About Teeth Whitening Strips

 

Many consumers are very interested in whitening strips as an easy, disposable way to get whiter teeth.

 

While smaller brands existed prior to the launch of Crest White Strips, the marketing and advertising support behind Crest firmly launched and introduced this concept to the US market on a broad scale basis. Since then, many companies have followed suit and now there are numerous whitening products on the market, such as Listerine Teeth Whitening Strips and Rembrandt Whitening Strips. Additionally, store brands have also been introduced at mass retailers such as CVS and Target. 
 

The whitening strip form is essentially made up of a thin piece of plastic covered with a tooth whitening gel that contains peroxide. By wearing the strips as indicated on the product packaging, the gel comes into contact with the surface of your teeth and works to slowly take away surface stains, as well as stains within the tooth’s enamel.

 

The peroxide gel on a white strip works to slowly bleach your teeth to a lighter shade. Many whitening strips often come in two different sizes, one size for the upper teeth and one for the lower teeth. By pressing these strips up against your teeth for a tight fit, the gel makes contact with your enamel. Teeth whitening strip products differ in the percentage of peroxide they contain, and thus the usage instructions are different for each type. In general, expect to wear the strips for 30 minutes once to twice a day over the course of one to two weeks. Individuals are strongly encouraged to closely follow any and all instructions included in these OTC whitening strips.

 

Most teeth whitening strip products in the marketplace contain hydrogen peroxide as the bleaching agent. Due to differences in concentration, or the amount of peroxide in each product, the effect varies. OTC whitening strips contain anywhere from 3% to 10% hydrogen peroxide. Professionally dispensed whitening strips (available only through a dentist) usually contain around 15% hydrogen peroxide. Whitening procedures conducted in dental offices and in teeth whitening centers contain hydrogen peroxide in the range of 15- 38% . [1]

Teeth become discolored or darker over time as teeth acquire staining molecules on and within the enamel and dentin. These molecules contain double bonds that cause them to be colored. This occurs when normal white light interacts with the double bonds and some of the light is absorbed. The remaining light, which is what we see, is dimmer and is no longer white (the tooth appears darker and discolored).

 

When a whitening gel (either carbamide or hydrogen peroxide) is applied to the teeth, the peroxide penetrates the enamel and dentin. During this time, the peroxide breaks down into its active, whitening components. These active components break the double bonds, resulting in a molecule with only single bonds. These new compounds (the single bonds) no longer absorb portions of white light. The result is a tooth that is no longer discolored so it appears lighter and/or whiter.

 

Yes! Teeth whitening strips are effective as a tool for lightening teeth. It is always important to remember however that the product must be used in conjunction with the manufacturer’s instructions.

 

When choosing a whitening strip, you should purchase one that works well with your lifestyle and the amount of time you have to wear the product on a daily basis. If using whitening strips twice a day for thirty minutes seems like a long time, there are other whitening options, such as in-office bleaching at your dentist’s office that can be completed in one office visit.  

 

It is always best to talk to your dentist first before starting any tooth whitening regimen. Some types of dental work such as bonding, crowns, veneers or bridges will not whiten, leaving an uneven appearance. Also, some types of stains are the result of unhealthy teeth, and whitening can exacerbate an already delicate oral health situation. An appointment with your dentist is the best way to start any whitening process, saving you time, money, and helping you get the best results. 

 

Since whitening strips are made in a generic size for all users, they may not fit your teeth exactly. Most brands will cover a person’s six front teeth. It is important to check the product packaging to make sure the size of the white strips will work for you. Factors such as the shape of your mouth and what teeth are visible when you smile, will determine if the strips will provide enough coverage for you.

 

Custom tray-based whitening systems, in comparison, are made from a mold of your mouth, so there are no coverage problems. These molded trays allow the user to add bleaching gel evenly throughout the entire tray, to get consistent bleaching results.

 

While white strip products are very effective in terms of a low cost, one-size-fits-all option, the benefits of a well made, personalized bleaching tray cannot be minimized. While clinical research has shown the two systems have similar effects, however, “Many dentists are of the opinion that professionally dispensed take-home whitening kits can produce the best results over the long haul. Take-home kits incorporate an easy-to-use lower-concentration peroxide gel that remains on the teeth for an hour or longer (sometimes overnight). The lower the peroxide percentage, the longer it may safely remain on the teeth."[2]

Professional in-office whitening is also more effective than using strips, and it’s the fastest method to achieve superior whitening results. [3]

 

Two main complaints and side effects about whitening strips are tooth sensitivity and gum irritation. Sensitivity is exacerbated by the strength/ amount of peroxide in the bleaching solution.

 

When choosing a whitening system it is best to start out with a lower dose hydrogen peroxide whitening strip if you have a history of tooth sensitivity.

 

The major cause of gum sensitivity when using strips results from consumers who accidentally apply the strip over the gum or part of the gum. The bleaching solution, although mild, can still aggravate the gums when exposed for too long.

 

If this occurs, simple over-the-counter pain medications help. There are also professionally dispensed options such as desensitizing gels, fluorides, toothpastes or rinses that can help. In most cases however, this sensitivity will resolve in 24-48 hours.
 

Discontinuing use of the whitening strips is the best way to put an end to tooth sensitivity. 

 

Not everyone using teeth whitening strips will have an adverse reaction. However, some users have reported that the hydrogen peroxide, when accidentally applied to the soft tissues of the mouth, can cause irritated gums. This happens due to improper application or slippage of the plastic strip. You will know if you have irritated gums because they may sting, become swollen and red, or develop white spots.

 

The first way to combat gum sensitivity is to make sure that you are applying the plastic strip properly to your teeth. Strips that rub against the gums can cause irritation, as well as allowing hydrogen peroxide gel access to your gum tissue.

 

After the application is complete, it is also important to remove any subsequent bleaching residue off the teeth and gums with a soft, gentle brushing.

There are many anti-sensitivity toothpastes on the market that can help to alleviate symptoms associated with sensitive teeth and gums. Most often, the active ingredients in these over-the-counter remedies are potassium nitrate. Some popular brands include: Sensodyne, Biotene Sensitive, and DenClude Desensitizing Dental Cream.

 

There are also natural products on the market that use herbs and natural compounds such as Kiss My Face’s Sensitive Toothpaste with aloe vera, olive leaf extract, Iceland moss and xylitol.
 

If OTC sensitivity treatments do not provide relief, contact your dental professional for additional options.

 

 

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