Dreaming of an eye-catching, radiant celeb-style smile? While some are blessed with naturally lighter teeth, anyone can brighten their smile several shades using teeth whitening strips. These thin, flexible strips coated with whitening gel offer an easy, affordable way to gradually whiten your teeth over 1-4 weeks of consistent use.
In this comprehensive guide, we provide everything you need to know to decide if teeth whitening strips are suitable for you. You’ll learn what whitening strips are, how to properly apply them for the safest and best results, tips to maximize their effectiveness, and answers to common questions.
Get ready to unveil a brighter, more confident smile with these simple yet highly effective whitening strips!
Teeth whitening strips are very thin, flexible strips of plastic material coated on one side with a hydrogen peroxide-based whitening gel. This gel gently lifts stains from the enamel to brighten the natural color of your teeth when the strips are applied to cleaned teeth and used regularly as directed.
The whitening strips are coated with a relatively low concentration hydrogen peroxide gel, typically under 10%. This allows gradual, effective brightening over daily use across 1-4 weeks. The extended contact with the gel helps lift away built-up stains on the teeth.
Whitening strips are available over-the-counter at pharmacies and retail stores. They offer a more affordable at-home whitening alternative compared to professional in-office treatments. Some key advantages include:
●Convenient daily whitening at home
●Less expensive than in-office whitening
●Minimal preparation or recovery time needed
●Can brighten smile 2-8 shades when used consistently
Whitening strips help you achieve dramatic results at your own pace for a fraction of the cost of professional whitening. Follow usage directions closely for best results.
While most whitening strips are designed for simplicity, following best practices when applying them is key to maximizing results safely:
●Brush your teeth well with regular toothpaste at least 30 minutes before applying the strips. This preps your enamel for whitening.
●Check which strip shapes go on your top versus bottom teeth. Note the gel side.
●Dry your teeth thoroughly with a towel or napkin first for better adhesion.
●Place the gel-coated side of the strip directly onto your clean, dry teeth with the gel making full contact with the enamel.
●Mold and smooth each strip carefully to fully cover all teeth evenly. This prevents uneven whitening results.
●Avoid getting strip gel on your gums, where it could cause irritation. Trim strips to fit if needed.
●Use a cheek retractor if saliva flow makes placement challenging. This improves contact between the strips and teeth for better whitening.
●Leave strips on for the exact duration listed in your product’s instructions. Don’t exceed the recommended time.
●Try lying down during treatment to reduce interference and strip contact issues from excess saliva.
●Breathe through your mouth to dry it out since less moisture allows the gel to better penetrate stains.
●Don’t eat or drink anything with strips on your teeth.
●Remove strips gently after the specified time. Take care not to disturb newly whitened enamel.
●Rinse mouth thoroughly with water to eliminate gel and saliva residue. Avoid swallowing gel.
●Don’t eat or drink for at least an hour afterwards to allow full treatment contact time.
Following the product usage instructions carefully along with these application tips will help you achieve the best and safest results.
While all whitening strips will gradually brighten your smile with consistent correct use, you can maximize your results by following these pro tips:
For best whitening, apply strips daily without skipping, following all usage directions for your specific brand and product closely. Expect gradual brightening across the full treatment period as directed, often 1-4 weeks.
Avoid overusing strips beyond directions, as this could erode enamel or increase sensitivity. Discontinue use if you notice any tooth or gum sensitivity and ask your dentist if whitening strips are suitable for you.
Use supplemental products like whitening toothpaste, whitening mouthwash, and whitening toothbrushes to boost your results. The Crest Whitening Therapy system combines these effectively.
Avoid consuming staining foods and drinks like coffee, red wine, and soda for a few hours after applying strips. Rinse or brush after intake. Drink dark liquids through a straw.
Continue brushing twice daily, flossing, and getting professional cleanings. Use whitening toothpaste weekly and rinse after consuming staining foods/drinks. Get touch up whitening periodically.
Discontinue use if you experience bothersome tooth sensitivity or gum irritation. Avoid use if pregnant, nursing, or under age 12. Only apply strips to natural teeth.
Carefully following usage directions and supplementation tips will help you achieve dramatic teeth whitening safely.
If you’re new to teeth whitening strips, you probably have some questions. Below we answer some of the most frequently asked:
When used exactly as directed, whitening strips are safe for most people’s teeth. However, the hydrogen peroxide gel can cause sensitivity in some cases, so discontinue use if this occurs. Avoid applying strips to crowns, veneers or other non-natural teeth.
You should notice gradual brightening of your teeth across the entire recommended treatment period, usually 1-4 weeks with daily correct use. Most users see around 2-8 shades of whitening improvement by the end.
Use whitening strips only as often as specified in the instructions for your product, typically daily application for a set duration of 1-4 weeks. Don’t exceed recommended usage and take an extended break between treatment periods to avoid overuse.
Misusing whitening strips beyond directions could potentially cause gum irritation, tooth sensitivity or enamel erosion in some cases. To avoid damage, carefully follow all usage instructions provided with your product.
Depending on your diet and dental hygiene habits, whitening strip results can last anywhere from a couple months to over a year. Get periodic touch up treatments and avoid staining foods/drinks to help maintain your gorgeous new smile.
When used exactly as directed, teeth whitening strips offer an easy, effective way to gradually achieve dramatic brightening of your smile’s overall color and appearance. Ensure you select a quality product, follow instructions closely, supplement with other whitening products as needed, and maintain results through avoiding stain-causing foods and drinks.
In as little as 1-4 weeks, you could unveil a radically brighter smile that makes you feel ready to take on the world with new confidence and self-assurance. Ditch discoloration and give your smile the luminous makeover it deserves with simple yet powerful whitening strips. Start your journey to a radiantly white smile today!
Contact Onuge for teeth whitening strips samples!
