Brand FAQ's
Are you actually Made by Dentists?
Yes, we are Drs. Lisa and Vanessa Creaven, dentists, sisters and moms. As dentists, we know most people hate coming to see us, but the truth is, great oral health can really be achieved at home. So we created a collection of safe, clinically proven products for our patients, families and friends.
We hope you love them as much as we do.
Why was Made by Dentists founded?
Most people think that oral health comes from going to the dentist and while this is super important, 90% of your oral health is actually determined by your diet, lifestyle and the oral care products you use. We wanted to create a range of products that really brought to life what we know to be true as dental professionals. There have been so many innovations in oral health over the past 20 years and we wanted to see those innovations included in the oral care products that are used at home. This means scientifically proven, active ingredients that really work to address your individual needs as a person.
As moms and dentists, we are especially passionate about kids' oral care and so we created a range of kids products that are designed to make oral hygiene fun and easy for children while promoting good habits that will help kids maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Who are Drs Lisa and Vanessa Creaven?
Moms, sisters, best friends, nerds from Galway, a small town in Ireland. Check out our 20 Questions here.
Are Made by Dentists products tested on animals?
No, Made by Dentists does not test its products on animals. We are committed to producing cruelty-free products and do not engage in animal testing. As a dentist, I had no idea that most toothpastes are still tested on animals and the most common animals that are used for these tests are guinea pigs. When creating our products, we don't test on animals and they do not contain any animal by-products making them vegan friendly. Save the guinea pigs!
Are Made by Dentists products recyclable?
We really make a huge effort to use sustainable packaging. We are really proud that all of our toothpaste tubes are 100% recyclable. We are not perfect but we are trying our best to constantly improve our products from a sustainability point of view.
What should I do if I have a problem with my Made by Dentists product?
If you have any questions, queries or concerns please contact us on info@madebydentists.com We are here to help.
Where do Made by Dentists products ship from?
We ship our products from California and usually you’ll receive your item by standard shipping in less than 5 working days.
How do I dispose of a Made by Dentists product?
Made by Dentists packaging is 100% recyclable so just pop your packaging into your recycling bin.
Does Made by Dentists ship internationally?
We ship to the United States including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. We also ship to Canada.
How do I track my order?
You will receive an email from us with your tracking information upon dispatch of your order. Just click on the link and if you have any problems or questions just email us at info@madebydentists.com and we will be happy to help.
Can I return an item if I’m not happy?
Sure, just reach out to us at info@madebydentists.com. To be eligible for a return, your item must also be in the original packaging. To complete your return, we require a receipt or proof of purchase from our Website.
Teeth Whitening Strips
How often should I use Made By Dentists Express Teeth Whitening Strips?
As dentists we understand that whitening is a very individual process and often depends on your diet and how much tea or coffee etc you drink. Normally, we recommend repeating a full course every 6 months and to top up every 3 months with approximately 5 days worth of strips. Alternatively, following a course of whitening treatment, some of our customers use 1 or 2 strips every week to maintain whitening results.
I have a veneer/crown. Will your Teeth Whitening Strips whiten my teeth?
No whitening system will ever whiten veneers or crowns as they are made of porcelain. The Teeth Whitening Strips will whiten natural teeth but normally when a crown or veneer is placed, they are matched to the shade of the teeth around them.As you get older, your natural teeth darken a little so whitening every few months will brighten your natural teeth closer to the shade of the porcelain.
Can I use your Teeth Whitening Strips if I’m pregnant?
First of all, congratulations!! This is such an exciting time! Unfortunately, we don’t recommend using our Teeth Whitening Strips while pregnant or breastfeeding but you can use our whitening paste and pen which are great ways to maintain and enhance whitening. Enjoy this amazing time!
Will Made By Dentists Teeth Whitening Strips make my teeth sensitive?
