Get white teeth and a brighter smile.
Teeth whitening with Crest Whitestrips is safe, effective, and easy. Read on to learn more about getting white teeth and a smile makeover.
Crest Whitestrips Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. What are the benefits of using Crest Whitestrips?
A. Every Crest Whitestrips teeth whitening system is guaranteed to whiten teeth. And Crest Whitestrips Daily Whitening + Tartar Protection goes beyond whitening to protect against tartar buildup.Q. Are Whitestrips harmful to teeth or can they damage the enamel?
A. No, they contain the same whitening ingredient as the professional products dentists use to whiten teeth.This product is formulated to be safe and effective when used as directed. All our safety data indicate that Whitestrips are safe on tooth enamel.
Q. How do Crest Whitestrips work?
A. Crest Whitestrips is thin, flexible strips that are coated with a tooth whitening gel containing peroxide. Designed to conform to the shape of your teeth, they work by keeping the whitening gel in place against your teeth to get at stain build-up on and below the surface of tooth enamel.Q. When will I start to notice results with Crest Whitestrips?
A. Noticeable results vary by person, but most people start seeing results halfway through the regimen, with full results upon completion. If speed is a priority, try Crest Whitestrips Premium to start seeing results after 3 days.Every Crest Whitestrips teeth whitening system provides you with beautiful, visibly whiter teeth-guaranteed. If you are not satisfied with your results, Crest Whitestrips will refund your purchase. Simply return your receipt and package UPC within 60 days of purchase. Call 1-800-208-0169 for more information.
Q. How long will whitening last?
A. The length of time your teeth will stay whiter is influenced by how often you drink coffee, tea, dark colas, red wine or smoke.Q. Can I wear the strips longer than 30 minutes to get better whitening results?
A. Recommended usage time is 30 minutes once a day for Crest Whitestrips Advanced Seal, 30 minutes twice a day for Crest Whitestrips Classic, Premium and Pro Effects, and 5 minutes once a day for Crest Whitestrips Daily Whitening Multicare and Crest Whitestrips Daily Whitening + Tartar Protection. Longer wear time can result in tooth sensitivity and/or gum discomfort.Q. How do I maintain whiter teeth?
A. After completing a Crest Whitestrips teeth whitening system, you can help maintain your smile makeover with a 5-minute daily whitening strip, such as Crest Whitestrips Daily Whitening Multicare or Crest Whitestrips Daily Whitening + Tartar Protection. Using daily strips helps prevent the build-up of everyday stains caused from habits that make teeth yellow and less beautiful.Q. How do Crest Whitestrips work?
A. Crest Whitestrips is 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 Crest Whitestrips Classic, Premium, Pro Effects and Advanced Seal, 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.Q. Is it okay to use Whitestrips kits back to back? Or to use an intensive kit and then a 5-minute kit right after?
A. Yes. For Crest Whitestrips Classic, Premium, Pro Effects and Advanced Seal: To maintain your whiter smile use up to two Crest Whitestrips teeth whitening systems per year; or try Crest Whitestrips Daily Whitening Multicare or Crest Whitestrips Daily Whitening + Tartar Protection. These 5-minute once a day strips whiten and help protect your smile against staining. If you feel you need to whiten more frequently, we suggest you speak with your dental professional about professional-strength Crest Whitestrips Supreme.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 Whitestrips Advanced Seal - specially designed to strongly adhere to your teeth.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. You can also try Crest Whitestrips Daily Whitening Multicare or Crest Whitestrips Daily Whitening + Tartar Protection, which have been specially formulated to be used every day.However, if you are unsatisfied with your results, Crest Whitestrips will refund your purchase. Simply return your receipt and package UPC within 60 days of purchase. Call 1-800-208-0169 for more information.
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.Q. Are Whitestrips safe on tooth enamel?
A. Yes. Crest Whitestrips contains hydrogen peroxide, the same enamel-safe ingredient dentists use for tooth whitening. Extensive testing has shown the product to be safe when used as directed.Q. Can I use more than 2 sets of Whitestrips a day?
