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.

What is better, teeth whitening gel or strips? ›

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.

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 most dentists use for teeth whitening? ›

Carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide are commonly used in whitening interventions and can readily permeate dental hard tissues. Temporary tooth sensitivity and gingival inflammation are the most common adverse effects of vital tooth whitening.

What works better than whitening strips? ›

Gel-based teeth bleaching gel is a safe and effective way to whiten your teeth and can provide dramatic results when used properly.

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.
Nov 11, 2022

Does teeth whitening gel really work? ›

Teeth whitening products — whether an over-the-counter option you use at home or a professional treatment — can be effective and safe, if used correctly. “If you want a brighter smile, teeth whitening products can be good tools,” says Dr. Clemons. “But they aren't a substitute for good dental hygiene.”

What is the best teeth whitening method? ›

Option #1: In-Office Laser Whitening

This is one of the popular teeth whitening methods that some people believe is the most effective way to get a brighter smile. Using lasers and peroxide-based whitening agents in a professional setting, this teeth whitening method provides dramatic, lasting results.

Do I brush my 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.

When is the best time to use whitening strips? ›

Using whitening strips before bed might be more convenient for some people, as it allows the product to work overnight without interference from food or beverages. On the other hand, using them in the morning can help you start your day with a refreshed, brighter smile.

What is the number 1 teeth whitening? ›

The Crest Whitening Emulsion with LED Light stands out as the best overall teeth whitening product due to its ease of use, effectiveness, and comfort. Its simple, straightforward process, coupled with the ability to carry on with normal activities during treatment, makes it highly convenient and user-friendly.

Is it better to get teeth whitened at dentist? ›

The answer is a resounding yes. The most effective way to whiten teeth is with a professional in-office treatment.

Can yellow teeth become white again? ›

Yes, most stains can easily be lifted from the teeth with professional whitening treatments. The strength of our treatments help patients transform their smile to a dazzling white! It is important to note that internal stains are more difficult to remove.

Is whitening strips or gel better? ›

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.

Do dentists recommend crest whitestrips? ›

Crest 3D Glamorous Whitestrips is approved by the American Dental Association, and are considered safe when used occasionally and in moderation. If used incorrectly or too frequently, this product may cause damage to your gums and teeth.

What teeth whitening gel do dentists use? ›

The gel used by dentists can have 35% – 45% peroxide in it. More the peroxide, the faster the whitening. So within an hour-long session, you could have up to three – eight shades brighter teeth. At-home whitening gels have 3% – 20% peroxide.

What's better, whitening strips or UV light? ›

Though some lights can add a temporary boost that fades within a day or so, none ultimately make your teeth whiter than trays of bleach or whitening strips alone. Nor can they shorten the amount of time you have to spend with a mouth full of whitening chemicals to achieve your desired tooth shade.

Are whitening strips the best way to whiten teeth? ›

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.

Are teeth whitening kits better than strips? ›

For many people, teeth whitening kits work well on both surface-level and deeper stains. The average cost of a kit is $20-$100. Trays provide more coverage than some teeth whitening strips. May contain a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide and other chemicals for near-immediate results.

Are teeth whitening pens or strips better? ›

Teeth whitening pens are a convenient and affordable way to brighten teeth, but their effects may not be as immediately noticeable or long-lasting as those of traditional strips. Applying strips takes more time and effort, but they often provide better results than pens.

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