Crest SENSI-STOP STRIPS provide targeted, immediate relief from tooth sensitivity.
Almost 75% of my new patients have sensitivities,” said Dr. Cynthia Leung, a member of the Dental Product Shopper evaluation team. Her sentiment is reflective of many clinicians who are treating patients for a wide array of issues from over-brushing to periodontal disease. Having effective treatments for dentin sensitivity ranked highly among evaluators, so the team was enthusiastic about working with Crest SENSI-STOP STRIPS.
Procter & Gamble’s Crest SENSI-STOP STRIPS are thin and flexible, containing dipotassium oxalate desensitizing gel on one side. The strips are applied directly to sensitive areas, providing targeted delivery of the gel. They are designed to cover the outer gum line of sensitive teeth for 10 minutes, allowing the key ingredient time to block tubules in the dentin, and providing a barrier against sensitivity. The effect is designed to provide immediate relief lasting up to 1 month.
Dr. Leung, who practices in Hoboken, NJ, was excited about the results when she used the strips on her patients. “It gives almost instant relief to exposed root surfaces. All the patients that I treated reported that it really works! The strips adapt well to the cervical region of the teeth. I use a cotton roll to help keep the strip against the teeth.”
Before treating her patients, Dr. Leung gave the product a trial run on her hygienist, who suffers from sensitivity issues. “She is not an easy person to please, but she was pleased! The product helps to rule out other than recessive gingival sensitivities.”
When asked about ROI, Dr. Leung said, “Having something that works quickly boosts the office’s reputation.” She called the treatment inexpensive and said she would definitely recommend the strips to colleagues. She indicated she would like to see the product last longer than a month, but also said, “I like it just the way it is!”
Another member of the evaluation team, Dr. William Lieberman, talked about a few of his experiences. One of his patients had issues with sensitivity related to whitening, and she used SENSI-STOP STRIPS after bleaching. “She was delighted that she could bleach and not be sensitive afterward.” A teenage patient who had just finished orthodontic treatment tried the strips, as well. When he returned 3 weeks later, he was happy and smiling about the outcome of his braces, Dr. Lieberman shared.
Dr. Lieberman pointed out that the strips reinforce the importance of office visits and treatments for sensitivity. He said the SENSI-STOP STRIPS offer a great value at a realistic price point, though he acknowledged that it would sometimes take an additional strip to achieve a more noticeable difference. He liked the convenience the strips afford, as patients can use them at home whenever the time is available. A hygienist, Trisha Lewis, told DPS that sensitivity relief is “a high-demand concern” with patients. She said, “My patient had hypersensitivity around a new crown. After applying the product, the patient stated it felt great while I was cleaning!” She continued, “I have always had sensitivity, and the majority of my patients complain of sensitivity.” She said the strips are easily applied and cost-effective.
Another DPS evaluator, Harriet Ludjin, RDH, said she is always looking for ways to relieve patients’ sensitivity, and this product brings relief quickly. Ludjin described the strips as another effective treatment modality that are readily available for the consumer and uncomplicated to use. “It gives patients hope that they wouldn’t have sensitivity all their lives.”
Dr. Kent Moberly, a dentist from Seattle, agreed that sensitivity is a huge problem among patients. “Anything to combat root sensitivity is worth trying,” he said. Although Dr. Moberly recommended that Crest develop better instructions for the SENSI-STOP STRIPS, he said they are effective and easy to apply to a local area. He added that they last longer than fluoride varnish. “One of my hygienists has very sensitive teeth, and this made her hygiene visit extremely easy,” he shared. “[Her] hygiene visit was painless when it usually required fluoride varnish and tenderness.” This product “worked on difficult cases that I did not expect to get relief.”
Overall, the DPS evaluators were strong in their support of the product’s effect on sensitivity and patient experience. Ninety-two percent of them said they are likely to recommend SENSISTOP to their peers. Their evaluation of this product, based on all the parameters, earned the product a rating of “Recommended.”