A. Extensive clinical and consumer testing was done to establish the safety and efficacy of Crest Whitestrips. However, based on the results of that work we do not recommend using more than 2 upper strips and 2 lower strips in a day for Crest Whitestrips Classic, Premium, and Pro Effects. For Crest Whitestrips Daily Whitening Multicare and Daily Whitening + Tartar Protection, we do not recommend using more than 1 upper and 1 lower strip in a day.Q. What are the ingredients in Crest Whitestrips Classic, Premium, Pro Effects, Daily Whitening Multicare, and Daily Whitening + Tartar Protection?
A.| Water | Prevents carbomer from dehydrating the teeth. |
| Glycerin | Humectant, acts to thicken gel, helps make gel sticky so it will adhere to teeth. |
| Hydrogen Peroxide | Whitening Ingredient |
| Carbomer | Gel agent, gives adhesion properties to gel |
| Sodium Hydroxide* | Adjusts pH to neutral |
| Sodium Saccharin* | Better taste |
| Pyrophosphate | Protects against tartar in Crest Whitestrips Daily Whitening + Tartar Protection only |
| * There are two sources of sodium in Crest Whitestrips: sodium hydroxide (0.9%) and sodium saccharin (0.075%). | |
| INGREDIENTS - Strip & Backing | |
| Textured Whitening Strip | Polyethylene |
| Backing | Polypropylene |
Q. What are the ingredients in Crest Whitestrips Advanced Seal?
A.| Water | Prevents adhesive polymers from dehydrating the teeth. |
| Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) | Adhesive polymer |
| PEG | Humectant, acts to thicken gel, helps make gel sticky so it will adhere to teeth. |
| Acrylates Copolymer | Thickening polymer. Helps keep the strip in one piece during use. |
| Hydrogen Peroxide | Whitening Ingredient |
| Sodium Hydroxide* | Adjusts pH to neutral |
| Sodium Saccharin* | Better taste |
| * There are two sources of sodium in Crest Whitestrips: sodium hydroxide (0.9%) and sodium saccharin (0.075%). | |
| INGREDIENTS - Strip & Backing | |
| Textured Whitening Strip | Polyethylene |
| Scrim | Polyethylene |
| Backing | Polypropylene |
Q. What happens if I swallowed a strip?
A. It will simply pass through your system without causing any damage.Q. What happens if I swallow some of the gel from the strip?
A. No adverse effects will result from ingesting the peroxide gel. However, swallowing large amounts of peroxide can cause nausea and stomach irritation.Q. Is using a toothpaste that contains peroxide while using Whitestrips harmful?
A. The combined amount of peroxide from the toothpaste and Crest Whitestrips (professional or retail) isn't harmful.Q. Does the hydrogen peroxide in Whitestrips cause cancer?
A. There is no evidence that hydrogen peroxide causes cancer in humans.The FDA and Health Canada and scientific experts at the World Health Organization have reviewed the data on hydrogen peroxide and neither has ever concluded that hydrogen peroxide is carcinogenic.
Hydrogen peroxide is a safe and trusted ingredient that has been used for years in first aid products, mouthwashes and facial cleansers.
Q. The package says to store Whitestrips in a cool place. Will the steam and heat in my bathroom cause a problem?
A. The steam and heat generated in a bathroom should not affect the product.Q. Can I store Whitestrips in my refrigerator or freezer?
A. Storing Crest Whitestrips in a refrigerator is fine, however, storing product in a freezer is not recommended.Q. What should I do if my Whitestrips become frozen? Will they still work?
A. Allow Crest Whitestrips to come to room temperature before using it. It should still work.Q. What should I do if Whitestrips irritate my gums or cause my teeth to be sensitive?
A. As with any teeth whitening system that contains peroxide, teeth/gum sensitivity may temporarily develop when using Crest Whitestrips. Some people may experience tooth sensitivity or gum discomfort when using this or other whitening products. If significant tooth sensitivity or gum discomfort develops, try using the strips every other day. If the problem persists, discontinue use.Using a teeth whitening system on teeth that are already sensitive may increase the level of discomfort that you normally experience.
