For quite a while I have two nasty habits: smoking and “morning coffee” (I am not proud…all started in college when I’ve exaggerated with my favorite late night study).Taking care of my teeth is became my obsession and there are many obsessions where this come from, for example facial treatments, since my skin is also affected.
My dentist knows that i drink coffee for a long time on daily bases and she recommended me opalescence %15 peroxide after just one year.A year ago I’ve promised myself that I’ll avoid as much as possible the staining food or beverages and I did it ! No more red wine, cherry or chocolate when I don’t have my toothbrush with me.
I even psychically prepared myself to quit smoking, but coffee!? We’ll see about that…I’ve reduced it to just one cup in the morning (but yet… it ’s a daily habit).This will definitely be the worse part, but I know I’ll do it and of course, I will let you know.
Back to my teeth whitening, which I’ve done last month with Opalescence, I must say I’ve very satisfied by the results.
First I’ve asked my dentist if it will affect my teeth enamel in any way, and of course I’ve made my own research.They say about this product that isn’t just helping patients improve the appearance of their teeth, but in the same time builds stronger enamel and preventing cavities.I was examined before and told there are risks if your teeth have any hair-cracks or cavities. You have to fix it, before you decide to use whitening products.
So, I’ve decided to use it.As recommended I’ve daily used for a 10 days period.My dentist took my im
pression trays and made custom fitted bleaching trays specifically for my teeth.(as you can see in the picture I still have it and there are two,one for each jaw).They are transparent and flexible and perfectly fit (so the gel won’t spread in your mouth).
Opalescence whitening gel comes in syringes recipients and trays are filled by putting a small quantity in each teeth compartment wall that will be applied at the exterior of the teeth.After I’ve applied the trays on my teeth, Ive wiped the surplus from the gums using a tissue (to avoid irritations) . I felt a sting in my gum one time (not a pleasant sensation) and I became careful after.
I was recommended opalescence %15 (15 percent peroxide concentration). I’ve learned that oxidation process also lightens discolorations of tooth enamel.I was supposed to wear the trays during the night while sleeping, but I couldn’t.In childhood I had a severe medical condition, threw up frequently and my vomit sensation is on thin ice…Okay, totally gross, I know!! But for some reason, I think there are others like me, okay?
Since there was a chance to choke in my sleep, the alternative was wearing it for 4 hours during the day (it seems that the increased saliva quantity fasten the process during the day). At first i have some trouble speaking with trays on my teeth, but I got used to it and it’s funny…nobody can tell if you’re wearing any! 
Menthol drops also helped me and somehow I’ve managed to wear it for 10 days.You can notice the whitening since day one, but after 10 days the changes are remarkable.Your natural teeth enamel tone is very important .You shouldn’t want to obtain a lighter color than your natural. I’ll never use teeth whitening products in excess.Having my natural teeth color is enough for me and I prefer to be a oral hygiene addict than using this product too often!
My dentist even took some pictures before and after, but i don’t have it. Hmm…I forgot about it…
I now use Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste (the trial size is included in the box), but only one time every week.
Here is what they say about it:
“Its unique formula not only helps maintain a brighter smile but also has a higher fluoride uptake than anything found in the supermarket.” ($12.59) -Cost Average: $7.50
I’ve checked the receipt and my teeth whitening home treatment total (including both trays and Opalescence whitening gel) is around $300.
What about you? Have you ever tried teeth whitening at home? What? Please tell us a little about what you’ve experienced!
August 1st, 2007 at 12:42 pm
There is a trade-off (as in many things) between price and effectiveness however it is worth pointing out that having this process carried out by professionals will incolve a thorough check up.
October 24th, 2007 at 12:10 pm
That’s a pretty interesting story. Have you stuck to your goals so far in staying away from the staining foods and drinks?
December 4th, 2007 at 11:01 am
What do you think about drugstore teeth whitening sets? Are they any good?
December 4th, 2007 at 1:41 pm
My sister uses drug store teeth whitening kits. She likes the results.
December 6th, 2007 at 1:21 pm
my sister in law was using those things or similar..i don’t know..but it seems like it hurts!!
December 6th, 2007 at 4:19 pm
I don’t know if it hurts, but I don’t think it is very good for the health of your teeth to whiten. Maybe I am wrong, it’s just what I have heard.
December 10th, 2007 at 5:12 pm
The teeth whitening kits are the way to go. The up front cost is around a hundred but once you have purchased the molds all you need to do is buy the gel for any future cleaning. It well worth the cost. You can always spend less but to get your teeth looking white that really is the only way to go.
December 10th, 2007 at 6:26 pm
I don’t drink coffee or smoke so my teeth are already white…. But I’ll look into this if my teeth ever turn yellow.
December 11th, 2007 at 1:21 pm
which brands would you recommend?
December 14th, 2007 at 10:01 pm
are there any good toothpastes that make your teeth whiter?
June 26th, 2008 at 4:54 am
Wow!
Excellent information about teeth whitening home kits, because is getting good kits through our dentists. I think the home kits are really helpful to the people, thanks for sharing your valuable information.