Many of us have been in a position where we were in the supermarket or superstore and have noticed different items labeled for use as dental care creams promoting whiteness. Orally applied teeth whitening strips have also been on the rise since the appearance of the first formulations in the 1980s. But do they work? The short answer is yes: teeth whitening strips should be able to whiten your teeth by a shade or two or even more within three days. However, it is not as efficient as the in-office whitening procedures and comes with some risks. Now, it is the time to discover how these strips work and what they can offer you.
How Do Teeth Whitening Strips Work?
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Teeth whitening strips cause the whitening of your teeth through the removal of stains on the surface of the teeth by peroxides, for instance, hydrogen or carbamide peroxide. In the second type, the peroxides get into the first layer of the tooth, called the enamel, and when they get to the second layer, called the dentin layer, they bleach chromogens. These are the ones that give your teeth that ugly color we do not like.
There are two main types of staining that teeth whitening strips target: There are two main types of staining that teeth whitening strips target:
1. Extrinsic Staining: This type affects the white outer layer of the tooth, and its causes include Smoking, Foods and beverages such as coffee, wine, dark fruits, some antibiotics, and physical contact with metals like iron or copper.
2. Intrinsic Staining: This type occurs inside your tooth, and age effects the enamel; genetics, antibiotics, fluoride toxicity, or disorders of tooth formation may cause them.
It comes in strips and can be effective for both stains; yellowish aging stains demonstrated an excellent response.
Recommended Teeth Whitening Strips
However, the ingredients matter when deciding which whitening strips should be effectively used. Essential selected components Liquid peroxide, such as hydrogen peroxide, is widely used and effective in many recommended products. Here are a few you might consider:
• Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects for Visible Whiter Teeth
• Out of all the Crest whitening strips, the Crest 3D Whitestrips Gentle Whitening Kit allows users enough power to whiten their teeth while still being safe on their enamel.
You can buy these products from online stores or nearby stores. It is always recommended that when using the product, one should stick to the manufacturer’s instructions in the packet.
How Long Before You See Results?
The time it takes to see results can vary depending on the brand and strength of the whitening strips. Typically, you use whitening strips twice daily for about two weeks, leaving them on for about 30 minutes each time. Some products may only require a once-daily application but can still deliver similar results. Generally, you can expect a difference in a few days, with full results appearing after a few weeks.
Risks and Precautions
While teeth whitening strips are generally safe, they can cause some side effects, including While teeth whitening strips usually are secure, they can cause some side effects, including:
• Increased Tooth Sensitivity: This occurs typically as the treatment is ongoing and can persist for several days.
• Gum Irritation: This may start within a day of treatment and usually takes a few days.
The occurrence of side effects, such as inflammation, infection, tissue necrosis, etc, is directly related to the time for which the agents are applied and the concentration of peroxide used in the solution.
It is essential to minimize the use of high concentrations of H2O2 because they weaken the structure of the grown Human teeth and make them prone to demineralization, thus causing cavities. Also, it should be noted that whitening products will not affect the shade of the existing fillings, crowns, bridges, or implants.
Tips for Keeping Your Teeth White
To maintain your bright smile, follow these tips: To maintain your bright smile, follow these tips:
- Limit Consumption of Staining Foods: This is why beverages such as coffee, red wine, dark berries, and sodas discolor your teeth.
- Use a Straw: This can reduce the probability of coming into contact with the staining beverages with your teeth.
- Brush Your Teeth: You can also recommend the client brush shortly after eating foods or taking beverages that cause staining.
- Follow Good Dental Hygiene: The recommendation for brushing teeth twice a day and flossing will help to reduce and avoid tooth decay and other causes of tooth color changes.
- Eat Plenty of Calcium: Calcium also strengthens your teeth, and cavities will not quickly attack them.
- Limit Sugar Intake: Sugar nourishes the acid, producing germs and cavities.
- Avoid Smoking and Tobacco: It chokes the teeth, making them look yellow when the user has nicotine on a long-term basis.
- Use Whitening Products for Touch-Ups: Cleansing and whitening help preserve dental texture, yet they cannot be solely depended upon.
FAQs About Teeth Whitening Strips
Q: Do teeth whitening strips work?
A: Yes, they can effectively bleach your teeth by a shade or two or even more within the next few days.
Q: Are whitening strips safe for everyone?
A: Generally, yes. However, patients with any ailment concerning teeth and gum should consult an expert dentist before consuming.
Q: How often should I use whitening strips?
A: Usually, two times a day for two weeks or as specified on the product’s packaging.
Q: Can whitening strips cause tooth sensitivity?
A: Yes, it does raise the sensitivity of teeth.
Q: Will whitening strips work on dental restorations?
A: Only one works on natural teeth, and the other works on dental implants.
Conclusion
Whitening strips are easy to use and one of the safest methods for attaining a dazzling smile. They can make your teeth several shades lighter and, for this reason, are ideal for mild stains. For more intense staining, consult the services of a dentist on the required treatment to apply. It is advisable to first seek your dentist’s advice before igniting any whitening process to your teeth.