We specifically designed our Teeth Whitening Strips for people with sensitive teeth. I, personally, have very sensitive teeth, and as a dentist, couldn’t find whitening products that I could use. Making our strips suitable for anyone with sensitive teeth was really important to me. Our whitening strips are formulated with clinically-proven hydrogen peroxide, but we include just the right amount to be effective without causing sensitivity or harm to your enamel. Our whitening strips also include 100% Vitamin E Comforting Gum Oil. We recommend applying this to your teeth and gums after each treatment to minimize any sensitivity.
Can I use the Teeth Whitening Strips overnight?
We designed the strips to be used for 30 minutes every day for 2 weeks.
I am experiencing white patches after I use the strips. Why is this?
These white patches are called opacities which are on the teeth naturally and may become dehydrated during any whitening process. This is a completely normal part of whitening your teeth and will resolve back to an even shade. We recommend using the strips in the evening time so by morning any opacities will have faded away.
How many courses of Teeth Whitening Strips can I do in a row?
Our whitening system is designed to be used for 14 days for 30 mins each day which should, in most cases deliver amazing whitening results. If you wish to achieve a brighter result, you may consider using a second box. We do also recommend topping up once or twice a week with a strip, depending on your diet and lifestyle.
What age can you start using the Teeth Whitening Strips?
We advise people who are 18+ years to use our whitening strips. Below that age, we recommend using our pen and toothpaste.
I have receding gums, can I use your Teeth Whitening Strips?
Yes, our whitening strips are specifically designed for those with sensitive teeth or gums.
Are Made By Dentists Express Teeth Whitening Strips vegan?
Yes. Made By Dentists Teeth Whitening Strips are 100% vegan, cruelty-free, BPA-free, DEA-free, triclosan-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free and gluten-free.
Teeth Whitening Pen
Is your Teeth Whitening pen as effective as your Teeth whitening Strips?
If you’re looking to whiten your teeth, we recommend using a course of whitening strips and use the pen as a top-up or for getting rid of daily stains from tea, coffee, red wine or any darkly colored foods or drinks.
What makes Made By Dentists teeth whitening pen different from other brands?
Whitening results do need to be maintained and so we designed our sensitive Teeth Whitening Pen to be an easy, everyday solution for whitening your teeth as you require. It’s formulated with clean, clinically-proven ingredients to safely and instantly whiten your teeth without causing sensitivity or harm to your teeth. We love to use our pen after having coffee or for any persistent staining. This includes clinically-proven hydrogen peroxide that helps whiten your teeth in just 5 minutes, while the peppermint flavor instantly freshens your breath. Our whitening pen is BPA-free, DEA-free, triclosan-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free, alcohol-free, gluten-free, cruelty-free, PETA-certified, and vegan.
How often should I use Made By Dentists Teeth Whitening Pen?
We see this product as a hero product that can be used on the go or as a top up for getting rid of daily stains. It can be used as often as you like.
How long does it take for me to see results after using the whitening pen?
The whitening pen actively dissolves stains to whiten teeth, the results are immediate.
Do I need to brush my teeth before using your Teeth Whitening Pen?
Your teeth do not need to be brushed before using our Teeth Whitening Pen. We see this product as a handbag hero that can be used on the go or as a top up for getting rid of daily stains. Simply paint onto your teeth and leave on for 5 mins.
Is Made By Dentists Teeth Whitening Pen vegan?
Yes. Our Teeth Whitening Pen is 100% vegan, cruelty-free and free of any toxic additives including BPA, DEA, triclosan, parabens, sulfates, phthalate, alcohol, artificial colors and artificial flavors.
Sonic Toothbrush
I have receding gums, can I use your Sonic Toothbrush?
Yes, in fact, as dentists we recommend using a sonic brush over a manual brush if you have sensitive gums. A Sonic Toothbrush offers a more gentle but thorough clean which is often more suitable for sensitive gums. Our Sonic Toothbrush has three different speed settings. If you find you have sensitive teeth or gums then the ‘sensitive’ speed level is perfect for you. It ensures you are receiving an effective clean without being too harsh on your gums or teeth.
