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Should I do it?
Snarky Brides
Should I do it?
These Knotties are discussing everything from celebrity gossip to pressing world issues and everything in between.
Today my dentist told me I'm a prime candidate to get my teeth whitened. My insurance won't cover it, but it might be worth the cost. Not gunna lie, I'm terrified of the dentist so I'm not sure if I w
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Snarky Brides
Should I do it?
These Knotties are discussing everything from celebrity gossip to pressing world issues and everything in between.
Today my dentist told me I'm a prime candidate to get my teeth whitened. My insurance won't cover it, but it might be worth the cost. Not gunna lie, I'm terrified of the dentist so I'm not sure if I w
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Forums  >  Wedding Boards  >  Snarky Brides  >  Should I do it?
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Should I do it?

posted at 2/7/2012 7:21 PM EST on theknot.com
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 Today my dentist told me I'm a prime candidate to get my teeth whitened. My insurance won't cover it, but it might be worth the cost.

Not gunna lie, I'm terrified of the dentist so I'm not sure if I want to go through with an elective process. However, when my braces first came off, people used to compliment me on how white my teeth were and how pretty my smile is. Ten years later and tons of cigarettes, coffee, tea, colas and heaven knows what... I miss hearing those compliments.

Has anyone ever done it before? Pros or cons? Yay or nay?
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Re: Should I do it?

posted at 2/7/2012 7:24 PM EST on theknot.com
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 I thought about it, but my teeth are already pretty white, they'd only go about 1-2 shades whiter. If they weren't though, I'd probably want to do it. Having a smile you're really confident about makes such a huge difference.

ETA: I'd probably be thinking about cutting out the soda and coffee, etc. after though.

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Re: Should I do it?

posted at 2/7/2012 7:27 PM EST on theknot.com
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 I haven't done professional teeth whitening. I have used the crest white strips. I thought they worked amazingly well for an use at home product.  It did make my teeth rather sensitive to hots and colds for a few weeks. 
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Re: Should I do it?

posted at 2/7/2012 7:43 PM EST on theknot.com
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 My dentist didn't stop at whitening... he wanted to put veneers on me!  I said absolutely not.

I tried the Crest WhiteStrips instead, but my teeth were way too sensitive after just two days.  I'm actually concerned that professional whitening would be worse for tooth sensitivity.  But, I never asked and don't really know.
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Re: Should I do it?

posted at 2/7/2012 7:46 PM EST on theknot.com
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 I've had it done.  I can share my experience but it'll be different depending on which method/brand they use.

My dentist used Opalescence and I had in-office and take-home treatments.  

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Re: Should I do it?

posted at 2/7/2012 7:50 PM EST on theknot.com
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 Joy, I'll definitely ask about sensitivity when I meet with him next week, thanks for mentioning that!


Anysunrise, You're totally right about cutting out certain drinks. I quit smoking, which is one of the reasons I'm the "perfect candidate" and I have cut down on coffee for other reasons. Colas and teas are going to be much more difficult, though. I drink a cup of tea a day, before bed. And I just love soda. Especially with rum in it...
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Re: Should I do it?

posted at 2/7/2012 7:59 PM EST on theknot.com
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My teeth were SO sensitive after whitening.  They had me take tylenol before we got started, then after they did the in-office treatment they immediately did a fluoride treatment to help with the sensitivity.  They didn't rinse the fluoride off like they would for a normal treatment.  Then I went home and didn't even want to open my mouth because the air hurt.  So I took a nap.  

For a little while afterwards (like a day, I think) my teeth would randomly do this thing that the dentist called a "zing" where pain would just go ZING right across my mouth.  

But honestly, after a day or two, it was back to normal.  The sensitivity would return a little bit when I used the take-home treatments, but nothing like after the in-office. 

