Teeth whitening strips are a simple and affordable whitening system that can make your teeth look beautiful and white in just a few days. Teeth whitening strips are a popular dental product that can help remove stains and whiten your teeth. While they are not as effective as in-office treatments, they can be an easier and less expensive alternative. However, people should carefully check the ingredients of the strips and use them with caution.
Teeth begin to yellow as we age, but people can use various methods to slow down this process.One of these is whitening strips, which are applied directly to the teeth. Although the strips usually contain chemicals such as carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, the American Dental Association (ADA) states that they are safe and effective.
Whitening strips whiten natural teeth and use advanced sealing technology to keep the powerful ingredients close to the teeth. They contain peroxide, the same bleaching ingredient used in many professional teeth whitening treatments.
However, when using teeth whitening strips, it is important to follow the instructions carefully for best results. They should generally be used once a day for 10-14 days.
If you are looking to whiten your teeth, consider visiting YAREMA DENTAL for professional teeth whitening. Our experienced dentists will help you choose the best option for your needs and goals.
Types of Teeth Whitening Strips
Peroxide-Based Teeth Whitening Strip
Teeth whitening strips come in many forms. The most common type is a peroxide-based strip, which contains hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide as the active ingredient, which breaks down stubborn surface stains and removes discoloration. Many peroxide-based strips also contain an ingredient such as sodium bicarbonate.
Peroxide is the main whitening ingredient in many treatments. Peroxide-based strips typically contain 10 to 22% hydrogen peroxide or 3 to 15% carbamide peroxide, depending on the brand. The amount of active ingredient in the whitening strips determines how effective they will be.
Charcoal Teeth Whitening Strips
Another popular form of whitening strips is made from natural ingredients, such as charcoal or baking soda. Depending on the composition, these strips are often gentler on teeth than their chemical counterparts and can provide mild to moderate results.
For example, charcoal strips adsorb surface stains and affect tooth discoloration, while baking soda is a mild abrasive that removes built-up plaque and debris.
The downside to these strips is that they don’t contain any whitening agents, so their effects won’t be as long-lasting as those from products with peroxide-based ingredients. Additionally, charcoal strips may not be suitable for sensitive teeth.
Peroxide-Free Teeth Whitening Strips
The third type of teeth whitening strips are peroxide-free strips. These strips do not contain active whitening ingredients, but instead contain natural enzymes and other ingredients that help remove surface stains from natural teeth.
Peroxide-free strips are generally gentler than peroxide-based strips, so they can be a good choice for people with sensitive teeth or gums.
The downside to peroxide-free strips is that they will not provide the same whitening results as products that use peroxide as the active ingredient. Additionally, these strips are often more expensive than their chemical counterparts and require more applications to achieve results.
Enzyme Teeth Whitening Strips
The final type of teeth whitening strips are enzyme strips. Enzyme strips are generally gentler than other teeth whitening products, making them suitable for people with sensitive teeth or gums.
They may also be more effective at tackling stubborn surface stains that regular whitening products can’t remove.
The downside to enzyme strips is that they are slow-acting. It can take a few weeks for users to notice an improvement in their natural tooth color.
How Peroxide Whitens Teeth
Peroxide is the active ingredient in many teeth whitening products, and it releases oxygen when it comes into contact with saliva. The oxygen then penetrates the tooth enamel and breaks down surface stains, making teeth whiter. In addition to being used as a whitening agent, hydrogen peroxide has antibacterial properties that can help reduce gum inflammation and kill bacteria that can cause bad breath.
Why you should consult a dentist before using strips
Teeth whitening products, including strips, can effectively remove both intrinsic and extrinsic stains on teeth. However, they do not work on dentures. Teeth whitening strips are an effective over-the-counter product that usually works better than other over-the-counter whitening products, such as whitening toothpaste. However, it is important to note that at-home whitening strips contain a lower concentration of whitening ingredients than products used by dentists.
People with severely stained teeth may not get the desired results from using over-the-counter whitening strips.
Additionally, the effectiveness of the strips may depend on the strength of the chemicals and how long people leave them on their teeth. However, evidence suggests that frequent and long-term use of teeth whitening products that contain hydrogen peroxide may be harmful to the health of their teeth.
Therefore, it is worth discussing the use of these products with your dentist. If a person has gum disease or other dental conditions, they should also consult a dentist before using over-the-counter whitening strips.
How to use
The strips are applied directly to the teeth. Manufacturers may recommend avoiding brushing your teeth just before applying the strips. The person then leaves the strips on their teeth for the recommended amount of time, about 30 minutes.
Manufacturers may also recommend an ideal frequency of use for the strips. The standard recommendation is to use the whitening strips twice a day for 2 weeks. However, these instructions may vary depending on the product. Therefore, a person should follow the directions on the package and never leave the strips on for longer than the manufacturer recommends.
Pros and cons of using whitening strips
Advantages of using whitening strips include:
- effective whitening;
- convenience of use;
- no need to visit the dentist;
- affordability.
While there are benefits to using whitening strips, there are also disadvantages.
These include:
- the strips can cause side effects, such as increased tooth sensitivity and gum irritation;
- because whitening strips use bleaching agents to achieve their effect, overuse of these products can damage teeth;
- some people may not get the results they want with whitening strips;
- whitening sessions can last about 30 minutes, so using them requires time and patience;
- people are more likely to experience side effects if they do not follow the product manufacturer’s instructions.
Alternatives
In addition to strips, there are other teeth whitening products and methods:
- whitening toothpaste;
- whitening mouthwash;
- whitening gels;
- whitening trays;
- whitening powder.
Options available directly from dentists include:
- custom-made mouth guards with whitening gels for use at home;
- in-office teeth whitening.
Some people prefer to use natural products to remove stains from their teeth. However, it is important to be careful when using certain products that are sometimes recommended online, such as fruit juices, vinegar, or scrubs. These methods can damage your teeth or stain them further.
Tips for maintaining results after using teeth whitening strips
Reduce your intake of foods that stain your teeth. Certain foods and drinks, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and dark juices, can stain your teeth. Cutting back on these can help keep your smile brighter for longer.
Drink water after meals. Rinsing your mouth with water after meals can help remove some of the stains that may have built up.
Avoid smoking. Smoking can stain your teeth, damage your enamel, and weaken it in the long run. Quitting smoking is a great way to keep your teeth in great shape for longer.
Visit your dentist regularly. Regular visits to your dentist for checkups and professional cleanings can help prevent the buildup of stains on your teeth and help maintain good oral health.
Teeth whitening products, such as whitening strips, are generally safe to use and can be a convenient and cost-effective way to remove stains from your teeth. However, it is important that people use them correctly to avoid negative consequences. Some people may experience gum irritation and tooth sensitivity after using whitening products. In some cases, if people use them incorrectly, these products can damage tooth enamel and lead to long-term complications. People planning to use teeth whitening products should consult their dentist.
While at-home whitening products work, they may not provide the same results as in-office whitening procedures.