How long does your Sonic Toothbrush take to charge?
Charge time is a full 15 hours for our Sonic Toothbrush to ensure it lasts the 70-day battery life.
How often should I replace the toothbrush head on my Sonic Toothbrush?
As dentists, we recommend changing your toothbrush head every 3 months.
What makes the Made By Dentists Sonic Toothbrush different from other electric toothbrushes?
Made By Dentists Sonic Toothbrush uses sonic vibration technology with up to 48,000 vibrations per minute. As dentists, we see a lot of toothbrushes that do not have this level of vibrations which can affect the quality of the brushing. Our toothbrush also has three different settings to suit differing needs- Sensitive, Clean and White. Each setting has a different speed to ensure that you are comfortable while brushing your teeth. The high-frequency and brush movements ensure that both your toothpaste and oxygen are reaching those little spaces between your teeth that can be hard to get to. Our Sonic Toothbrush also has a smaller head which helps to ensure that you can use our brush comfortably on difficult to reach areas. Our Sonic Toothbrush ensures your teeth are receiving the best clean possible but is still gentle on your teeth and gums.
Water Flosser
Why do you recommend using the Made By Dentists Water Flosser over traditional, manual flossing?
We all know that we should floss everyday but flossing isn’t easy. It can be difficult to reach all areas and it can sometimes be painful. A Water Flosser is a smarter and often easier way to floss. It has a rotating head which makes it much easier to hold than regular floss. A Water Flosser easily removes bacteria and plaque from deep between the teeth and below the gum line where traditional brushing and flossing cannot reach, whilst stimulating the gum tissue to improve blood flow and circulation.
There are also many situations where traditional floss doesn’t work very well. Water flossing provides an effective way of flossing where traditional flossing is not possible- whether it be dental braces, bridges, crowns, implants and periodontal pockets.
Who should use a Water Flosser?
A Water Flosser is a great option if you want a really thorough clean, if you want to improve your oral health or if you struggle using traditional floss. We particularly recommend a Water Flosser for people with braces, bridges, implants, crowns or periodontal pockets. It's suitable for anyone who wants a cleaner, brighter and fresher mouth.
When should I use your Water Flosser?
We recommend using the Water Flosser before brushing your teeth to dislodge food and plaque which can then be effectively brushed away when brushing your teeth.
How long does your Water Flosser take to charge?
If you use your Water Flosser once a day or less, it is recommended you charge it overnight, once a week. If you use it twice a day or more, charge the unit more frequently.
How will I know when the Water Flosser needs to be charged?
Our Water Flosser will flash red when it needs to be charged.
How often should I replace the Water Flosser Tips?
Replace tips every 6 months. Replace orthodontic tips and periodontal tips every 3 months or when you see the tip beginning to wear.
Can I use your Water Flosser if I have sensitive teeth and gums?
Yes, we advise starting with the ‘soft mode’ this will give you a gentler yet thorough clean.
I have receding gums. Can I use the Water Flosser?
Yes, one of the main reasons for receding gums is gum inflammation. Using a Water Flosser is a really gentle but thorough way of keeping your gums clean and a way of reducing the risk of gum recession.
We also recommend seeing your dentist and hygienist regularly to ensure your teeth and gums are in good health.
Can a Water Flosser remove tartar?
Plaque is what forms on teeth and it takes three weeks to harden into tartar. Once tartar forms, you will need to visit your dentist or hygienist to remove tartar with special instruments. By using a Water Flosser you are working to prevent the formation of tartar by removing the build-up of plaque.
Can using a Water Flosser help eliminate bad breath?
