Do Teeth Whitening Strips Actually Work? - Gentle Dental Maine (2024)

Do Teeth Whitening Strips Actually Work? - Gentle Dental Maine (1)

Teeth whitening strips are a product designed for at-home use and are popular with people that want to whiten their teeth for cosmetic purposes. You can find whitening strips from a wide range of brands at almost every pharmacy and big box store. While they are extremely popular, many people still question whether or not they actually are effective at whitening teeth. The short answer is yes, they do in fact whiten your teeth over time, but whitening strips are not the best way to whiten your teeth! In this article, we’ll talk more about whitening strips and other things you can do to achieve the pearly-white smile that you’re aiming for!

How Do Whitening Strips Work?

The majority of whitening strips are made out of polyethylene, which is a type of thin, elastic plastic. These plastic strips are coated in peroxide, and when held in contact with the enamel on your teeth, the peroxide bleaches away the stains that are responsible for yellowing. There are two main categories of teeth stains: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic stains are stains on the outside of the teeth. These stains are typically caused by things like smoking, coffee, wine, and other environmental factors. Intrinsic stains are stains inside your teeth. These stains are caused by genetics, enamel erosion, antibiotics, and other hard-to-control factors. Most whitening strips are designed to target and bleach both extrinsic and intrinsic stains, but they do not always contain enough bleaching agents to produce effective results.

Other Teeth Whitening Options

There are a wide variety of teeth whitening options available to you, including toothpastes, mouthwashes, gels, pens, and much more. While these products may work for some people, the best way to see long-lasting, effective teeth whitening results is to visit a cosmetic dental specialist for professional teeth whitening services. Dentists can use a custom mixture of dental grade whitening products that will be placed in a custom fit mold that fits over your teeth. Professional teeth whitening typically lasts two to three years, much longer than the effects of do-it-yourself teeth whitening methods like whitening strips!

Contact Gentle Dental Maine!

If you have any questions about whitening strips or are thinking about having your teeth whitened professionally, please don’t hesitate to contact our team at Gentle Dental Maine! Our family dentists specialize in general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry services at each of our offices in South Portland, Biddeford, and Topsham. Give us a call at one of our offices, or become a patient today by filling out the new patient form on our website!

Do Teeth Whitening Strips Actually Work? - Gentle Dental Maine (2024)

FAQs

Do Teeth Whitening Strips Actually Work? - Gentle Dental Maine? ›

The short answer is yes, they do in fact whiten your teeth over time, but whitening strips are not the best way to whiten your teeth! In this article, we'll talk more about whitening strips and other things you can do to achieve the pearly-white smile that you're aiming for!

Do whitening strips actually whiten your teeth? ›

The short answer is yes. Teeth whitening strips can whiten your teeth by a shade or two and can act in as little as a few days. But home products aren't usually as effective as in-office dental whitening techniques. They also come with some risks such as increased tooth sensitivity and gum irritation.

Do dentists recommend whitening strips? ›

The majority of whitening strips are effective at removing surface stains from teeth. However, if the directions are not followed, at-home whitening strips can be harmful. Purchase tooth whitening strips that are ADA-approved, such as Crest whitening strips.

Do Crest White Strips work on dead teeth? ›

Over-the-counter whitening products and DIY whitening pastes usually only work on healthy teeth. In fact, many people complain that the color of a dead tooth gets worse after at-home whitening treatments.

Do whitening strips work on naturally yellow teeth? ›

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene:

Whitening strips can be an effective option for addressing yellow teeth. Scientific evidence supports their ability to break down stains and improve the appearance of teeth. However, the effectiveness may vary depending on the degree of discoloration and individual factors.

Do I brush my teeth after whitening strips? ›

As for whether you should brush your teeth after using whitening strips, there is no definitive answer. While some experts recommend brushing immediately after removing the strips to ensure all residue is removed, others advise waiting for 30 minutes to allow the enamel to rehydrate and minimize potential abrasion.

What happens if you leave whitening strips on longer than 30 minutes? ›

It's tempting to think that leaving them on longer will yield a more dazzling smile, but this isn't necessarily the case. Overextending the application time can lead to increased tooth sensitivity without delivering significant additional benefits.

Do Crest Whitestrips wear down enamel? ›

The PVP (polyvinylpyrrolidone) and carbomer used in Crest Whitestrips (for sticking to the teeth) are generally fairly safe and non-toxic. However, overuse of these products can irritate the gums and damage enamel.

How quickly do Crest Whitestrips work? ›

With Crest 3D White 1 Hour Express White strips, you'll see whiter teeth in just 1 hour.

Can blackened teeth become white again? ›

It is not usually possible to get rid of black teeth at home. Home whitening kits may help with mild discoloration, but black teeth typically require professional treatment. A dentist will examine the teeth to diagnose the underlying cause and determine the right treatment.

Can a dead tooth stay white? ›

Yes, it is possible to whiten a dead tooth, but the key to successful treatment is a targeted approach. A dead tooth whitens more slowly, which requires additional treatments. So, it's likely that whitening all your teeth will only result in the dark tooth looking even more noticeable compared to the surrounding teeth.

Can grey teeth turn white again? ›

What to expect if a tooth turns gray. Gray teeth may not go back to their original color unless they're treated with whitening agents. If you don't get the results you want from at-home treatment, your dentist may recommend in-office bleaching or veneers.

How are some people's teeth so white? ›

The way most people, especially celebrities, have such white teeth, is pretty simple: cosmetic dental work. There are many ways of improving your smile with dental work, with some more invasive than others, including: Braces. Crowns.

Can teeth be too yellow to whiten? ›

The good news is that even naturally yellow teeth can be whitened, and kept white, if you understand the causes behind tooth discoloration.

Why do my teeth look more yellow after whitening? ›

Teeth can become temporarily dehydrated after using whitening strips. Your teeth may appear more yellow as a result of this dehydration because the enamel may become dry and lack moisture. Dehydrated enamel sometimes has a transparent appearance that makes the naturally yellowish dentin underneath visible.

Does teeth whitening work on really yellow teeth? ›

However, you do not need to worry too much about yellowing teeth, because yellow teeth can be completely whitened by modern dental methods and technologies.

How long does it take to whiten teeth with whitening strips? ›

Depending on the specific Crest 3D White Whitestrips product chosen, strips should be applied daily for anywhere from 10 to 20 consecutive days. The packaging instructions for the particular version of the product being used should be followed. Some improvement may be seen after only 3 days.

Does teeth whitening actually clean your teeth? ›

The main objective of teeth cleaning is to eliminate plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth. This procedure reduces your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Teeth whitening, on the other hand, is a cosmetic procedure that removes tooth stains and discoloration.

What is the best method to whiten teeth? ›

In-office bleaching provides the quickest way to whiten teeth. With in-office bleaching, the whitening product is applied directly to the teeth. These products can be used in combination with heat, a special light, or a laser. Results are seen in only one, 30- to 60-minute treatment.

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