A bright white smile is what everyone aspires to have when making impressions on other people. However, those with discolored teeth can get their teeth whitened by the use of teeth whitening strips. The strips’ working depends on the stain’s origin and the natural color of the affected teeth. It is to mean that a person cannot use the strip to whiten naturally discolored teeth.

How Teeth Whitening Strips Work

Teeth whitening strips contain a bleaching agent, mainly a peroxide. The strip gets applied to the teeth requiring whitening according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer. The strip on contact with the teeth releases the peroxide that comes into contact with the teeth’ enamel. The process allows the peroxide to bleach out the discoloration from the teeth’ surface. After the bleaching, the teeth are to regain their original white color. The whitening strips are the most effortless teeth whitening method for use available. One needs to choose strips that fit perfectly and are adhesive to their teeth for optimum results. The person wears the whitening strips for approximately an hour every day, preferably in the evening before going to bed. Other manufacturers recommend the application of the strip twice a day for the best results possible. The person can see changes in the whitening of the teeth within the first five days of use. However, the teeth whitening strips will not work for teeth discolored due to medication intake or related health issues. Although not permanent, the effects of using a teeth whitening strip last an average of 6 months, although the person may extend the results further if the teeth get taken for good care.

Advantages of Using Teeth Whitening Strips

The use of teeth whitening strips has a couple of advantages over other teeth whitening methods. Here is why you should prefer the use of teeth whitening strips:

They Are Inexpensive

Compared to other whitening methods such as surgical whitening, the use of the whitening strips is inexpensive. They cost a fraction of the surgical procedure. For a relatively short-term whitening and cheap effect, experts recommend the use of the strips.

Easy to Use

The whitening strips are very easy to use. They require to be placed firmly on the teeth for a specific duration and pulled off. Period! The only challenge remaining is remembering the application of the next strip. In case the user has no idea how to use the strips, there is usually a user’s manual inserted in the package illustrating the steps on how to use them.

Quick Results

The results of using a teeth whitening strip are recognized quickly, within a minimum of three to seven days, depending on the manufacturer. The strip’s effects also last between six to seventeen months, depending on the intensity of care offered to the person’s teeth after whitening.

Extra Comfort

Since the method only involves placing a single strip on both jaws, there is minimal irritation or damage caused to the teeth’ soft tissues. The strip is usually flexible, allowing it to adopt the shape of the teeth comfortably. The strip is also tasteless hence leaving no aftertaste after the application. It also has an adhesive gum in it, which assists it to stick well to the enamel of the teeth for the oxidation process to take place for bleaching to occur. The bleaching agent is friendly to ingest.

Care Tips After Teeth Whitening

Brush Teeth Regularly

The regular brushing of teeth after whitening using strips gets recommended by experts. It does not affect the whiteness of the teeth. However, it is responsible for maintaining whiter and healthier teeth for a more extended period. If possible, also floss between the teeth to remove the deposits between the teeth thoroughly. Experts have recommended the brushing of teeth twice a day, especially after meals.

Avoid Colored Beverages

Colored beverages such as coffee, fruit juice, and red wine cause the teeth to discolor. It is a result of the color of the drinks sticking on the teeth during consumption. However, the teeth’ discoloration rate can get reduced with the reduction in the beverage consumption rate. Acidic foods and beverages too should be limited. Straw should get used when consuming colored drinks to minimize the contact between them and the teeth.

Avoid Smoking

Smoking discolors the teeth via a substance known as tar which gets produced in cigarettes. When inhaling the smoke, the tar discolors first the teeth, then eventually the lungs. Despite the discoloration being removable via whitening strips, the smoker should regulate the amount of smoke inhaled to slow down the rate of decolorizing. Acidic foods and beverages too should be limited.

The Chewing of Sugarless Gum

Sugary foods are known to accelerate the damage of teeth due to the favorable conditions availed for the bacteria in the teeth. Therefore, it is essential to neutralize the teeth’ acidic conditions by chewing sugarless gum instead of chewing the routine sugary gum.

Pay the Dentist Regular Visits

The dentist’s visits are essential for the dentist to conduct a check-up and deep cleaning routines at least twice a year. The cleaning will do away with the bacteria hidden deep within the teeth, which brings about decomposition and discoloration of the teeth.

The Side Effects and Restrictions of Using Teeth Whitening Strips

The side effects of using a teeth whitening strip vary from the different manufacturers and also from person to person. The prolonged use of the whitening strips may cause teeth sensitivity and gum irritation. Although temporary, the effects may become mildly painful to extremely painful. Persons with untreated cavities in teeth or gum disease should abstain from the use of whitening strips to avoid further tooth damage. Persons with braces should refrain from the use of the strips. Persons allergic to peroxides or medication that would react to exposure to peroxides should abstain from using the whitening strips. As a result of heavy staining, the whitening process may provide uneven results. Consult a dentist before whitening teeth.