We all want a whiter, brighter smile, which is probably why many of the advertisem*nts we see on TV and in print these days are all about teeth whitening. One of the most popular products you may have seen in commercials is teeth whitening strips. If you’re wondering whether such merchandise is good or bad for you, here are its pros and cons.
Pros:
- Teeth Whitening Strips Are Affordable
Compared to teeth whitening products and services offered by dentists, strips are definitely cheaper. And since not everyone can afford professional teeth whitening, they choose to purchase strips instead.
- Teeth Whitening Strips Are Easy to Use
Whitening strips are very easy to use. All you have to do is brush your teeth properly before applying them. Simply peel off the covering and press the strips on your upper and lower teeth. Leave them for some time (usually 30 minutes), remove them, and you’re good to go.
- Teeth Whitening Strips Are Readily Available
You can purchase whitening strips at almost any supermarket, grocery store, and pharmacies. They’re even sold in online stores.
Cons:
- Teeth Whitening Strips Can Weaken or Damage Your Tooth Enamel
Overusing whitening strips can damage or weaken your tooth enamel because of too much bleach. If this happens, your teeth may appear blue, gray, or translucent.
- Teeth Whitening Strips May Cause Teeth or Gum Sensitivity
According to a study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, 50 percent of adults who used over-the-counter teeth whitening products like strips had mild tooth sensitivity. Some also experienced gum irritation and erosion of restorations, such as fillings.
- Teeth Whitening Strips Usually Produce Uneven and Impermanent Results
Whitening strips may not cover your teeth evenly or perfectly, especially if you have cramped or crooked teeth. So, you may get unsightly white blotches. Also, the result isn’t permanent and would only last for a few months.
Contact Pillar Dental Today for Professional Teeth Whitening Services!
As stated above, whitening strips have their advantages. But they have disadvantages too. So, if you ask the experts, they will recommend professional teeth whitening instead of over-the-counter products. By opting for the former, you can ensure that you’ll achieve that bright smile you deserve safely and effectively.
Get in touch with Pillar Dental now to set up an appointment. We have dentists who are experts in cosmetic dental procedures. They would love the opportunity to meet and assist you with your needs. You may contact us at 605-271-4422 or email us at info@pillardental.com.
FAQs
They are easy to use, cost-effective, and can provide quick results. However, it is important to take caution when using whitening strips. Weakening of enamel, tooth sensitivity, and gum problems can all be caused by using whitening strips.
What are the pros and cons of whitening teeth? ›
Whitening Strips
Pros: Strips are inexpensive compared to most other methods. Cons: The strips only reach the front six teeth; they can irritate the gums; some users complain of sensitivity.
What are the benefits of teeth whitening strips? ›
Whitening strips are a popular dental product that may help remove stains from and whiten the teeth. While they are not as effective as treatments from a dentist's office, they can be a more simple and cheap alternative. However, people should take care to check the ingredients of the strips and apply them carefully.
What are the facts about teeth whitening strips? ›
Teeth whitening strips are known to cause increased tooth sensitivity and gum irritation. Usually, these symptoms are mild. Tooth sensitivity usually starts at the time of treatment and lasts for several days. Gum irritation may start within a day of treatment and also typically lasts for several days.
What are the cons of whitening products? ›
Some notable side effects of skin whitening products include:
- 2.1. Mercury poisoning. Mercury is a highly toxic chemical and is banned in skin lightening products in the US. ...
- 2.2. Dermatitis. ...
- 2.3. Exogenous ochronosis. ...
- 2.4. Steroid acne. ...
- 2.5. Nephrotic syndrome.
To get the best results, you must use your teeth whitening strips daily, however, using them more often or for a longer period of time than specified in the instructions can ultimately result in erosion of your teeth enamel, which can lead to sensitivity and other damage.
Who should not whiten their teeth? ›
There isn't much safety data on teeth whitening for pregnant or breastfeeding women. And these groups are more likely to have inflamed gums and sensitivity after whitening due to hormonal changes during pregnancy. Children under the age of 16 also shouldn't use teeth whiteners without the guidance of a dentist.
What is the bad side of teeth whitening? ›
The potential side effects of teeth whitening include teeth sensitivity, gum irritation, and ineffective results. However, most patients do not experience any notable side effects from professional teeth whitening, as the dentist can monitor the process and perform treatment in a way that minimizes risk.
Is it worth getting teeth whitened? ›
According to some studies, having whiter teeth can make you appear younger, more attractive, more employable and more successful. Just think of the instant boost of confidence that could bring to your day-to-day life.
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.
While most whitening products contain some amount of peroxide, the strips are effective because they are bonded to your teeth longer than toothpastes or whitening pens, giving the peroxide a better opportunity to work on your teeth.
Do whitening strips chip your teeth? ›
New research presented at the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology shows how the hydrogen peroxide in teeth whitening products can damage the protein-containing dentin layer, which is underneath your enamel. The research shows that this chips away at the protein in this layer, particularly collagen.
What is the disadvantage of whitening strips? ›
- Teeth Whitening Strips Can Weaken or Damage Your Tooth Enamel.
- Teeth Whitening Strips May Cause Teeth or Gum Sensitivity.
- Teeth Whitening Strips Usually Produce Uneven and Impermanent Results.
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!
Do whitening strips expire? ›
Yes, teeth whitening strips do have an expiration date. Most manufacturers provide a recommended shelf life for their products, typically ranging from one to two years from the date of manufacture. The expiration date is usually indicated on the packaging or the individual foil packets containing the strips.
Do whitening strips have side effects? ›
In many cases, people who use these strips experience tooth sensitivity and gum irritation. Though the effect is temporary, it can still cause users a lot of pain and anguish. Another rarer side effect is tooth damage. This side effect is more likely to occur if you have untreated cavities or gum disease.
Do whitening strips affect fake teeth? ›
The strips will not whiten caps, crowns, veneers, fillings or dentures. Do not use with dental braces. If you are in need of dental work, have dental work or have staining from medication, ask your dentist to determine if whitening is appropriate.
Do you brush your 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.
Do whitening strips make teeth translucent? ›
But the reality is that teeth whitening procedure does not make teeth look translucent. If it does, it is not permanent.
