Everyone wants a beautiful white smile to match their summer tan, which has made teeth whitening extremely popular right now. But do whitening strips work?
Yes, in a nutshell. Teeth whitening strips can whiten your teeth by a shade or two and can act in as little as a few days.
To find out how to use teeth-whitening strips to whiten your teeth, keep reading.
Do Whitening Strips Work?
Does whitening strips work?
The majority of teeth-whitening strips do a good job of removing surface stains from teeth.
By using hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to remove stains, whitening strips for your teeth may be able to make them whiter.
When a molecule called carbamide peroxide comes into contact with water, it decomposes into hydrogen peroxide.
Bleaching chromogens occurs in the deeper dentin layer of your tooth, where peroxides from whitening strips enter after penetrating the outer layer of your tooth called the enamel.
The pigmented molecules known as chromogens, which are present both inside and outside of your tooth, are what stain it.
Related Post: Do Whitening Strips Damage Enamel?
How Do These Whitening Products Work?
Are bleaching strips the solution? Let’s first look at how any whitening product functions.
When you use whitening strips or a whitening gel, the procedure appears to be straightforward, which it is to a degree. The products contain either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. Both of these bleaches function similarly.
The active ingredient, hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, permeates the dentin layer all the way through the tooth enamel.
There are stains left behind, which the bleach later removes. In an instant, this covers stains and whitens teeth.
How to Use Whitening Strips?
Most whitening strips require the same basic steps. On the other hand, they do differ between products. Read and follow the instructions exactly to ensure safe and effective whitening results.
Here are the basic instructions for how to use whitening strips at home:
- Remove the upper and lower strip from the package
- If necessary, use clean scissors to cut the strips to match the exact height of your teeth
- Remove the thin layer of plastic covering the adhesive
- Gently place each strip on your teeth
- Cover your teeth, but don’t let the strips touch your gums
- Leave the strips on your teeth for the exact number of minutes listed on the box
- Remove the strips
- Rinse your teeth immediately with water
- Don’t brush your teeth for at least two hours afterward
How Often Should I Use Whitening Strips?
Have you wondered how often to use whitening strips?
The degree of shade change you’re hoping for, the kind of strip you’re using, and whether you’re sensitive to its use will all affect this.
Check the packaging of your chosen white strips to determine the recommended frequency of use. You will probably need to use longer treatments for better results if you want a noticeable change in the shade of your teeth.
You can find out which teeth whitening strip is best for you by getting in touch with your dentist.
Side Effects of Teeth Whitening Strips
Everybody has a distinctive mouth. Keep an eye out for the side effects teeth whitening strips might have.
Stop using whitening strips right away if you notice any negative changes in your teeth or gums as a result of using them. Visit a dentist for oral care if side effects worsen or persist.
Tooth Sensitivity
It is most likely to manifest itself early in the course of treatment if you are prone to tooth sensitivity. This side effect, however, might occur at any time.
Consider the most recent time you bit into an ice cream bar or drank some soup that was too hot. Your teeth might have started to hurt. It’s sensitivity of the teeth.
This sensitivity shouldn’t last long after treatment because it doesn’t indicate tooth damage.
If the sensitivity is causing you to skip treatments or shorten them, think about switching to a new product. Seek out a whitening strip that can be used quickly. Utilizing only products with low concentrations of peroxide, the primary trigger of sensitivity, is an additional option.
Related Reading: Are Whitening Strips Bad for Your Teeth?
Irritated Gums
If you accidently leave the strips on your teeth for too long, you may develop irritated gums, also known as soft tissue irritation or chemical burns.
Follow the instructions provided by the package and confirm the suggested time frame. While prolonging the time the strips are on your teeth won’t necessarily make them whiter, it may prolong gingival irritation.
Temporary Discoloration
White spots may appear after using whitening strips, but they should disappear within a few hours. The method of applying whitening agents with the strip is to blame for this.
This staining, according to Crest, a well-known manufacturer of whitening strips, is brought on by water that has evaporated from the enamel of your teeth.
When using whitening strips, temporary discoloration is not a major concern because it is neither permanent nor harmful to your health.
Keep in mind that any present filings, veneers, caps or crowns will be unchanged by your whitening efforts.
Read More: Ashley Piercing Teeth Damage
Why Do You Need Teeth Whitening?
In the age of Instagram influencers, teeth whitening treatments have surged in popularity.
So why do people spend money on whitening kits and bleaching gels in order to have a smile that is more radiant?
The overwhelming majority of respondents admit to feeling self-conscious about their appearance. This is not a selfish act. Your mental health suffers because of how closely your self-esteem is related to how others view your physical appearance.
You might feel self-conscious about smiling if your teeth are stained, brown, or yellow. People pay to have their teeth whitened because whiter teeth are associated with increased self-confidence.
Final Words: Do Whitening Strips Work
When used correctly, most whitening strips are a safe way to whiten teeth.
Although not everyone can benefit from teeth whitening, porcelain veneers may be a better option for those who have severely discolored or cracked teeth.
FAQs
Do Whitening Strips Work Permanently?
To be fair, neither whitening strips nor professional whitening treatments are meant to be permanent. For the same white shade to be maintained, both techniques must be used again.
Do Whitening Strips Work After One Use?
Unless you use the Express whitening strips, it’s unlikely that you will notice any changes after just one application.
Do Whitening Strips Damage Teeth?
The enamel on your teeth could be harmed if you use bleaching strips that contain chlorine dioxide.
