Are you considering using whitening strips to brighten your smile? You’re not alone – whitening strips are one of the most popular teeth whitening products on the market. but how do whitening strips work? In this article, we’ll take a look at the science behind whitening strips and how they can help to improve the appearance of your teeth.
Whitening strips helps in whitening the teeth and removing the stain. Although it is not as effective as a dentist’s office treatment, it is a cheap and simple alternative. Whitening strips helps in whitening with time, but one must take care of its ingredients while applying.
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The science behind whitening strips
Whitening strips are a popular way to achieve brighter teeth. Whitening strips are made of a thin, flexible plastic that is coated with a hydrogen peroxide-based bleaching agent. When you apply the strip to your teeth, the bleaching agent comes into contact with your tooth enamel and starts to break down the stains that are present.
The beauty of whitening strips is that they are easy to use and relatively affordable. Plus, they can be a great way to achieve brighter teeth in just a few short weeks. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to improve the appearance of your smile, whitening strips may be the solution for you.
The science behind whitening strips, at-home whiteners, toothpaste and other common methods is simple: the active ingredient removes the build-up of stain that has settled on the teeth over time. Specifically, it breaks up discoloration caused by things like drinking coffee or smoking cigarettes through a process called “oxidation.”
There are at-home tooth whitening kits as well as in-office treatments depending on your preferences. The majority of treatments take a few weeks to complete and you will see developing results almost immediately after each treatment session.
Whitening strips are a popular method for improving the appearance of teeth. But do they actually work? Yes, whitening strips can work to some extent. They are not as effective as professional teeth whitening treatments, but they can help to remove some surface stains from the teeth.
Whitening strips can be effective at whitening teeth. However, there are a few caveats to keep in mind. First, the whitening effect from whitening strips is not permanent. teeth will eventually revert back to their original color over time. Second, whitening strips only work on natural teeth. They will not have any effect on dental implants, veneers, or other artificial teeth.
Overall, whitening strips are a safe and relatively affordable way to improve the look of your teeth. If you are considering using whitening strips, be sure to talk to your dentist first to get the most accurate information about how they will work for you.
Do Whitening Strips Work on all type of Stains?
The staining is categorized into following:
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Extrinsic Staining:
Extrinsic Staining affects the outside of teeth primarily. Extrinsic Staining is caused mainly due to the following environmental factors:
- Smoking
- Coffee, Wine, and Dark berries
- Tobacco
- Certain Dark Foods
- Metal Exposure such as Iron or Copper
-
Intrinsic Staining:
The target of this type of staining is inside of your teeth. The following factors are involved in causing intrinsic staining:
-
- Enamel Erosion with Age
- Inborn Disorder in Tooth Development
- Excessive Fluoride
- Certain Antibiotics and Medications
- Tooth Decay
- Trauma or injury to teeth
- Genetics
Are Whitening Strips effective on both Intrinsic and Extrinsic Stains?
Different stains have different responses to bleaching. Stains caused by smoking, yellowish aging stains, coffee, and genetics generally respond well to bleaching. Whitening strips are largely used to bring a change of shade or two in tooth color. It works as a touch-up to maintain and enhance tooth color.
It is effective for both extrinsic and intrinsic stains, but it brings the change slowly and to a limited extent to stains of a higher degree. You may consider professional whitening from a dentist to bring significant changes. Dentists are experts in giving custom treatment, considering your stain type and gravity, by using a higher
Does teeth whitening strips actually work?
The ability to whiten the teeth using whitening strips is limited. Using whitening strips is not the most efficient approach to whitening your teeth, as the concentration of whitening ingredients in them isn’t as much as that used by a professional dentist.
Why you shouldn’t use whitening strips?
Most white strips are considered safe to use. However, the concentration of peroxide may damage enamel and cause demineralization and degradation. These conditions arise with the overuse of whitening. The whitening strips containing chlorine dioxide are hazardous to the layer of teeth. Chlorine dioxide is also used for disinfecting swimming pools. Therefore, it is better to avoid the extended use of whitening strips.
Do whitening strips work on yellow teeth?
