Do you have low self-esteem due to your discolored teeth? Nothing looks better than a pearly white smile. Teeth whitening strips can be an easy way to get the smile of your dreams.
Below is everything you will need to know about whitening strips and whether they are the right choice for you.
How they Work
The whitening strips are made from an adaptable plastic substance coated in a fine layer of a whitening agent, which contains hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.
Once the strips have been applied, the gel is thrust against your teeth and held in place. This allows the gel to infiltrate the teeth and start working.
You will need to insert the strips daily for about 2-4 weeks, depending on the brand you use.
This teeth whitening method is a quick, inexpensive, and easy way to whiten your teeth, but it does not come without certain risks, and you should always use them safely for effective results.
Nine Facts about Whitening Strips
To use Whitestrips effectively, you need to know the facts to help you understand what product you are using and how it could affect you:
1. Your Teeth Have the Ability to Absorb
Most people don’t know this, but teeth have pores like skin. Your teeth absorb anything with color that enters your mouth. So drinking wine or coffee, eating dark-colored foods, and even smoking can discolor and stain your teeth.
Over time your teeth will grow darker and darker, and the stains will never vanish unless you actively remove them. Effective whitening strips will absorb into your teeth and push the stains out through the pores.
2. Whitestrips Won’t Damage Your Teeth
If you follow the instructions on the box, strips will not damage your teeth. The strips use active ingredients that temporarily stretch the pores in your teeth and destroy the stains. After each application, your teeth will naturally remineralize and rehydrate.
3. Whitening Strips are Less Effective than Custom-Fitted Whitening Trays
You will find similar active ingredients in most whitening products on the market, but you will find that custom-fitted whitening trays are the most effective product.
This tray is customized to ensure that every angle of every tooth, no matter whether your teeth are crooked or straight, will get consistent coverage.
Custom-fitted trays are more expensive than other whitening products, and you will need to visit your dentist. They can cost $500 and up, depending on your location.
4. Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is usually caused by genetics, thin enamel, or cracked/damaged teeth. Therefore, it is natural for your tooth sensitivity to increase after using Whitestrips.
During the whitening process, your teeth become temporarily dehydrated, deterring their ability to insulate the nerve from temperature changes. This should only last 13-36 hours.
It would be best to use a post-whitening fluoride treatment to help nourish your teeth and encourage rehydration.
5. It is Not an Overnight Fix
No whitening product on the market will work within a day. It is not possible for the whitening gel to safely infiltrate the teeth deep enough to achieve the desired effect in such a short time.
Depending on what type of whitening product you buy, achieving your desired results can take anywhere from 4 days to several months.
People with harsher stains will need to be patient. Each session removes years of stains, and once they are all gone, it will be easy to maintain. Your patience will eventually pay off.
6. You can Not Whiten Caps and Veneers
Before going for caps or veneers, it is recommended that you whiten your teeth beforehand. Caps and veneers are specifically engineered to the color of your natural teeth and can never be changed. Caps and veneers do not whiten or stain.
At AstaDent Clinic Turkey, we have highly skilled Dentists in the Dental treatments field. In addition to the experienced medical crew and the Clinic, which is equipped with advanced technologies. Click here to get an appointment for a free consultation.
7. Brush Your Teeth before Application
You are brushing your teeth with a wet toothbrush before the application will aid in opening your pores. You can use toothpaste as well, but it is not necessary. If you want to use toothpaste, ensure fluoride-free, as it causes the whitening agent to be ineffective.
Once you have brushed your teeth, rinse them properly with clean water before applying the whitening strip.
8. Whiten Your Teeth Before Bedtime
The perfect time to whiten your teeth is right before you go to bed. This is because your teeth are more susceptible to re-staining immediately after whitening.
As discussed, the whitening gel opens the pores to push the stains out. Therefore, consuming anything while the pores have been stretched open can easily flow through the pores.
Using Whitestrips before bedtime will reduce the risk of staining and allow your teeth to rehydrate and remineralize.
9. Not Everyone will Achieve Completely White Teeth
Due to genetics, not everyone’s natural tooth color is the same, and some people might have darker teeth than others.
The strips and other whitening products were designed to remove stains and do nothing about your natural coloring appearance.
Most dentists will not divulge that information and won’t refund you if the whitening process does not work, so asking the right questions before undergoing any procedure is essential.
The Advantages of Whitening Strips
The strips have many advantages and are the most commonly bought whitening product. Below are some of the advantages they offer:
- They are affordable
Strips are a fraction of the price compared to other teeth whitening products.
- They are Effective
strips are a milder form of whitening your teeth but will still make a significant difference. Buying whitening strips from a reputable brand is always better for the best results.
- They are user-friendly.
