I just got the Listerine dissolving teeth whitening strips, and the directions say use twice a day for 2 weeks. Are there any dangers to using it, say, 3 times a day? Will it dissolve your teeth away or something?

When I tried Crest Whitestrips, I noticed increasing tooth sensitivity to the point where I had to stop using them. I don't know for sure, but I'll bet the active ingredient in all these over-the counter whitenenrs is the same (like in self-tanners) and increased sensitivity is something to be forwarned about.

I agree, your teeth may become sensitive if you use them more often than recommended. You could even be sensitive using them just twice per day, if you are already prone to it.

I use bakingsoda, works wonders.
Brush with that twice a day and use my Crest cinnamon whitening toothpaste before work.

One time I used crest whitestrips 4 times a day for about 3 days to speed-whiten my teeth before a last minute weekend trip. S.E.N.S.I.T.I.V.E. to the point of uncomfortable. I can do 2x/day without trouble, but 4 was waaaay to much. It took about 3 days before my teeth felt normal again.

Can something that makes our teeth so sensitive really be all that good for them? :confused:

It's a good question. Who knows what the long-term effects will be. Teeth whiteners have been around for years though. It is only recently that they have been available widely in stores, which is partly why we're hearing a lot more about it now. I think you could do some damage if you whiten very frequently - like a few times a year. Also, if you don't pay attention to the recommended frequency like the twice a day recommendation. Also, I think much of the sensitivity depends on how prone to it you are already. I mean, some people's teeth are just sensitive, and they even have to watch the foods they eat (like ice cream).

I whiten only once a year. My teeth are not sensitive to begin with, but my dentist does monitor my teeth and gums for ill effects. It's definitely something that I wonder about from time to time, but everything is A-OK so far.

Can something that makes our teeth so sensitive really be all that good for them? :confused:

I wonder the same thing. I used Crest White Strips about 5 years ago, and I had to stop due to insane sensitivity. My teeth were not sensitive prior to using them, and I had to stop using them because my teeth literally ached (like a dull ache). They ached even for a week after I quit. 5 years later my teeth are still sensitive to heat and cold. I want to whiten my teeth, but I just cannot deal with that.

Maybe you're better off going to a cosmetic dentist, especially if you have doubts. I know it's pricey, but the results might be safer and more guaranteed.

I had a dental checkup last week and told my dentist I was thinking of trying these and she was agreeable with that. She didn't have a bad think to say about them, and I told her if they didn't whiten enough I'd get something pro from her. She wrote down in my record that I was going to try them.

I hope the store-bought whitener works for you, Dar. If it doesn't, I think dentists have the option of different whitening formulas since some people have teeth that are more stained than others.

I get mine from my dentist, but he thinks that for many people the store-bought formulas work well. He has told me it depends on how sensitive your teeth are, how stained they are, and how your teeth and gums generally react to being whitened.

If the store-bought is a bust and you end up getting a formula from your dentist, see if she can make a mold of your teeth for a custom tray. My dentist did that for me. It's a better delivery "system" IMO than strips, paint-on brushes, and even generic trays because the tray is more precise. The custom tray is comfortable (as much as a tray that you stick in your mouth can be) and fits right so it helps distribute the whitening formula better.

Just an option I wanted to mention for anyone looking into this, even though it's an extra cost. However, the whitening formula I get from my dentist is comparable in cost to the ones sold in stores. Since I have the custom tray though, I just get the whitener from him.