Whitening Strips or Gel: Which One is Right for Your Teeth? - The Dental Care Center (2024)

Whitening Strips or Gel: Which One is Right for Your Teeth?
Sep 23, 2020

Whitening Strips or Gel: Which One is Right for Your Teeth? - The Dental Care Center (1)

Have you thought about whitening your teeth with an at-home remedy? If you have looked into it, then you know there are many different variations of teeth whiteners, the most popular being strips and gels. These options vary in cost and quality, but most of them will whiten your teeth at least somewhat. If you’re unsure which option to go with, ask us during your next visit. For now, we hope this comparison will help you decide which whitener is right for you.

Whitening Strips

Whitening strips are easy to use and can be found at all major drug, grocery, and convenience stores. Just apply the strip to your upper or lower set of teeth and let it sit for as much time as directed. Read your teeth whitening instructions for the best results. The daily usage and amount of time applied will differ with the strength of the product. We recommend removing the strip after 45 minutes, maximum, and waiting a day or two before applying another. They contain powerful whitening agents such as hydrogen peroxide so you don’t want to overdo it.

The downside: You may be using the strips too often if you experience an increase in tooth sensitivity. The sensitivity will most likely be experienced when drinking a hot or cold beverage. If you are noticing these symptoms, consult with us before using your strips again. We will let you know how often you should be using them or if they aren’t right for you.

Overall, the strips are an easy option when whitening your teeth. They are affordable, convenient, and they don’t hinder you from going out and getting things done. However, they offer more of a quick fix, rather than long-term results and won’t give you the same level of whitening a professional gel offers.

Whitening Gels

There are over-the-counter gels and pastes, but we recommend using a whitening agent supplied by your Dental Care Center office. We will give you a professional whitening gel and a custom made mold of your mouth to help you get that bright smile you desire. First, apply the gel to the inside of the mold, and then put it over your teeth. Some gels can be worn for hours at a time and some can be worn overnight; we will send you home with detailed instructions. The custom mold provides for a comfortable, quality whiten and gives your teeth longer-lasting results.

The downside: If you have trouble sleeping with the mold in your mouth, you may not get the results you’re looking for. You can wear the mold during the day, but you can’t eat or drink anything while wearing it.

Overall, the gel is a better option if you’re looking for long-term results. It may not be as convenient or inexpensive as the whitening strips but it will brighten your smile.

If you have any other questions about using whitening agents at your home, please ask us during your next visit or contact us to learn more about our cosmetic dentistry services.

Whitening Strips or Gel: Which One is Right for Your Teeth? - The Dental Care Center (2024)

FAQs

Whitening Strips or Gel: Which One is Right for Your Teeth? - The Dental Care Center? ›

Overall, the gel is a better option if you're looking for long-term results. It may not be as convenient or inexpensive as the whitening strips but it will brighten your smile.

Are teeth whitening strips recommended by dentists? ›

Whitening Strips May Damage Your Enamel

That said, most strips available over the counter should be safe as long as they are ADA-approved. Of course, you can always talk to your dentist for a second opinion when in doubt. However, the problem arises when you use a whitening strip with chlorine dioxide.

What do dentists recommend to whiten teeth? ›

Carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide are commonly used in whitening interventions and can readily permeate dental hard tissues.

What is the best thing to whiten your teeth with? ›

Teeth-whitening strips and gels have the potential to achieve better results in a quicker time frame than whitening tooth paste. That's because strips and gels are applied to your teeth for an extended period of time, which offers a more concentrated whitening process – also called the “bleaching process” by some.

What is the best way to whiten your teeth professionally? ›

laser teeth whitening is the safest, quickest, and most effective option among the types of teeth-whitening treatments available. However, there are ultimately several ways to whiten teeth, and the most suitable option will depend on your timeline, budget, and priorities, as well as the nature of the discoloration.

Is teeth whitening gel or strips better? ›

The fact of the matter is that both aid in the whitening of your teeth. The factors that affect this are the amount of whitening solution used and the amount of time it's sitting there. Whitening strips make use of bleach solutions that whiten the surface of your teeth, but gels allow for a more localized treatment.

What whitening strips don't damage your teeth? ›

Are Whitestrips Safe on Tooth Enamel? Yes. Crest 3D White Whitestrips contains hydrogen peroxide, the same enamel-safe ingredient dentists use for tooth whitening. Extensive testing has shown the product to be safe when used as directed.

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 baking soda whiten teeth? ›

Baking soda can be used with some water to remove the stains on the surface of the teeth. It can also be used with hydrogen peroxide to enhance its whitening effects. Baking soda can be used by individuals with regular toothpastes too. It is also used commercially in some teeth whitening products and toothpastes.

Can dentists whiten naturally yellow teeth? ›

"If your teeth appear to be getting darker or yellower with age, you should try an over-the-counter whitening product or see your dentist for in-office whitening. However, if you have had 'yellowish' teeth since you were a kid, it is unlikely that whitening will be effective since that is a genetic component."

Does apple cider vinegar whiten teeth? ›

Due to it's high acidity, ACV is not recommended for teeth whitening. If you use it, it is best to dilute it and ensure you are rinsing your teeth afterward. There are better alternatives for teeth whitening, including the use of teeth whitening strips, hydrogen peroxide, or baking soda.

How to whiten teeth in 2 minutes? ›

Baking-powder eliminates stains on the surface of your teeth and lemon juice as we already said has multiple components that lighten teeth. Just mix a teaspoon of baking powder and a teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice and brush your teeth with the paste this mixture will work wonders in just two minutes.

Can old yellow teeth be whitened? ›

Teeth whitening treatments are for everyone – there's no age limit to having any kind of cosmetic dental treatments, so it doesn't matter if you're 26 or 62 or older, if you want whiter teeth, your age is not going to prevent it from happening.

How to whiten teeth over 60? ›

Bleaching Trays

Compared to commercial products, whitening trays from your dentist are stronger and much safer for seniors in particular. As you age, your gums and teeth can become more sensitive. Your dentist can first evaluate your oral health to determine if you are eligible to receive teeth whitening.

How do most celebrities whiten their teeth? ›

The most common and effective ways to get a whiter smile, just like the celebrities, are not through at-home whitening treatments. In fact, they can often be a waste of money. Most celebrities opt for regular teeth whitening treatments or veneers.

What is the longest lasting teeth whitening? ›

White strips are the most effective over-the-counter whitening treatment you can use without a dentist's supervision. At-home gel trays that are customized to fit your mouth by your dentist and chairside whitening provide the longest-lasting whitening.

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.

How often should you whiten your teeth with strips? ›

The frequency of using whitening strips depends on your goals and your dentist's recommendations. To maintain results, consider using them once or twice a week. However, if you're aiming for a significant change in tooth shade, daily application for several weeks might be necessary.

Are there any teeth whitening products that actually work? ›

Crest 3D Whitestrips are currently the only ADA-approved whitening strips — they also won an NBC Select Wellness Award. The Classic Vivid strips come in a pack of 24, which is enough for 12 treatments.

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