Teeth whitening strips are currently being chosen by many people due to their quick effects, reasonable cost, and ability to provide a natural bright white smile for everyone. However, apart from these benefits, are teeth whitening strips good? Many people are talking about the effects of teeth whitening, what is the truth behind it?
What are teeth whitening strips?
What are teeth whitening strips? Teeth whitening strips are materials with chemical substances used to whiten teeth by oxidizing the molecules that cause tooth discoloration. These strips are usually rectangular in shape, or made from nylon material. Each dental teeth whitening strip will have a specialized strip for the upper and lower jaw with different lengths.
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The formula for dental teeth whitening strips includes:
- The whitening component is made from substances with whitening properties such as Hydrogen Peroxide.
- This adhesive layer works to keep the whitening agent attached to the surface of the tooth enamel.
Are teeth whitening strips good?
There are quite a few types of fast-acting teeth whitening products on the market nowadays. These strips contain whitening agents and work based on a mechanism of staying on the tooth surface for a specific period to whiten them.
Depending on the consumer’s whitening needs, they can choose strips containing approximately 9-14% hydrogen peroxide to be used continuously for 14-20 days. So, are these whitening strips good?
Similar to other at-home dental whitening methods, teeth whitening strips have the following characteristics:
- Clearly visible whitening effects, with each use lasting about 30-60 minutes consistently for over 10 days (or longer).
- Easy application method, you can place them on your teeth following the instructions and wait for a short period.
- Cost-effective compared to professional dental whitening methods.
- Available from various sources, from the USA to France, South Korea, and even China.
Therefore, if we only consider the teeth whitening aspect and aesthetic value, dental teeth whitening strips are considered a “good” product because of their high effectiveness.
The harmful effects of teeth whitening strips
Regarding the harmful effects of teeth whitening strips, the culprit that damages the teeth is hydrogen peroxide – a mild corrosive substance found in other whitening products on the market.
According to some dental professionals, the concentration of hydrogen peroxide used in teeth whitening at these facilities is 45% and has the ability to whiten teeth in about 1 hour under the supervision of a dentist. After that, they will proceed with a specialized dental tool containing a whitening agent with a concentration of about 10% (considered to be the safe threshold for whitening chemicals).
However, with the types of whitening products being advertised as “fast-acting,” it is clear that the concentration of hydrogen peroxide needed is higher than that 10% threshold to achieve the best results.
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How does a high concentration of Hydrogen Peroxide affect the teeth? Considering the structure of teeth with 3 layers: a thin outer layer of enamel, a layer of dentin underneath, and the connective tissue anchoring the tooth to the gums.
Most of our teeth are made up of dentin, which has a high content of protein and collagen. After using teeth whitening strips for 1 hour, hydrogen peroxide will penetrate into the bone marrow and dissolve the collagen protein in the enamel. Because collagen production is slow, it can be dangerous to use excessive whitening agents in a short period.
The thickness and strength of dentin vary for each individual. Users cannot determine if their teeth are still strong and healthy after the impact of high-concentration whitening agents, so the risk of gum inflammation, enamel erosion, gum swelling, bone marrow cracking, and prolonged tooth sensitivity is high.
Especially for patients with treated teeth, collagen restoration is impossible, and dead enamel does not regenerate. Therefore, users should carefully consider whether they need to purchase whitening strips or not.
Things to consider before using teeth whitening strips
According to the recommendations of P & G in the United States, teeth whitening products with a duration of 25-30 days are suitable for use by adolescents over 12 years old. However, for teeth whitening strips with immediate effects (results visible in 10-14 days), they should not be used by individuals under 18 years old.
Furthermore, teeth whitening strips should not be used by individuals in the following conditions:
- Abnormal health conditions: such as untreated cavities, receding gums, gum inflammation, and other untreated dental diseases.
- Teeth covered with Veneer plastic, porcelain crowns, dental bridges, braces, or orthodontic appliances.
- Allergic to one or more components of the whitening agent.
- Not recommended for individuals under 18 years old, pregnant women, or nursing mothers.
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Price of teeth whitening strips
Typically, inexpensive teeth whitening strips cost around 100,000 – 300,000 VND, but these products often have lower quality.
High-quality teeth whitening strips usually range from 300,000 – 600,000 VND. These products often provide better quality and ensure safety.
The most popular teeth whitening strips on the market today
Crest teeth whitening strips are one of the trusted brands of whitening strips that many women choose. Because this is a fairly common, convenient, and easily accessible product at a reasonable price. However, not all types of this brand are good, safe, or suitable for you.
Advantages:
- The concentration of hydrogen peroxide whitening agent is below 10%, as regulated by the American Dental Association.
- Effectively removes up to 80% of yellow and discolored stains on teeth.
- Does not require a lot of time to use, only about 30 minutes.
- After 3 days of use, the color of the teeth completely changes. After 14 days, the teeth become noticeably whiter.
- The strips adhere tightly to the teeth, preventing them from slipping during use.
- The whitening effect can last from 6 to 10 months, depending on oral hygiene.
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Disadvantages:
- The whitening effect may not be permanent like other whitening methods.
- If the strips slide out, it may cause gum inflammation.
- The strips come in only one size, which can be difficult to use, especially for first-time users.
Things to note when using Crest whitening strips:
To maximize the effectiveness of whitening dull, yellow teeth, pay attention to the following points:
- Avoid applying toothpaste before using the strips.
- Clean your hands before and after use.
- Avoid direct contact with the gel on the strips, as it may irritate sensitive skin.
- Use consistently each day for the best results.
- After use, avoid cigarette smoke or consuming items that can cause teeth to yellow.
Most asked questions
How often should I use teeth whitening strips?
You should follow the instructions provided with the specific brand of teeth whitening strips you are using. In general, most teeth whitening strips are recommended to be used once a day for a certain period of time, typically ranging from 7 to 14 days. It is important not to exceed the recommended usage frequency to avoid potential sensitivity or damage to the teeth. If you have any concerns or questions, it is best to consult with your dentist or healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Can teeth whitening strips be used by individuals with dental work, such as crowns or veneers?
It is generally not recommended to use teeth whitening strips on dental work such as crowns or veneers. Teeth whitening strips are designed to work on natural teeth and may not have the same effect on dental work.
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Additionally, the whitening agents in the strips can potentially damage or discolor dental work. It is important to consult with your dentist before using teeth whitening strips if you have dental work such as crowns or veneers to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the product. Your dentist may recommend alternative whitening options that are suitable for individuals with dental work.
How long does it take to see results with teeth whitening strips?
The time it takes to see results with teeth whitening strips can vary depending on the individual and the specific product being used. In general, most teeth whitening strips provide noticeable results within a few days to a couple of weeks of consistent use.
Some people may see initial improvements after just a few applications, while others may require longer to achieve their desired level of whitening. It is important to follow the recommended usage instructions and be patient with the process to allow the whitening agents in the strips to effectively work on removing stains and discoloration from the teeth. If you have specific concerns about the timeline for seeing results, it is advisable to consult with your dentist or healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Crest teeth whitening strips are a popular choice among many women due to their convenience, accessibility, and reasonable pricing. While these strips offer advantages such as effective stain removal and lasting whitening results, there are also considerations to keep in mind, such as the temporary nature of the whitening effect and the potential for gum irritation.
By following proper usage guidelines and maintaining good oral hygiene, users can achieve optimal results with Crest whitening strips. Remember to consult with dental professionals for personalized advice and recommendations for addressing specific dental concerns.
This article shared by Bedental provides information. If you have any questions or need advice on your current situation, you can contact the team of doctors for detailed and attentive answers.
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