Have you ever wondered how whitening strips work? Well, many of us wish we could have a whiter smile; however, it is always advisable to understand how these strips work before putting them to use. Teeth whitening strips are an excellent, convenient method by which one can easily whiten their teeth within the comfort of one's home.
In this article, we will discuss how whitening strips work, the active ingredients they use, and how effective they are.
So, let's start.
Whitening strips are thin, flexible pieces of plastic that are bordered with a special whitening gel. Applied to the teeth, the strips stick to the surface and allow the gel to go to work.
The main task of whitening strips is to degrade and eliminate discolorations on the teeth. The discolorations could originate from a myriad of sources, including but not limited to coffee, tea, wine, and those who smoke.
There are whitening teeth strips with active ingredients within their gel, which penetrate the enamel or outer layer of a tooth. The ingredients break down the stains and make them less visible by shrinking them. In due time, by using these strips, your teeth will become whiter and brighter.
It's usually straightforward: you apply the strips for some time, depending on the product, perhaps something between 20 to 30 minutes.
You take the strip out after those periods and rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth to discard whatever gel residue is left behind.
Most whitening strip products suggest you should use them once a day for up to a week or two to get noticeable results.
The active ingredients in whitening strips hold the key to understanding their mode of action. These active ingredients form the basis of the Whitestrips products in breaking down stains and whitening the teeth.
Hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are the most common active ingredients in whitening strips.
The active ingredient of most whitening strips is hydrogen peroxide. It is a bleaching product because it releases oxygen molecules. Provided these oxygen molecules reach the molecules of stains on your teeth, they will break them up. In this way, this will lighten up the general color of your teeth.
Hydrogen peroxide is a very aggressive ingredient, and it serves as the basis for both home whitening products and professional treatments in dentists' offices. Its concentration, compared with the professionally applied one, is lower in-home whitening strips, which makes it safe during everyday use and if instructions are followed.
Another common ingredient found in some whitening strips is carbamide peroxide. It's highly similar to hydrogen peroxide but takes a bit longer to work. When carbamide peroxide hits the teeth, it breaks down into hydrogen peroxide and urea. After that, the hydrogen peroxide works its magic on all the stains.
Among the products that are supposed to stay on longer, carbamide peroxide is more frequent, for example, overnight whitening strips. This active ingredient is effective, yet a bit long-acting, compared to products that contain hydrogen peroxide only.
Whitening strips usually contain many ingredients besides the active ones in order to enhance the effectiveness and comfort of the product. These include:
Glycerin: It is used as a thickening agent for the gel. It enhances the adherence of the strips to your teeth and assists in keeping the active ingredients on the surface of the teeth during the complete duration of treatment.
Carbomer: It is a thickener that gives the gel its texture and consistency. It assuredly makes the whitening agent well-distributed on your teeth.
Sodium Hydroxide: This is used to control the pH level of the gel, ensuring that it is safe for use on your teeth and gums.
Flavoring Agents: A number of whitening strips contain flavoring agents such as mint, which contribute to making the experience more pleasant by leaving freshness in the mouth upon use.
Whitening strips work quite well to remove surface stains and lighten the color of your teeth. Results may vary, but this is often due to factors like how stained your teeth are and the frequency of use. Most people begin to see results after a few days of use, with full results taking one to two weeks.
However, whitening strips will not work on deep-set discoloration in the teeth, such as those caused by medication or traumatized teeth. You may need to see a dentist for these, as other whitening options are available.
That's all you need to know about how whitening strips work. Whitening strips will provide an easily accessible and very effective way of brightening your smile from the comfort of your own home.
By knowing how they work and what goes into them, one can make an informed decision on whether they're right for them. Just be sure to follow the instructions carefully and use them as directed to ensure the best results with minimal side effects.
