Teeth whitening strips have become a popular way to get an Insta-ready smile. While a brighter smile does give you a confidence boost, you might be wondering if these teeth whitening strips work or not.
Let’s find out.
But First, What are Teeth Whitening Strips?
Teeth whitening strips are typically made from polyethylene, a thin, flexible, and non-toxic plastic. These strips are coated with a teeth whitening gel that contains hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. The polyethylene strips are also coated with an adhesive to prevent the strips from slipping or sliding off your teeth.
You can place the teeth whitening strips on your front teeth and then mould them to fit perfectly. But you have to do this carefully. If the strips are not applied properly, removing the stains on your teeth will become difficult.
Are Teeth Whitening Strips Worth it?
Whether teeth whitening strips have hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide as an active ingredient, they work similarly, straightforwardly. These peroxides penetrate through the tooth’s enamel, reach the dentin and dissolve the stains deposited there.
You can easily find teeth whitening strips at your local drugstore. These whitening strips contain a low concentration of peroxides, making them safe for teeth whitening at home.
However, the low concentration of bleaching ingredients works only to a degree. Teeth whitening strips help remove surface stains and make your teeth whiter. But still, the results are not the same as professional teeth whitening done by a dentist.
Side Effects of Teeth Whitening
Using teeth whitening strips at home may have some side effects. You can avoid these adverse effects by adhering to the directions given in the box.
Here are some side effects of teeth whitening strips:
- Increased Sensitivity
One of teeth whitening strips’ most common side effects is increased sensitivity. When the peroxide penetrates the inner layer of your teeth, it may irritate the nerve, resulting in low to high sensitivity.
- Yellow Spots
If the teeth whitening gel doesn’t spread out evenly, it can also leave yellow spots on your teeth. The spaces in between your teeth and the curved bottom of the teeth are the hard-to-reach areas where the yellow discolouration or stains might be left untreated.
- Damage to Gum Tissue
Excessive teeth whitening, unsafe products, and higher concentrations of peroxides can also damage your gum and other soft tissue. To avoid gum damage, you should ensure the strips don’t touch your gums.
- Enamel Damage
Be sure to avoid overdoing teeth whitening. It can damage the enamel and soften it. It causes greyish discolouration on your teeth. Also, some teeth whitening strips don’t contain the pH-balancing component, which makes them even more harmful.
Since the damage to the enamel is irreversible, it can damage your teeth for good. A lot of people believe that brushing after strips can be dangerous which is incorrect. You can brush your teeth after using strips. However make sure your brush your teeth gently.
Professional Teeth Whitening in Woden Valley, ACT
Are you searching for one of the best professional teeth whitening treatments in Woden Valley, ACT, Australia? Then Garran Dental Woden is a perfect choice. We offer effective yet safe teeth whitening treatment that can make your teeth several shades lighter.
Give us a call immediately to schedule your appointment, and have a brighter smile.