It's been 3 years since I did it.  Every now and then, like once or twice a year, I'll buy a tube of whitening toothpaste and use that up. But that's been the only maintenance I've done and I know for sure my teeth haven't discolored again (I got new porcelain crowns right after the initial whitening, I have something to go off of for that assertion).  I drink tea and dark sodas daily.  I don't smoke. 

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Re: Should I do it?

posted at 2/7/2012 8:13 PM EST on theknot.com
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 I do the dentist whitening trays. The dentist molds your teeth and gives you trays that fit to your teeth along with the 2 tubes of gels. It takes about 6 weeks to see results and cost about 450.00 initially and then 20.00 per tube of gel.

I love the results. I get a lot of compliments on my smile and my teeth are not sensitive like I have heard they can be with the one day office treatment.

Also may seem weird but if you drink a lot of coffee you can use a straw. That is what I do.
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Re: Should I do it?

posted at 2/7/2012 8:22 PM EST on theknot.com
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 In Response to Re: Should I do it?:
I do the dentist whitening trays. The dentist molds your teeth and gives you trays that fit to your teeth along with the 2 tubes of gels. It takes about 6 weeks to see results and cost about 450.00 initially and then 20.00 per tube of gel. I love the results. I get a lot of compliments on my smile and my teeth are not sensitive like I have heard they can be with the one day office treatment. Also may seem weird but if you drink a lot of coffee you can use a straw. That is what I do.
Posted by ricksang

Does it make a difference for you? My teeth aren't so white because of tons of coffee and tea over the years, but I don't want to do a whole teeth whitening (I'll try OTC). 

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Re: Should I do it?

posted at 2/7/2012 8:27 PM EST on theknot.com
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 In Response to Re: Should I do it?:
I do the dentist whitening trays. The dentist molds your teeth and gives you trays that fit to your teeth along with the 2 tubes of gels. It takes about 6 weeks to see results and cost about 450.00 initially and then 20.00 per tube of gel. I love the results. I get a lot of compliments on my smile and my teeth are not sensitive like I have heard they can be with the one day office treatment. Also may seem weird but if you drink a lot of coffee you can use a straw. That is what I do.
Posted by ricksang

I did the same thing before my wedding and it was worth every penny.  I had great results.  My dentist took my original shade of teeth and then compared it to the after.  I was shocked.  But, unlike ricksang I did have a lot of sensitivity.  Some days I couldn't use the stuff b/c my teeth hurt so much.  No pain, no gain.  
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Re: Should I do it?

posted at 2/7/2012 8:34 PM EST on theknot.com
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 In Response to Re: Should I do it?:
In Response to Re: Should I do it? : Does it make a difference for you? My teeth aren't so white because of tons of coffee and tea over the years, but I don't want to do a whole teeth whitening (I'll try OTC). 
Posted by ZombieNates

Yes it makes a difference b/c I drink a lot of coffee. Won't lie, I look a little odd drinking out of a straw at coffee shops but they can eat me. :)
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Re: Should I do it?

posted at 2/7/2012 8:35 PM EST on theknot.com
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 In Response to Re: Should I do it?:
In Response to Re: Should I do it? : I did the same thing before my wedding and it was worth every penny.  I had great results.  My dentist took my original shade of teeth and then compared it to the after.  I was shocked.  But, unlike ricksang I did have a lot of sensitivity.  Some days I couldn't use the stuff b/c my teeth hurt so much.  No pain, no gain.  
Posted by MrsGandthebeag

Interesting! I was bulimic for 22 years so I am surprised I didn't have sensitivity.
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Re: Should I do it?

posted at 2/7/2012 8:59 PM EST on theknot.com
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 In Response to Re: Should I do it?:
In Response to Re: Should I do it? : Yes it makes a difference b/c I drink a lot of coffee. Won't lie, I look a little odd drinking out of a straw at coffee shops but they can eat me. :)
Posted by ricksang

Well, I fill my reusable water cup w/ straw with coffee, so I hear you.  I'm going to drink it like that more, then!

