In a word, yes, the over-the-counter whitening strips you buy at the store do work, but they may not be the most effective way to brighten your smile. Before you make a purchase, you should know how white strips work, how to use them safely and what else you should know before you try them. For the answers to those very questions, please continue reading, then contact one of our teeth whitening and bleaching dentists located in Basking Ridge and Morristown, NJ.
What are teeth whitening strips?
White strips are small strips of polyethylene and flexible plastic. Gel containing either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide coats each of the plastic strips. You apply the whitening strips to the fronts of your teeth, then mold them to fit. Once applied the peroxide gel gradually seeps into the teeth to help remove stains and lighten the teeth.
Do whitening strips, in fact, work?
Store-bought teeth white strips do work, but only to a degree. They will help remove surface stains and make your teeth somewhat whiter. However, the fairly low concentration of whitening ingredients will not have the same effect as having a dental professional whiten your teeth. Containing higher concentrations of bleaching ingredients, the whitening gel used at your dentist’s office will prove more effective at whitening teeth.
Can using whitening strips cause any problems?
In addition to not being the most effective means of whitening your teeth, white strips can pose some problems, including:
- Gum damage: Experts have known for some time that white strips can cause chemical reactions with users’ gums, which can result in damage to the tissues. To avoid damage to the gums, you should not let the whitening strips touch your gums when you apply them.
- Yellow spots: When it comes to the curved bottoms of teeth and the in-between spaces, white strips prove minimally effective. As a result, white strip users can wind up with the center of the tooth being whiter than its edge, causing a somewhat blotchy-looking smile.
- Tooth damage: You should never overdo whitening. In contrast to hair or fingernails, once you damage your teeth, they will remain damaged. Over whitening can cause tooth enamel to soften and the teeth to turn an odd greyish color. Making mistakes with white strips could even cause you to experience shooting pains in your teeth or make them sensitive to certain foods and drinks.
For a deeper, safer whitening experience, you should not hesitate to speak with one of our cosmetic dentistry dentists located in Basking Ridge and Morristown, NJ. We will take every precaution to brighten your smile without compromising your oral health.
Contact The Dental Associates of Basking Ridge
Please contact us today to schedule an appointment if you have any dental issues.