Other factors that may contribute to discomfort are 1) brushing too hard and or more than twice a day, 2) using a hard to medium bristled toothbrush after whitening your teeth.
Ingredients in some toothpastes can also cause gum discomfort.
We recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush such as Oral-B Sensitive Advantage to gently brush your teeth. Brushing with a mild toothpaste like Crest Sensitivity while you are whitening your teeth may help with some of the irritation.
Alternatively, you may want to use Crest Whitestrips Daily Whitening Multicare or Crest Whitestrips Daily Whitening + Tartar Protection rather than an intensive Whitestrips product, as both are a gentle whitening routine for teeth sensitive to whitening.
Q. Is it okay to use the whitening product with prescription drugs?
A. If you have a question about whether to use this product based on medication you are using, check with your health professional, dental professional, physician or pharmacist.Q. Can I use Whitestrips if I have a cavity?
A. If you have an unfilled cavity, we do not recommend using Crest Whitestrips. Check with your dental professional before using a whitening product.Q. Can I use Whitestrips if I have braces?
A. Crest Whitestrips should not be applied to teeth with braces because Crest Whitestrips will whiten only the portion of the teeth with which the whitening gel comes in contact.Because braces cover some areas of the tooth surface only parts of the tooth will whiten, leaving unevenly colored teeth when the braces are removed. In addition, metal in the braces could oxidize and change color.
Q. Can I use Whitestrips if I have periodontal disease?
A. Do not use Crest Whitestrips if you have periodontal disease. Talk to your dental professional about treating your periodontal disease first, before you ever consider whitening.Q. Can I use Whitestrips if I am pregnant or nursing?
A. While there is no evidence that Crest Whitestrips is harmful when used by women who are pregnant or nursing, we recommend you check with your doctor before using Crest Whitestrips.Q. Will Whitestrips remove fluorosis stains?
A. No data is available on the effect of Crest Whitestrips on people with fluorosis stains. If you have this condition, consult your dental professional before using Crest Whitestrips.Q. Will Whitestrips remove tetracycline stains?
A. Most teeth with these types of stains will not whiten as well as teeth with yellow stains. This is because most dark or blue-gray stains are caused by certain types of medication taken during tooth development. These types of stains are deep within the tooth as well as at the enamel surface.We recommend you discuss this with your dentist.
Q. Can I use Whitestrips if I have crowns, caps, fillings, veneers, partials, gold, laminates, composite bonding, or other restorations?
A. Crest Whitestrips will not harm or whiten these types of dental work. Crest Whitestrips will whiten only natural teeth so if you have any of these on your front teeth, there may be noticeable color differences between the dental work and your whiter teeth. Crest Whitestrips is designed to whiten only the teeth that show when you smile. So, if you have these types of dental work on your back teeth, color differences may not be noticeable.Q. What are veneers?
A. Veneers, alternatively termed dental veneers or dental porcelain laminates, are wafer - thin shells of porcelain that are bonded onto the front side of teeth so to create a cosmetic improvement for a tooth. Porcelain veneers are routinely used by dentists as a way to make cosmetic changes for teeth that are discolored, worn, chipped, or misaligned.Q. What are crowns?
A. The strengthening capability of dental crowns is related to the fact that they cup over and encase the tooth on which they are placed. This means that a crown can act as a splint that binds a tooth together. This is a very important feature of dental crowns and one that makes them a very valuable type of restoration for a dentist to have available to them.Q. What is tooth bonding?
A. Generally speaking the term "tooth bonding" refers to a range of dental procedures each of which is similar in the sense that it employs the use of a type of dental restorative dentists call "dental composite."As a material dental composite has a number of characteristics that a dentist can exploit when it is put to use. One of them is the way it creates a strong bond with calcified tooth tissues (meaning tooth dentin and enamel). Another is its color. Dental composite comes in a variety of tooth-colored shades so when it is placed it can closely mimic the appearance of natural tooth structure.