Strips provide an easy application; you only have to read the instructions. You will find many alternatives, but their application is less straightforward than the strips.
- Less evasive
Depending on your chosen brand, strips are generally gentler than more powerful bleaching gels on your teeth and gums. In addition, you can find charcoal and coconut options that limit sensitivity.
- Easily obtainable
You can find strips almost anywhere, and there are so many varieties to choose from. So hop down to your local pharmacy or supermarket and test out the different brands to find the one that works for you. You can also order them online.
The Disadvantages of Whitening Strips
Everyone wants a brighter smile. Many teeth-whitening products are on the market, but teeth-whitening strips are the most popular.
Whitening strips are an effective, low-cost way of achieving a brighter smile. They work well and won’t cost you an arm and a leg. However, some risks could occur:
- Uneven Whitening
The whitening strips are two-dimensional and need to be applied to three-dimensional teeth. Therefore, no matter how carefully you place them, they will never make complete contact with your teeth.
This will leave certain spots uncovered, causing your teeth to have yellow edges that are pretty noticeable.
- Gum Problems
Whitening strips contain harsh chemicals that can damage the soft tissues of your gums. Therefore, as much as possible, you must avoid contact between the whitening gel and your gums.
This is more difficult than it may appear, and you must use extreme caution when placing the strips. Try cutting the strips to match the teeth you cover to make this task easier.
- Sensitive teeth and damage
If used in moderation, whitening strips are completely safe. However, overdoing it can cause high sensitivity and possibly lead to permanent damage to your teeth.
If used excessively, the chemicals used in the whitening strip erode your tooth enamel, causing pain and paving the way for tooth decay which could lead to tooth loss.
It is essential never to use more than directed and ensure good oral health with no cavities or gum disease.
How much do Whitening Strips Cost?
Various teeth whitening strips are on the market, making it hard to throw out an exact price. However, here is a table with the general pricing for different whitening methods:
| Teeth Whitening Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Teeth Whitening Strips | $10-$20 |
| At-Home Teeth Whitening Products | $100 or less |
| Customized-fitted Whitening Tray | $500 on average |
| Professional Teeth Whitening | $650 on average |
Are Whitening Strips Right for You?
Now that you have all the facts, you must decide if whitening strips are the right option. If you are still hesitant about using whitening strips, it would be best to consult your dentist about all the products available to you.
You might benefit more from professional whitening or dental veneers if you can afford them. Veneers will provide you with long-term results and fewer risks.
Contact Us Today
Lastly, if you need to know more about this procedure or have more questions about other procedures, we offer a free consultation on WhatsApp Or Fill The Form Here.
AtAstaDent Clinic Turkey offers high-quality, specialized, and affordable dental treatment services. Visit Our full article about Custom-Fit Whitening Trays, or return to the Blog.
FAQs
1. What are whitening strips?
Whitening strips are an adaptable plastic substance coated in a fine layer of whitening gel containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide that removes stains from your teeth.
2. Where can I buy?
You will be able to find them almost anywhere, and there are so many varieties to choose from. Hop down to your local pharmacy or supermarket and test out the different brands to find the one that works for you. They are also available to purchase online from Amazon.
3. How much does it cost?
The cost will vary depending on the brand you choose. They typically cost between $20-$40 per box. A box should contain enough strips to use for a week or two.
4. Do they damage your teeth?
If you follow the instructions carefully, they will not damage your teeth. Overuse of the product can strip down your enamel, causing tooth decay, leading to missing teeth.
5. Do they hurt?
No, they do not hurt if used correctly. However, they can cause sensitivity which can last for 12-36 hours.
6. How long do whitening strips take to work?
Your results will depend on the brand you are using and the strength of the whitening agent. Generally, when using This teeth whitening method, you should start to see a difference within 2-4 weeks.
7. How long the whitening could last?
If you use a good quality brand, whitening strips can last up to 6 months. Whitening strips from reputable brands are one of the most effective ways to whiten your teeth at home.
8. Do they work?
Yes! If purchased from a reputable brand, they are very effective. Ensure to follow the instructions to the tee for the best results.
9. How do whitening strips work?
strips contain a whitening agent that, when pressed against your teeth, opens their pores and pushes out the stains trapped inside. You will need to apply the strips continuously over 2-4 weeks to achieve your desired results.
10. Should I brush my teeth after using strips?
It is safe to brush your teeth after using strips gently, but it is much better to brush your teeth before applying them. This will get rid of any plaque and aid in opening up the pores of your teeth.
11. What can I eat after using strips?
It is vital to stay away from dark foods and beverages that will stain your teeth. After using strips, the pores in your teeth will take a couple of hours to close. When they are open, they are more susceptible to staining. You should avoid foods/beverages like red wine, dark berries, and coffee at all costs.