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Re: Should I do it?

posted at 2/7/2012 9:07 PM EST on theknot.com
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 22 years! Oh my goodness, hun! I'm glad you were finally able to find help... umm.. you did right? I'm not putting you on the spot am I? 22 years is just a dang long time.


I'm all for using straws. A classmate of mine did that with her tea when we used to go out for coffee and tea before class. We thought it was silly, but if it really works I'm willing to try it.
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Re: Should I do it?

posted at 2/7/2012 9:29 PM EST on theknot.com
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 I had sucess with the OTC white strips.  I'd recommend trying those before forking over mega bucks for a serice from the dentist.  

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Re: Should I do it?

posted at 2/8/2012 2:05 AM EST on theknot.com
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 Did it. Totally recommend it. Just be prepared, you may have to use sensitive tooth toothpaste after if you don't already. It temporarily weakens your enamel.
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Re: Should I do it?

posted at 2/8/2012 3:37 AM EST on theknot.com
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 Umm..obviously you should have your teeth whitened for your wedding, especially if you smoke and drink coffee/soda. I don't smoke or drink anything but clear liquids (water and white wine is it haha) and I whiten my teeth once every couple years. I don't mean to sound bitchy but I literally can't imagine why anyone wouldn't get their teeth whitened.
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Re: Should I do it?

posted at 2/8/2012 6:42 AM EST on theknot.com
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 In Response to Re: Should I do it?:
Umm..obviously you should have your teeth whitened for your wedding, especially if you smoke and drink coffee/soda. I don't smoke or drink anything but clear liquids (water and white wine is it haha) and I whiten my teeth once every couple years. I don't mean to sound bitchy but I literally can't imagine why anyone wouldn't get their teeth whitened.
Posted by pinkrn19


You must have a horrible imagination.
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Re: Should I do it?

posted at 2/8/2012 7:25 AM EST on theknot.com
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 In Response to Re: Should I do it?:
Umm..obviously you should have your teeth whitened for your wedding, especially if you smoke and drink coffee/soda. I don't smoke or drink anything but clear liquids (water and white wine is it haha) and I whiten my teeth once every couple years. I don't mean to sound bitchy but I literally can't imagine why anyone wouldn't get their teeth whitened.
Posted by pinkrn19


I know you're kinda troll-ish, but there are lots of reasons why people don't want to whiten their teeth.  I won't because my teeth are too sensitive and I like my smile just fine. 

I will also say that some people (mostly celebrities) that have uber white teeth look ridiuclous.  I watched a special with Joe Namath over the weekend and was actually distracted by his oh-so-fake-so-white-they-looked-almost-blue teeth.  He was like Ross in the dark!  ...only in the light.
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Re: Should I do it?

posted at 2/8/2012 8:31 AM EST on theknot.com
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 I've done the custom trays from the dentist - thankfully my dad's a dentist so i don't know the cost. BUT FWIW (and this comes from him) he says if you have straight-ish teeth and you're interested in whitening, you should try the strips first and see how like the results/how you deal w/ the sensitivity. As other PP's have brought up, sensitivity ranges, my teeth didn't become extra sensitive when using the trays. If you like the strips but they're not whitening as much as you'd like then you may want to use the dentists's procedure(s). 

Are you thinking of just doing the trays? or the in office whitening? Neither involve pain, the trays involve a tad discomfort to make the molds (more of an odd feeling but it's no big deal to have molds made). 
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Re: Should I do it?

posted at 2/8/2012 8:54 AM EST on theknot.com
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 I've never done professional whitening so I can't comment on that but...

I seriously love this stuff. It's Arm and Hammer Whitening Booster. It's around $6 in the toothpaste aisle. You just put a dab of it on top of any toothpaste. I use it about 1-2X a day. I have, at times, felt tooth sensitivity and when I do I just cut back on it's use. Also, my friend is a dentist and told me to use a sensitive tooth toothpaste with it once a day. I'm trying that now. Anyhow, I think it works wonders.