The whitening strips can work on yellow teeth, given that it is the result of staining. Sometimes, the teeth may always have been yellow due to the natural color of teeth or the result of certain medication. The over-the-counter products available are used to whiten yellow teeth. The products are only helpful in removing the yellow stains. However, teeth whiteners can not treat naturally yellow teeth.
How long does whitening strips take to work?
Generally, it depends on the amount of bleaching agent added to a particular whitening strip you are using. The change in tooth color can be seen in a week or two.
You may find your teeth shade change by a shade or two in several days. Some products with a higher concentration of bleaching agents require you to apply only once a day and yield expected results.
Role of ingredients for quick and effective bleaching
The ingredients used in strips largely determine the effectiveness of the whitening treatment. The most common ingredients used in strips are hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide.
The carbamide peroxide works slow as it has to break down to hydrogen peroxide once it comes in contact with water. The products that recommend applying strip overnight usually use carbamide peroxide. The products containing hydrogen peroxide are quick to respond and bleach as much as it includes the concentration of hydrogen peroxide.
Some beauty salons use particular strips that contain chlorine dioxide. Chlorine dioxide is said to be the safer and quicker solution to bleaching, but its safety is questionable. It may strip the enamel of your teeth. The teeth treated with chlorine dioxide are prone to re-staining early and become extremely sensitive.
The instructions to apply whitening strips
Different whitening solutions available in the market come with varying instructions. The typical solutions recommend using a whitening strip twice a day for two weeks at max. You may apply the whitening strip for about 30 minutes unless recommended for a longer duration.
Precautions to Avoid Risks with Teeth Whitening Strips
The risks attached with tooth whitening with white strips are often mild, ranging from tooth sensitivity, gum irritation or damage to gum tissues.
The symptom of gum irritation starts from the beginning of treatment and lasts for several days due to bleaching of enamel. With the enamel bleached, its surface becomes sensitive towards cold and hot drinks and food that continues for several days.
The risks are as likely to happen as the higher the peroxide concentration in the whitening strip is used. The risks also increase more for the amount of time it is applied.
In the worst-case scenario, the risk includes demineralization and structural damage to the teeth. It unfolds with the loss of calcium and minerals from the teeth due to a higher concentration of bleaching agents.
It is essential to follow the instruction of the product manual for its application according to the type and amount of bleaching agent used. The whitening effect only appears on natural teeth. Existing fillings, crowns, and implants won’t change their color.
Brushing your teeth right after the treatment may limit the required results. Brushing may hinder the lifting the stain particles from enamel surface. It is better not to brush your teeth with whitening toothpaste for half hour atleast after whitening treatment.
Are there any alternatives to whitening strips?
There are a variety of ways to achieve brighter teeth, and each person’s needs will vary. Certain methods may work better for some than others, so it is important to consult with a dentist to find out what the best options are for you.
That being said, there are a few alternatives to whitening strips that are worth considering. One option is to use whitening toothpaste. These toothpaste contain ingredients that can help to remove surface stains and brighten teeth. Another alternative is to use a whitening mouthwash. These mouthwashes can also help to remove surface stains and give teeth a brighter appearance.
If you are looking for a more drastic change, you may want to consider getting a teeth whitening procedure done by a professional. These procedures can provide you with immediate results that last for a long period of time.
The risks associated with whitening strips
The use of whitening strips to achieve brighter teeth has become increasingly popular in recent years. While these products may be effective at improving the appearance of your teeth, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with their use.
Whitening strips contain chemicals that can cause irritation and tooth sensitivity. In some cases, they may also lead to gum inflammation and other side effects. If you are considering using whitening strips, be sure to talk to your dentist first to ensure that they are right for you.
Read Also: How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last? – Teethopedia
Conclusion:
The whitening strips works to whiten the stains, while it might not be effective to the teeth with natural yellow color. The efficiency of whitening strips depends upon the ingredients used in it such as hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide, sodium hydroxide. The concentration of whitener is controlled to maintain safety. Avoid using teeth whiteners too often. The professional dentists apply higher concentration of whitening agents for quicker and better results under special attention and care. Consult with your dentist for medical advice if you face any problem with whitening strips or home teeth whitening.
