Question:
I'm trying to make an informed decision here on which whitening system
is better in the long run.
The following is lifted from
http://www.1800patches.com/crest_whitestrip_brush.html
in response to the question, "
Is this the same whitening ingredient dentists use?
Answer:
"...Professional Crest Whitestrips contain hydrogen peroxide, the same
enamel-safe ingredient used in professional tooth whitening systems.
Hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are the active ingredients in
the bleaching gels dispensed by dentists.
The American Dental Association explains "10% carbamide peroxide is
equivalent to 3% hydrogen peroxide. Carbamide peroxide breaks down
into hydrogen peroxide, with hydrogen peroxide being the active
bleaching ingredient". Because Crest Whitestrips contain hydrogen
peroxide, they are faster at whitening teeth than carbamide peroxide
based products. Professional Crest Whitestrips contain $6.5% hydrogen
peroxide (equivalent to 22% carbamide peroxide).
Procter & Gamble states that your teeth will be whiter for at least
six months. Exactly how long they stay whiter is influenced by how
often you smoke, drink coffee, tea, dark colas, or red wine. These are
some of the major contributors to staining. Procter & Gamble
recommends using one or two boxes every six months to maintain whiter
teeth. "
I gather from this that Crest Whitestrips take less time to do the
whitening job because it contains a higher concentration of the
whitening agent (ultimately hydrogen peroxide)? Correct?
However, even if the Whitestrips work faster than the dentist's
system, I'm more concerned with how long the whitening will last in
the long run. I am willing to fork over 400 bucks to the dentist and
forget about Crest Whitestrips if the dentist's system provides longer
lasting results.
The OTC Crest White Strips are much weaker than what we can provide (under
prescription) from our offices. Plus, if you deliver the chemistry in a
well fitting, custom made tray, the chemistry will stay in contact with your
enamel longer. The end result is quicker bleaching and more color change
from the custom tray bleaching. White-Strips take longer to bleach and only
cover 6 teeth. Plus you have to do it twice a day. However, for mild color
changes and for touch-ups the white-strips may work great.
