Most adults in America wish they had a whiter or brighter smile.
With so many options for improving your smile, it takes time to find the right teeth-whitening product for you.
Once you start doing your research, teeth-whitening strips may pop out to you as a convenient, affordable treatment option.
But how effective are they?
Well, let’s find out.
Today, we’ll examine what teeth whitening strips are and what they offer so that you can make an informed decision about your teeth.
What are teeth whitening strips?
Whitening strips are a popular dental product. Usually, when we talk about dental whitening strips, we think about the kind you buy over the counter.
These are typically strips of flexible, semi-clear material coated in whitening chemicals on one side, which you’ll lay over the front of your teeth.
Shop-available whitening strips may help remove stains from and whiten the teeth, but they are not as effective as treatments from a dentist’s office.
Do whitening strips work?
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), whitening strips can help remove stains on teeth and whiten them.
Home whitening strips contain lower concentrations of whitening ingredients, which often leads to frustration for people with unrealistic expectations.
The strips’ effectiveness relies on the chemicals’ strength and how long people keep them on their teeth.
Even if you are considering using over-the-counter teeth whitening strips, we advise you to talk to our team here at Downtown Dentistry.
If you need advice on choosing a teeth whitening method, give us a call or arrange a visit.
How do they work?
Whitening strips are made from a flexible material coated with a specific type of chemical peroxide.
As the strip comes into contact with your teeth, it oxidizes, and this reaction safely bleaches them and makes them look much whiter.
How long do whitening strips take to work?
Most whitening strips come in packs of 28: one strip per row of teeth for 14 nights.
Typically you wear the strips for about half an hour before bedtime.
You should notice a difference in the whiteness of your teeth in the first week.
How to use
Before using whitening strips, you should carefully follow any information on the product’s packaging and instructions from your Downtown Dentistry specialist.
Most brands advise not to brush your teeth before applying the strips.
Usually, you should apply the strips directly to your teeth.
Depending on your brand choice, the manufacturer may advise you to only brush your teeth directly after using the strips.
Pros and cons
The pros of using whitening strips may include:
- At-home convenience
- Low-commitment
- Affordable
There are also some downsides which include:
- Tooth sensitivity (not a regular occurrence)
- Gum irritation
- Reduced effectiveness
It is common for people to fail to achieve the correct or expected results, and you may have to do several sessions of 30 minutes each to get any noticeable results.
Teeth whitening with Downtown Dentistry
Dr. Kathy Curtis, DDS, recommends whitening your teeth with us as we have the experience and knowledge to help you achieve your desired result.
Our teeth whitening services are fast and efficient. We know how to protect your gums and focus on your oral health while achieving amazing results.
We will create your custom-made tray to apply the special gel and wear them for 3-4 hours every night until you reach your desired shade.
If you would like any further information about whitening your smile, request an appointment today.
Or you can contact us by one of these other convenient means:
Downtown Dentistry is in Seattle, WA, and we happily welcome patients from our surrounding communities and neighborhoods, including Bellevue, Redmond, Renton, Kent, Capitol Hill, Queen Anne, and South Lake Union.