Yes, one of the most common sources of bad breath is bacteria building up between your teeth and on the surface of your tongue. Water Flossers can remove bacteria from beneath the gum line and in between the teeth, improving oral health and bad breath. The spoon-like shape of our tongue scraper tip effectively removes bacteria from the tongue to help prevent bad breath. Place the tongue scraper in the centre of your tongue, half-way back. Turn the power on and gently pull the tip to the front of your tongue with light pressure.
Can using a Water Flosser make my gums bleed?
The most common cause of bleeding gums is inflammation. You may notice your gums bleeding when you first use a Water Flosser. This is usually due to gum inflammation. The best way to overcome this is to use the soft mode to begin with and gradually increase to the normal and pulse mode. Any discomfort and/or bleeding will reduce as your gum health improves. We recommend seeing your dentist and hygienist regularly to ensure overall good oral health.
I have a bar at the back of my teeth. Should I be using the orthodontic head on the back and normal on the front or can I use the same head for my whole mouth?
The orthodontic tip is designed to be used on any orthodontic appliance. We often find food and plaque getting caught around permanent retainers (bars). I would recommend using the brush tip along the bar (at the back of the teeth) and the regular tip at the front of those teeth.
Toothpaste
Can I use your Whitening Toothpaste as my everyday toothpaste?
Yes. You can use it as part of your everyday routine as it contains fluoride which helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease. It contains everything you need to protect against all of the most common dental issues along with whitening your teeth.
Can I use the toothpaste during my 2 week whitening course using your Teeth Whitening Strips?
We recommend using our toothpaste as part of your normal oral care regime and during and after your two-week whitening course as it enhances and maintains whitening results.
I have sensitive teeth and want to whiten my teeth. Will your Whitening Toothpaste be enough?
Our Whitening Toothpaste contains the active whitening ingredient hydrogen peroxide, the same ingredient that is in our Teeth Whitening Strips and other whitening products. If you are looking to significantly whiten your teeth by a number of shades, we would advise starting off with our Teeth Whitening Strips and then using our Whitening Toothpaste to maintain brightness.
Why does your toothpaste contain fluoride?
As dentists, all of the advice we give is based on clinical research. We recommend the use of fluoride in your toothpaste as it is one of the key ingredients that has been proven to prevent cavities, to heal early cavities and it even helps prevent gum disease. As dentists, we recommend using toothpastes that have clinically proven active ingredients and fluoride is a key ingredient to incorporate into your oral care products.
Are Made By Dentists toothpaste vegan?
Yes. All Made By Dentists toothpastes are vegan, cruelty-free, PETA-certified, and BPA-free, DEA-free, triclosan-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free, alcohol-free and gluten-free.
Whitening Results
How much whiter will my teeth get after using Made By Dentists Express Teeth Whitening Strips?
We formulate our Teeth Whitening Strips with the same active ingredients that we used in our dental office to whiten our patients teeth. We only use clean ingredients that are clinically-proven to safely remove stains and deliver professional results at home. However, there are individual factors that can impact whitening results.
1. Food and drinks such as tea and coffee contain tannins that can stain your teeth. Consuming large amounts of these drinks before or during your whitening process will impact the degree of whitening results. We normally recommend avoiding dark colored foods and liquids, especially during the 2-week whitening course.
2. Smoking - smoking contributes to staining of your teeth as nicotine, tar and other chemicals adhere easily onto your teeth which leads to staining.
3. Health of enamel - whitening is a process of lightening your enamel. If you have damaged your enamel or worn it away over time, there is less enamel to achieve the desired whitening results. If your enamel is eroded or damaged, more dentine becomes exposed - which is yellow in color and leads to poorer results when whitening your teeth.
4. If you haven't visited your dentist in 6 months, you may have a build up of plaque and tartar that stops the active ingredients in the strips from penetrating onto the enamel which will result in a less that ideal whitening result. Of course, we recommend seeing your dentist and hygienist regularly to ensure good overall oral health.
As dentists, we understand that the results a person wants to achieve may differ between people. If you want a whiter result, you may opt to use our whitening system for longer or more regularly.