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Re: Should I do it?

posted at 2/8/2012 9:43 AM EST on theknot.com
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 I had the molds and bleach from the dentist made about 10 years ago. It does make your teeth sensitive but just a couple of days.

I still drinks lots of red wine and coffee and I just maintain it by popping in the molds once a year.

I recommend it.

ETA: and if your teeth are really sensitive, the bleach comes in different strengths....10%, 15% and 20%. 10% will take you longer to get you to the whiteness you want, but they won't be sensitive. I prefer to go balls out with 20%, but I enjoy torturing myself!
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Re: Should I do it?

posted at 2/8/2012 10:10 AM EST on theknot.com
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 In Response to Re: Should I do it?:
I had sucess with the OTC white strips.  I'd recommend trying those before forking over mega bucks for a serice from the dentist.  
Posted by Wiscisbliss


Agreed! I do the 2 hour Crest Whitestrips like once a month--my teeth are blinding white, I highly suggest them... but as others have said, your teeth will be sensitive the next day... but it's not terrible.
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Re: Should I do it?

posted at 2/8/2012 10:13 AM EST on theknot.com
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 In Response to Re: Should I do it?:
Umm..obviously you should have your teeth whitened for your wedding, especially if you smoke and drink coffee/soda. I don't smoke or drink anything but clear liquids (water and white wine is it haha) and I whiten my teeth once every couple years. I don't mean to sound bitchy but I literally can't imagine why anyone wouldn't get their teeth whitened.
Posted by pinkrn19


I can't imagine why anyone would live their life only drinking clear liquids.  That is just ridiculous.
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Re: Should I do it?

posted at 2/8/2012 12:01 PM EST on theknot.com
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This is something I actually talked to my dentist about.  He said that I could just to OTC, like Crest White Strips.  With teeth sensativity - he said if they start getting too sensative, then stop for a couple of days and then pick up again where you left off.  I am absolutely going to do it....and I'm going to convince my FI to do it, too.
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Re: Should I do it?

posted at 2/8/2012 2:21 PM EST on theknot.com
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 I do have sensitive teeth and use toothpaste for it, so I'm super nervous, if you haven't already guessed lol.

I'm not completely clear about the procedure my dentist wants to use, but I do know it'll be done in the office and take up to an hour. I'm going to find out more details when I go in on Monday.


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Re: Should I do it?

posted at 2/8/2012 4:24 PM EST on theknot.com
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 In Response to Re: Should I do it?:
I do have sensitive teeth and use toothpaste for it, so I'm super nervous, if you haven't already guessed lol. I'm not completely clear about the procedure my dentist wants to use, but I do know it'll be done in the office and take up to an hour. I'm going to find out more details when I go in on Monday.
Posted by Simply Fated



I have sensitive teeth and was told that dentist treatments can be horribly painful, so I've stuck to over the counter stuff, and honestly it works fine! If you're worried about sensitivity, try something over the counter first, if at least just to figure out how much your teeth can take sensitivity wise with whitening.

Rembrandt whitening trays are AMAZING, but pricier than say Crest whitestrips. Compared to the dentist's pro treatment, it's probably a good deal, though. Aquafresh trays are pretty good, too. 
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Re: Should I do it?

posted at 2/8/2012 4:55 PM EST on theknot.com
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 In Response to Re: Should I do it?:
I do have sensitive teeth and use toothpaste for it, so I'm super nervous, if you haven't already guessed lol. I'm not completely clear about the procedure my dentist wants to use, but I do know it'll be done in the office and take up to an hour. I'm going to find out more details when I go in on Monday.
Posted by Simply Fated


I do not recommend the laser teeth whitening procerdures.  They are expensive and they don't work as well as the molds you take home.  My H did this first and was unhappy with it (and he spent around $500) and then he found a groupon for the molds and went back and had those made.  He was happy with the results and you can maintain them for minimal cost.
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