First of all, if your teeth are stained, they can be cleaned by teeth whitening strips.
If your teeth have always been yellow, then they are just yellow - but not unhealthy There could be a number of causes:
a) it's their natural color (thin enamel covering yellow dentin which under it)
b) medications taken when your teeth were forming (antibiotics, etc.)
c) too much fluoride during tooth formation (fluorosis)
d) enamel abrasion (overbrushing with a hard toothbrush)
e) acidic decalcification (eg. sucking lemons)
Teeth whitening strips are made of a soft plastic substance coated with a thin layer of whitening gel, which usually contains hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. When you place the strips on your teeth, the gel is pressed onto the surface and held in place, allowing it to penetrate the teeth and begin its whitening work. The strips are applied daily over a period of two to three weeks.
Although at first glance this may seem like an ideal, low-cost route to a smile, there are three important issues involved. These are not insurmountable difficulties, but they are issues you should be aware of if you want to use the strips safely and effectively.
No matter how carefully you place the strips, the fact remains that a strip is a two-dimensional surface applied to a three-dimensional tooth. There will always be places where the strip doesn't quite touch the tooth. With any luck, you won't be left with the same areas every time, but the areas on your teeth that are not properly covered will not be whitened during the treatment. In the best case this will give uneven results, but in the worst case your teeth may be left with unsightly yellow edges which are very noticeable.
Although whitening strips are safe when used in moderation, overuse can lead to sensitivity and even permanent damage to your teeth. If the enamel layer is eroded by overuse of whitening agents, you will not only suffer pain, but also risk tooth decay and other problems that could lead to tooth loss in the worst case scenario. Never prolong treatment and make sure your teeth are in good condition and free from decay or gum disease before starting treatment.
Whitening strips can be effective in improving the appearance of stained or yellowed teeth, but the possible questions above should give you pause for thought before deciding to start using them. Receiving professional whitening treatment from your dentist, or even having dental veneers fitted, will provide better long-term results and lower risks, but will cost a little more. If you decide to start using whitening strips, you should visit your dentist for a thorough check-up and a little advice before you start.
Above all teeth whitening strips may reduce/remove surface stains on your teeth but if they are naturally yellow, no whitener, cleaner or polishing will change that significantly. Only cosmetic dentistry will.
