Stuck on You: Crest Whitestrips Advanced Seal Teeth At-Home Whitening Kits

crest whitestrips advanced seal

I take it back. I take back my months-ago declaration that home whitening kits are always messy. Crest Whitestrips Advanced Seal has changed things with a new adhesive technology that, when met with the moisture in your mouth, creates a firm temporary bond between the strip and your teeth.

The strips themselves are still easy to remove from the backing, but once you get them on teeth, they won't budge when you talk, drink water (don't be dorky and try to drink coffee) or even eat. Have no fear if you've popped them in and suddenly feel the urge to go for a run (I'm sure that happens) or feel like giving yourself a facial (I discovered the hard way that washing one's face while wearing regular slippy strips = ick blegh).

Thanks to the adhesive quality of the gel, you won't get stuff squishing out from under the strips, which means a much-reduced icky taste. Plus, when you remove them, you won't be left with yucky goop on your teeth.

Let me recap the reason for bleaching one's teeth if they're not so white: Instant facelift. The increased contrast between skin and whiter teeth brightens the complexion and makes eye colour look more intense as well. You'll look rested, refreshed, younger.

Actually, let me amend that to "near-instant" facelift -- it'll take 30 minutes per day for 14 days to finish the Crest Whitestrips Advanced Seal strips (about $49.99 CAN/$39.99 US). And yes, you must use the whole kit to get the longest-lasting results, even if you get whiter teeth in the first three days. Finishing the kit as directed will cost you less in the long run because, unless you're a chain smoker and serious coffee addict, you won't have to bleach again for more than a year. If sensitivity becomes an issue, try every other day if you must, but get through it -- a bright, white grimace is better than a yellowed smile.

If you're going to make faces, you might as well look good doing it.

Crest Whitestrips Advanced Seal is available at drugstores, mass retailers and at (free shipping in Canada). Image courtesy of Crest.