenance tips to get the most out of your white streaks. “If you drink cola drinks, drink them through a straw to minimize contact of the drink with your white teeth,” the brand says. on her website. Similarly, they advise you to “rinse your mouth as soon as possible to minimize the risk of staining if you drink coffee, tea, red wine or cola, or eat foods that are likely to stain your white teeth.” As an avid coffee drinker, I thought I’d rinse with Crest Whitening Rinse Fresh Mint Mouthwash ($6, originally $8) after taking my brew.
Assessment:
★★★★
Marisa Petrarca is an editor for POPSUGAR Shopping and has more than five years of experience writing and editing beauty, fashion, and lifestyle content. Her work has been featured in Cosmopolitan, Allure, and InStyle, among others.