Does anyone here use a specific whitening product to whiten their teeth? I've heard of all the expensive pastes, strips, gels, etc. Recently, my roommate and I were at Wal-Mart, and she said her friend swears by this toothpaste called Ultra Brite. It's a cheap brand, only 97 cents. Has anyone else tried this? Does it work for you? There were two different kinds, Advanced White and Baking Soda & Peroxide White, does one work better at whitening than the other?

If anyone has an opinion on these toothpastes that would be great! I really want whiter teeth!

First of all, I would be wary of toothpaste that only cost 97 cents. There was a recall last summer of some really cheap toothpaste.

I use Crest Multicare & Whitening toothpaste. I also use a Sonicare Advanced electric toothbrush. It makes my teeth feel so much cleaner than a regular toothbrush.

However, the results of whitening toothpaste & whitening strips that you get at the drugstore/Target are only temporary. I bet most of the people in those ads for whitening products have had veneers or crowns. If you want your teeth to be "movie star white" or if you've had enamel damage due to braces, it's better to have professional work done. I had some composite veneers done about 6 months ago because that was pretty much my only option to make my teeth whiter. I've tried whitening toothpastes & whitening trays, and while they did whiten my teeth some, they didn't make my teeth as white as I wanted them to be. I'm hoping that I can upgrade to porcelain veneers in a couple of yrs.

Fryl is the board's dental expert, so I'm looking forward to what she has to say.

I'm usually wary of cheap too but this one is actually good, I've tried it myself. It's actually a Colgate brand and I first heard about it from Consumer Reports where is was the highest rated or Best Buy. I also searched other reviews and it's all been positive for example:

http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=28069&ca...41&trx=29983&tab=1#1

where I actually see somebody there even mentioning the Consumer Reports article:

"Consumer Reports magazine claimed this was the best option on the market a few years ago"

And then also your roommates friend review - "and she said her friend swears by this toothpaste called Ultra Brite.

Unfortunately I cant really help you that much. My Dentist told me you can definitely overuse the home whitening products. He said after awhile it makes your teeth very sensitive.

Megan how do you like the Sonicare toothbrush? I just got a cleaning a week ago. I didnt have any cavities, but he suggested I get a Sonicare or Oral-B. I am going to check them out at Sams Club, I already priced them at Target and Wal-Mart. My Dentist sells them for $79.99, the price isnt an issue. I just wanted to check them out so I dont get ripped off.

I haven't used Ultra Brite, so I can't comment on it but all "whitening" toothpastes have abrasives that'll scrub away the stains that are caused by food and drinks, and they'll make your teeth appear whiter. The ones with peroxide can at most make it a shade lighter if that. It would have to keep contact with the tooth surface long enough to work, you rinse it out also.
I prefer to go with the trusted brands like Colgate, Crest, Sensodyne, Oral B. You can never be too careful these days with all the contaminated products from overseas, then again everything is made in other countries.

I also have an electric toothbrush (mine is a Braun), and I do feel like it cleans my teeth better, but in theory a regular toothbrush (with a smaller brush head) with proper brushing should be as effective, just takes longer.
Don't brush too hard though, it won't make your teeth any more clean, and it will cause harm (rapid enamel erosion, receding gingiva).

Unfortunately, some people have naturally yellow teeth, and there's not much you can do about that unless you have them bleached or whitened professionally.
You can also use the whitening strips but they would never yield the same result certainly not in a short period, and they can make your teeth more sensitive over time. If you have sensitive teeth to start with, I wouldn't recommend it at all, you'll be in a lot of discomfort and pain.
It definitely wouldn't be worth it since the results are only temporary, and you'd have to keep it up.

Good tip is to try to stay away as much as possible away from food and drinks that stain your teeth, or rinse immediately afterwards. And no smoking, of course!!!
Having your teeth polished twice a year when you go for a check up should take care of the stains too.

Also, don't forget that the ads are photoshopped, too.

Oh, there are also the teeth whitening mouth washes. I don't like mouth washes in genereal because of the pH level that causes harm to your enamel.

Wow Fryl!!! Thanks for all the great advice.

I guess I know who to ask if I have any questions on teeth. You definitely gave great information and advice.

I agree! Thanks everyone for the great info! I really appreciate it!

Here's to a beautiful and healthy smile!
On second thought, no wine though, it stains.

Gizmo, I'm actually on my 2nd Sonicare toothbrush. The first one I had lasted 6 yrs. before the battery died out. I've had my current one for 2 yrs. I it. I remember I forgot it once when I went away & I had to use a regular toothbrush instead. My mouth felt yucky after having to use a regular toothbrush again. It's expensive as you also have to change your toothbrush heads every 6 months, but worth every penny.

Thanks Megan for your input and advice. You have definitely sold me on it.
I will go this weekend and look some more, if I cant find the one I want I will just buy it from my Dentist.
Thanks again for your help.

Gizmo, Bed Bath & Beyond also sells Sonicare electric toothbrushes, and you could use a 20% off coupon.

Thanks a bunch Fryl!!!
I always forgrt about Bed Bath & Beyond. I will check them out as well.

I have used my Sonicare now for several days.
My teeth feel so much cleaner.
I dont think I could use a regular toothbrush again.
Thanks Fryl and Megan for your help and advice.

Yay!! Great purchase, Gizmo!
I've gone through several electric toothbrushes, but except for the last one all of them were free.

Wow Fryl thats great, free electric toothbrushes.

I use a sonicare toothbrush & supersmile. the toothpaste is ridiculously expensive...it's like $70 for the large size toothpaste & whitener combo you mix together for results but my teeth are white. They better be.

Hello, I love Super Smile toothpaste, it makes your teeth whiter and has a GREAT taste.
It also leaves my mouth feeling clean.

Just the other day I saw there is a new Arm & Hammer product called 'whitening booster'. You add a little to your regular toothpaste & it's supposed to help whiten your teeth. I bought some, it's a clear gel that has peroxide in it. I haven't used it for long enough, however, to know if it works or not.

I used crest whole whitening system and it was good for about 10 month but then my teeth stated to go back, very depressing but i guess I'm just going to do it again.