Do Teeth Whitening Strips Work?
There are many different teeth whitening treatments to help brighten your smile while maintaining the health of your teeth. The most popular treatment is teeth whitening strips. Do teeth whitening strips work to brighten your smile?
In this article, we answer the question ‘do teeth whitening strips work’ and how to safely use them to whiten your smile.
Table of Contents
Do Teeth Whitening Strips Work?
Over 35 million people in America use whitening treatments every year. Do teeth whitening strips work? Teeth whitening strips are a very popular system to brighten your teeth and improve the look of your smile.
But do teeth whitening strips work for everyone?
How Teeth Whitening Strips Work
Your natural tooth structure can range from yellow to grey hues. Yellow coloring accepts whitening easily and works with most whitening systems. Grey coloring is more challenging to whiten and usually requires professional help.
Discoloration Sources
The most common cause of discoloration is staining from food and beverages. Lifestyle habits like smoking can also lead to yellow teeth. Other causes can be trauma, aging with the natural thinning of enamel, and certain medications.
The Whitening Process
Teeth are porous like sponges, the whitening agents open up the tubules to get the intrinsic stain out (the inside coloring of the tooth). The active ingredient in whitening treatments reacts with stains and breakdown the bond. During this process minimize any staining food and beverages.
Tooth whitening treatment will only work on natural tooth structures. They will not work on fillings or restorations. For more information on this topic, check out our article Does Teeth Whitening Work on Fillings?
Do Teeth Whitening Strips Work? How To Use Whitening Strips
Teeth whitening strips are an affordable and convenient way to brighten your smile. You can buy them over the counter at most retail stores and pharmacies. They also have many different types, like sensitive or professional strength.
How to use teeth whitening strips:
- Some brands of teeth whitening strips will have a top and bottom in one package while others keep them separate. The larger strip will be for the top teeth and the smaller strip will be for the bottom teeth.
- Read the directions that are on the package.
- Open the package and peel off the strip. You’ll notice only one side will have the gel, that will go against the tooth’s surface.
- Gently place the strip on the teeth (gel side towards teeth). Make sure it’s not laying on the gums. Fold the remaining strip toward the inside of the teeth. Press the strip to make sure it’s fully touching the tooth’s surface.
- The amount of time you leave them on and how frequently you should wear them will depend on the brand and type of teeth whitening strips. It will be stated in the directions
If you ever feel a burning sensation or if they are too painful to use, remove the strip and wipe the gel off as best as possible. Although rare, allergic reactions can occur. Contact your dentist with any questions or concerns.
Minor Sensitivity with Teeth Whitening Strips
Some may experience minor discomfort when whitening their teeth. The whitening gel is absorbed by the tooth’s layers through the tooth’s tubules. This is how any sensitivity may reach the nerves causing slight discomfort.
- Teeth absorbing the whitening gel will expose the tooth’s tubules, opening the layers and causing sensitivity.
- Whitening gel demineralizes the superficial enamel layer causing sensitivity.
Check out our How to Help Sensitive Teeth After Whitening to learn more.
Tips For Using Teeth Whitening Strips
Teeth whitening strips are a convenient way to brighten your smile. They are fairly easy to use and are one of the more affordable teeth whitening systems on the market. To get the most out of your teeth whitening strips, check out our tips below.
- It’s best to whiten after seeing your dental hygienist for a dental cleaning. This will provide a clean surface for the whitening gel to work its magic.
- It will also ensure you don’t have any underlying problems like cavities.
- If the whitening gel bothers your gums, use Vitamin E to help soothe any irritation.
- Avoid foods and beverages that are dark in color and can stain the teeth. This includes berries, pasta sauce, coffee, and teas.
- Try drinking colored beverages through a straw during the course of whitening.
- Take frequent sips of water throughout the day to help wash food, beverages, and bacteria off of the teeth.
For more tips, check out our Tips for Whitening Teeth article.
Who Should Avoid Teeth Whitening
The truth is that whitening your teeth isn’t great for the health of your smile. The solution used to whiten can damage the superficial layers of the enamel. It’s important to always follow the instructions for whitening written on the package.
You may not want to whiten your teeth if you have any of the dental problems below.
- Cavities or at a high cavities risk
- Weak enamel
- High sugar and acid diet
- Gum recession in multiple areas of the mouth
- Poor oral hygiene
Always consult your dentist if you’re unsure of teeth whitening. They’ll be able to guide you in the right direction and maintain the health of your smile.
Do Teeth Whitening Strips Work?
Do teeth whitening strips work? Yes! Teeth whitening strips will help brighten most smiles and a convenient and safe way. They whiten your teeth a few shades brighter and improve the look of your smile. They are also a great way to maintain the shade you’re happy with over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do white strips damage your teeth?
Teeth whitening is not healthy for the teeth and can damage the enamel outer layer of the teeth. If used incorrectly, the whitening solution can lead to weakened enamel, dental sensitivity, and chemical burns on the gums. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and consult your dentist before use.
How long does it take for teeth whitening strips to work?
Everyone will see results differently. Some see improvement after one use, while others may take the full treatment course to see lasting improvement in the color of their teeth. Teeth whitening strips only go up to a certain strength. If you’re not happy with the results, you may need a stronger whitening treatment done in dental offices.
Take Home Smile Store
Visit our Take Home Smile store for educational brochures and other fun printables to help with oral hygiene. All products can be customized to fit your dental needs.
