Whitening strips are a popular dental product that may help remove stains from and whiten the teeth. While they are not as effective as treatments from a dentist’s office, they can be a simpler and cheaper alternative. However, people should take care to check the ingredients of the strips and apply them carefully.
Teeth are an
People apply whitening strips directly to their teeth. Although
the strips contain chemicals, such as carbamide peroxide or hydrogen
peroxide, the American Dental Association (ADA) states that they are
safe and effective if they bear the ADA Seal of Acceptance. However, people may
experience adverse effects when using any whitening products.
In this article, we look at whether whitening strips work, what
to look for when buying them, how to use them, their pros and cons, and how to
avoid teeth staining.
According
to the ADA, teeth whitening products, including strips, can help
effectively remove both internal and external stains on teeth. However, they do
not work on fake teeth. A 2020 review also states that teeth
whitening strips are an effective OTC agent that typically works better than
other OTC whitening agents, such as whitening toothpaste.
However,
it is important to note that at-home whitening strips contain lower
concentrations of whitening ingredients than dentist-supplied products. People
with heavily stained teeth or high expectations will not get the
results they want using OTC whitening strips.
Additionally,
the effectiveness of the strips may rely on the strength of the chemicals and
how long people keep them on the teeth. Therefore, it may be advisable to
discuss the use of these products with a dentist.
When
shopping for whitening strips, people may wish to consider the following:
- Ingredients: People
should opt for products that contain proven effective ingredients,
including carbamide and hydrogen peroxide.
- Dentist approval: It
is advisable to look for products with approval from dental organizations,
such as those with the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
- Customer reviews: People
can also check online reviews to see what others have to say about a
product. A comparison of before and after photos can provide an accurate
view of what to expect from a particular brand of whitening strip.
Additionally, a person can ask their dentist for specific advice.
People
should carefully read any information on the product’s packaging and
instructions before using whitening strips.
However,
a person typically applies the strips directly to their teeth. Manufacturers
may recommend avoiding brushing the teeth shortly before applying the strips. A
person will then leave the strips on their teeth for the recommended length of
time. This duration may vary among products, but it is common to leave the
strips on for about 30 minutes.
Manufacturers
may also recommend the ideal frequency of use for their whitening strips. A
standard recommendation is to apply whitening strips twice daily for 2 weeks.
However,
these instructions may vary depending on the product. Therefore, a person
should follow the guidelines on the packaging and never wear the strips for
longer than the manufacturer suggests.
The
pros of using whitening strips may include:
- effective whitening
- ease of use
- no need to visit the dentist
- affordable
While
there are advantages to using whitening strips, there are also some downsides.
These include:
- The strips can cause side effects, such as tooth
sensitivity and gum irritation.
- Some people might not get the results they want with
at-home whitening strips, which may not have dramatic effects. A person
may have to do several sessions to get noticeable results.
- It can be difficult to keep the strips in place, so
using them might be fiddly.
- Whitening sessions can take roughly 30 minutes, so
using them requires time and patience.
People
are more likely to experience side effects if they do not follow the
manufacturer’s instructions for a product. If a person has gum disease or
another dental disease, they should consult a dentist before trying OTC
whitening strips.
Why stains develop and prevention
There
are various reasons why teeth may stain over time. These include:
- high intake of certain foods and drinks, such as
coffee, red wine, and tea
- use of tobacco products
- medications, such as allergy medications and blood
pressure drugs
- wear and tear due to aging or trauma
People
can attempt to avoid staining by limiting their consumption of foods and drinks
that are known to discolor teeth. They can also try to stop smoking or chewing
tobacco, if applicable. If medications are the culprit, a doctor may be able to
recommend alternatives if they are available.
There
are two categories of dental whitening products: those available through a
dentist and those for sale OTC.
Aside
from whitening strips, other products available OTC include:
- whitening toothpaste
- whitening mouthwash
- whitening gels
- whitening trays
- whitening powder
A
person can also get whitening products or services through their dentist.
Dentist-supplied whitening products are usually more concentrated. The options
available directly from dentists include:
- custom dental trays with bleaching gels, for either
at-home or in-office application
- light-activated bleaching, which is an in-office
procedure
Some
people prefer to use natural products to remove stains, but most reports of
effectiveness are anecdotal at best.
Like
the possible risks of carbamide and hydrogen peroxide, it is important to apply
caution if using certain products that people sometimes recommend,
such as fruit juices, vinegar, or scrubs. These may instead cause damage to the
teeth or make staining even worse.
Teeth
whitening products, such as whitening strips, are generally safe to use and can
be a beneficial and a cost-effective way to remove stains from the teeth.
However, it is important that people use them correctly to avoid adverse
effects.
Some
people may experience gum irritation and tooth sensitivity after using
whitening products. In some cases, if people use them incorrectly, these
products may damage the enamel on the teeth and result in long-term
complications.
People
considering the use of teeth whitening products may wish to discuss them with
their dentist. It is also important to check user reviews, dentists’
recommendations, and ingredient lists.