Crest 3D White Whitestrips Advanced Vivid

Bottom line

Crest 3D White Whitestrips Advanced Vivid are a Best Reviewed selection because they produce fast results and are easy to use. They adhere well to teeth but can be a bit tricky to remove. Like all teeth whiteners, Whitestrips can cause sensitivity in teeth. If this is a concern, consider using Go Smile: B1 Whitening System ampoules (*Est. $50). They are more expensive but are said to be better tolerated by those with sensitive teeth.

Performance

Immediate results. Clinical testing shows Crest 3D White Whitestrips Advanced Vivid, formerly Crest Whitestrips Advanced Seal, to be nearly as effective as professional light-assisted whitening, although results may not last as long. Users at Amazon.com and Drugstore.com are pleased with the results -- several say teeth appear brighter after just three or four applications with more pronounced whitening at the end of treatment. One user says, "I noticed my teeth looked whiter after the first use." Another says, "My teeth aren't blinding fake white, but the strips removed all of the stains and now my teeth are a pleasing, even natural white." Furthermore, Advanced Vivid Whitestrips outperform several leading over-the-counter brands in one professional test.  

Ease of use

Talk and sip water while you whiten. Reviewers love the convenience of Advanced Vivid Whitestrips because they can be worn while going about everyday activities. They contain extra polymers that help them better adhere to teeth, creating less saliva mess and less slippage than previous Whitestrips versions. One user at Drugstore.com says, "They stayed in place, even after a drink of water." Reviewers say the strips go on easy but they stick so well they can be tricky to remove. Several users suggest that peeling them off from the back of teeth is a bit easier.

Safety

May cause tooth sensitivity. Crest 3D Advanced Vivid Whitestrips contain a 9.5 percent hydrogen peroxide solution -- which has been approved by the FDA for over-the-counter teeth bleaching. Like all teeth whiteners, however, they can cause tooth sensitivity. These issues generally subside when whitening treatments are discontinued.

One user at Drugstore.com says it helps to use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth for a week before starting treatments. She also recommends taking an ibuprofen one hour before each treatment. For some, however, nothing seems to help except discontinuing treatment. Sensitivity issues vary greatly from one user to another. Experts recommend talking to your dentist before beginning any whitening regimen to ensure that you are a good candidate.