Your teeth may develop stains due to poor oral hygiene practices, the foods you eat, or some medical treatments. Stained teeth can affect how you look, lowering your self-esteem.
Fortunately, this problem is easy to deal with since there are several methods you can use to whiten your teeth. One of the popular methods that you can use is professional teeth whitening. This is the most effective way to achieve a brighter, whiter smile, and it offers quick results. However, teeth whitening costs for a professional treatment may seem just out of reach.
While you are saving up for a longer-lasting treatment, you can consider over-the-counter teeth whitening strips. This article highlights everything you should know about teeth whitening strips.
What Are Teeth Whitening Strips
Teeth whitening strips are gel-coated strips that you can apply on the front of your teeth and then fold over to the back to whiten them. These strips come in pairs, one for the top teeth and the other for the bottom teeth.
Factors to Consider When Buying Teeth Whitening Strips
When buying teeth whitening strips, here are several factors you should consider:
Price
Different teeth whitening strips have different prices. Truth be told, times are too tough to spend a lot of money on teeth whitening costs. If you’re on a tight budget, consider looking for a cheaper solution to avoid financial constraints.
Brand
The brand is one of the most important factors to consider when buying teeth whitening strips. Nowadays, several brands deal with teeth whitening strips. Therefore, choosing the best can be overwhelming. It’s important to buy your strips from a well-known brand since you’re sure of the quality of their products.
Your Commitment Level
Your level of commitment is another determining factor when buying teeth whitening strips. Some strips require you to use them consistently for weeks to enjoy better results.
Your Dental History
Dental crowns, veneers, and laminates are susceptible to staining over time, just like natural teeth. Teeth whitening solutions like teeth whitening strips don’t have any effect on them.
Customer Reviews
Before buying any teeth whitening strip, look at the customer reviews. Visit the manufacturer’s website and see comments from previous customers.
If you see many negative comments, don’t buy from them since the high chances are that the products won’t help you. However, if there are many positive reviews, that’s a positive sign.
Tips for Using Teeth Whitening Strips
For teeth whitening strips to be effective, you need to use them correctly. Follow these tips for better results.
- Brush your teeth before application– This helps in opening the pores on your teeth to allow the whitening product to penetrate.
- Avoid contact with the gums– The bleaching agent on teeth whitening strips is powerful. When it comes into contact with your gums, it may damage them, leading to further complications.
- Ensure all your teeth are covered– One of the common mistakes that people make when using teeth whitening strips is not covering all their teeth. This leads to uneven whitening.
- Consistency matters– To get the desired results, you should use teeth whitening strips consistently. According to most experts, teeth whitening products can be effective when used twice daily for two weeks consecutively.
Pros and Cons of Using Teeth Whitening Strips
As shown below, there are several advantages and disadvantages of using teeth whitening strips.
Pros
- Easy to use
- They’re affordable
- You don’t have to visit a dentist
Cons
- You may experience side effects such as tooth sensitivity
- Teeth whitening strips work slowly
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I brush my teeth after using teeth whitening strips?
It is completely safe to brush your teeth after using teeth whitening strips. However, you should do it gently to avoid irritating your gums.
How long should I wait to eat after using teeth whitening strips?
You should wait for at least one hour before eating or drinking when using teeth whitening strips. Remember to eat and drink clear foods only to avoid any possible staining.
Can I sleep with teeth whitening strips?
Sleeping with teeth whitening strips is not advisable. If you do, you may wear them longer than the recommended time leading to teeth damage or sensitivity.
Can I swallow saliva with my teeth whitening strips on?
Yes, you can swallow saliva even when whitening strips are still on your teeth since the gel used to make them is safe.
How long do whitening strips take to work?
Teeth whitening strips usually show results after three to four days of consistent use. However, you have to use them for about two weeks for best results.
