Whitening teeth question?

I heard that you could use baking soda about once a week when you're brushing your teeth to make them whiter. Is this true? and if so... I've heard that the baking soda make break away at the glue on your permanent spacer if you have one. So is there a way I could do it with a permanent spacer? Any other advise on whitening your teeth that's easy and not expensive? -like something you could do at home? I'm thinking about using whitening stripes. Thx for the help! :]
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When I was much younger my mom used to talk about brushing their teeth while growing up with baking soda. And they were always very white. Even her dad's who smoked. So, it must work. I'd do it every other day. However, I've never heard of it breaking down glue. I'd ask your dentist. Another way that's supposed to help whiten very economically it to rinse, BUT DON'T SWALLOW, with peroxide. White strips help to an extent, trays work better but are more expensive. And, I've found that the dissolving strips, like Listerine, although easy to use don't work very well.
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