You’ve seen the commercials on television and on social media. Teeth whitening strips are the latest trend among influencers, but do they actually work?
It’s all in the details, like how you apply whitening strips and what your natural teeth look like.
This lesson will teach you everything you need to know about general teeth whitening, allowing you to decide whether whitening strips are the best option for you.
Why Do You Need to Whiten Your Teeth?
Teeth whitening treatments have grown in popularity in the age of Instagram influencers.
So, why do people spend money on bleaching gels and whitening kits to have a brighter smile?
The majority of respondents respond that they are self-conscious about their appearance. This is not motivated by self-interest. Your self-esteem is intricately tied to your feelings about your appearance, which is cause for concern in terms of mental health.
You may be self-conscious about your smile if your teeth are stained, brown, or yellow. People pay money for a whiter smile because whiter teeth are associated with enhanced self-confidence.
Motives for Getting a Tooth Whitening Treatment
Those looking for whiter teeth have a variety of options. The choice between at-home and professional teeth whitening is determined by the cause.
Common Reasons You Might Want to Whiten Your Teeth
- The majority of whitening strips are effective for stained teeth caused by surface stains. However, if you do not follow the instructions, using at-home whitening strips can be dangerous. Purchase ADA-approved teeth whitening strip products, such as Crest whitening strips. Never use a whitening agent without first researching it.
- When it comes to significant occasions and looking your best, the safest course of action is to have dental cleaning and professional tooth bleaching procedures performed. Visit your dentist at least one week before the big occasion. When you contact a qualified medical professional, the whitening agents in their arsenal can help you avoid uneven whitening. The hazards linked to tooth whitening products are reduced by dental maintenance.
- Crest Whitestrips and other at-home whitening procedures may not be the best long-term solution for reversing the effects of age or smoking. Crest Whitestrips work by eliminating a thin layer of stains from the surface. What you have, however, is a staining buildup on your teeth. Consult your dentist if you want to remove stains that have been present for a long time.
Whatever your reason for wanting to try whitening strips or another therapy, go for it! Simply make sure you’re on the right track to a healthy smile when you whiten your teeth.
How Do Whitening Products Function?
Are whitening strips the solution? Let’s start by understanding how any whitening product works.
When you use whitening strips or a whitening gel, the process appears to be simple, and to some extent, it is. The items contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Both of these bleaches work in the same way.
The active element, hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, penetrates all the way through the tooth enamel to the dentin layer.
The stains are placed there, and the bleach dissolves them. This instantly whitens teeth by covering up stains.
Is every whitening product the same?
The fact that Crest Whitestrips and other products contain components similar to those found in professional whiteners does not suggest that they are interchangeable.
The primary element in each whitener is peroxide, but the similarities end there.
Aside from the principal whitening component, the other chemicals also have an effect. During professional treatment, for example, the dentist may apply fluoride to help prevent enamel deterioration.
Furthermore, this additional component reduces gum irritation and sensitive teeth issues associated with whitening strips like Crest Whitestrips.
Precautions to Follow Before Using Whitening Strips or Products
Certain whitening strips, on the other hand, contain chlorine dioxide, a bleaching agent.
While this chemical whitens teeth faster than hydrogen peroxide, it can be hazardous when used in white strips and other procedures.
Before using any teeth whitening product containing chlorine dioxide, see a reputable dental facility.
Always consult with your dentist before undergoing a teeth whitening procedure. Not all whitening strips or solutions work on all types of discoloration.
Whitening products will not work on dental veneers and may aggravate pre-existing dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease.
Options for whitening
There are several strategies for getting whiter teeth:
- Surface stains are removed with stain-removing toothpaste. Check to see if the product is ADA compliant.
- There are over-the-counter bleaching products that are ADA-approved. Keep in mind that, although having a lower proportion of bleach, these items will not work as well as a professional-grade product.
- In-office bleaching in the dentist’s chair. The bleaching product will be used after a protective gel or rubber barrier has been applied to your gums. This sort of surgery usually necessitates one or two sessions for optimal whitening.
- Take-home bleaching from the dentist’s office Your dentist will create a tray just for you to use at home. You keep the advantages of professional-grade chemicals while whitening in the comfort of your own home. This is a slower-paced technique. It is still popular among those who choose to undergo therapy at home.
Teeth Whitening: Common Side Effects
Some side effects are likely whether you use tooth whitening strips or another whitening therapy.
Following the instructions on the package minimizes your chances of suffering these unpleasant symptoms.
Furthermore, purchasing whitening products from your dentist considerably reduces the possibility of harmful consequences.
What to Expect When Getting Your Teeth Whitened?
You may notice the following consequences if you use tooth whitening strips or another over-the-counter or non-professional-grade treatment:
- Increased tooth sensitivity as the whitener gel enters the dentin. The gel irritates the nerve of the tooth, causing it to become sensitive. This should be a one-time occurrence. If the pain lasts more than a few days, see your dentist.
- When substandard goods are utilized or whiteners are used excessively, gum tissue and other soft tissue are affected. Rather than attempting to whiten teeth by other means, consult with your dentist about ways to prevent discoloration in the first place. Certain foods and beverages can cause tooth discoloration. Brushing your teeth twice a day is good for your teeth and gums and helps prevent discoloration.
- Enamel damage may result if your white strips do not contain a pH balancing component. There’s a reason we’re taught from a young age to avoid putting bleach in our mouths. It is “safe” in small amounts, such as those used in whitening products. However, if the product lacks balanced ingredients, you risk causing enamel damage.
If you’ve recently had dental work done, talk to your dentist. In addition, if you have any possibly affected health conditions, you should get medical advice.
Natural Whitening Alternatives
If you are unable to use teeth whitening strips or professional treatments due to medical or dental background, you do have other options.
Avoiding certain foods, beverages, and bad habits (including smoking, drinking, and drug use) will help you keep your upper and lower teeth white.
If you want to make them a little brighter, try a toothpaste with sodium hydroxide or baking soda.
While these remedies do not brighten your teeth quickly, they are generally safe for your gums and enamel.
Are you ready to get the whitest smile safely?
If you want to achieve a dazzling, white smile, the dentist is the ideal place to start. Professional whitening solutions can safely whiten your natural teeth.
Certain offices provide personalized take-home whitening kits.
You can also get an in-office treatment that uses professional-grade materials and specialist instruments to quickly optimize the colors of your enamel.
Call Now to Get Your Insta-Ready Smile!
Due to dental procedures, are you unable to use a home teeth whitening kit safely? Is your particular occasion something you’d prefer not to jeopardize?
When you’re ready to obtain that camera-ready grin, call your dentist to schedule an appointment.
Their teeth-whitening products are said to be safe, effective, and quick.
Do not rely on whitening strips purchased over the counter. Hire a professional to help you achieve that Instagram-worthy grin!
