Should You Use Teeth Whitening Strips?
There are many teeth whitening systems that are available in the market today. The products range from whitening toothpastes, over-the counter gels, trays, whitening agents and teeth whitening strips sold over-the-counter or obtained from a dentist. Teeth whitening is good for people who have healthy gums and teeth with no fillings. It is best for people with yellow discoloration to their teeth.
Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Strips
Teeth whitening strips are transparent, peroxide-based gels applied to the surface of the teeth using a small brush. Teeth whitening strips are often applied twice a day for 30 minutes each time for the next 14 days. The results can be seen in as little as three days according to packaging labels of some manufacturers. After the required 14 days are over, the whitening effects will remain for a maximum of four months. Cost for these products varies depending on the teeth whitening strip used but it is estimated to be around $50 for a two week treatment.
These teeth whitening strips were created as a replacement for mouth guards and a bleaching solution. They are more convenient and easy to apply than a mouth tray because they are basically a sticky tape applied to the surface of the front teeth.
Teeth whitening strips can be bought over-the-counter and through your dentist. The strips that you can obtain from a dentist office are often more expensive and have stronger concentration of peroxide. Teethin whitening strips being the more recent method of teeth whitening, are easier to use and do not require application of gels or liquids.
Effects of Teeth Whitening Strips
The strips often have less amount of peroxide compared to the teeth whitening gel kits but they do produce results within weeks of using. A common problem with strips is that they do not curve well to the sides of the teeth. Some argue that whitening strips are not as strong as other treatments because of a lesser concentration of peroxide still many prefer to use teeth whitening strips bcause it is cheaper, easier and do not cause gagging reflex like mouth trays.
The main reason for the popularity of teeth whitening strips is the simplicity of its use. There is no need for lengthy preparations. The whitening strips consist of both upper strip and lower strips which are pressed to the surface of the teeth.
The results of teeth whitening strips vary depending on the severity of discoloration, age and eating/drinking/smoking habits of the person. Despite the many whitening treatments available in the market, whitening strips will remain popular because of the convenience they offer.
