Teeth Whitening Strips: Do They Work & Are They Safe?
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This popular teeth whitening technique has gained popularity for it’s supposed quick results and affordability. However, do teeth whitening strips work? And are they even safe to use? Let’s explore these questions in more detail.
What are teeth whitening strips for teeth?
Made from thin, flexible plastic, these strips are coated with a gel containing a whitening agent. When applied to the teeth, the sticky strips provide a brightening effect. Some patients report seeing results in 1 – 2 weeks, while others see an effect after just a few days. This will depend on the existing condition of your smile and how much staining and discolouration you have. The whitening agents typically used in these strips are carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. As these ingredients come into contact with the teeth, they oxidise. This oxidisation then helps to whiten the enamel and lift stains, leaving you with a gleaming, more uniform smile.
Is this treatment an effective way to brighten your smile?
Individuals with very little staining or discolouration will benefit the most from teeth strips. Whitening results, as mentioned earlier, will largely depend on the existing colour of your teeth. For example, if you smoke or consume a lot of staining food and drinks, you probably won’t see as much of a transformation. Teeth whitening strips are usually not as effective as in-clinic treatments or dentist-led kits. Many strips do not contain a high enough percentage of its whitening agent to provide a long-lasting brightening effect. Additionally, the thinness and flexibility of a strip can actually hinder the adherence to the teeth. This may then result in uneven results or very little change in the colour of your teeth altogether. Teeth whitening strips also rely completely on the skill of the individual using them. If you do not leave the strips on long enough, or attach them improperly, you are not going to get the finish you want. Therefore, it is imperative that you read the instructions properly to ensure an effective treatment.
Pros and cons of teeth whitening strips
Let’s consider both the advantages and disadvantages of this teeth whitening technique:
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Has the ability to brighten teeth and visibly diminish stains | May not work on patients with more severe discolouration |
Widely available online and over-the-counter | Not as effective as in-office treatments or dentist-led kits |
Low cost (prices start from as little as £7 in the UK) | Relies heavily on the skill set of the individual |
Quick results achieved in 1-2 weeks that last up to 6 months | Questions about safety and the ingredients used |
Boosts confidence in your smile from the comfort of your home | Causes temporary sensitivity (some report long-term sensitivity after use) |
For individuals wanting low-cost teeth whitening that provides quick results, this at-home treatment could be a great option. It is very easy to purchase teeth whitening strips. UK-based patients can buy them online, in a beauty salon or over the counter with ease. However, there are notable disadvantages that should be taken into consideration before picking up a kit. The biggest question we receive surrounding this treatment is, are teeth whitening strips safe? If you follow the instructions carefully and only buy these strips from a reputable and trusted source, the answer to this is yes. On the other hand, if you use the whitening strips incorrectly, you may irritate your gums and damage the enamel. Be sure to do your research on the ingredients too. Chlorine dioxide for example has the potential to cause irreversible damage to your teeth as it is highly acidic, and should therefore be avoided at all costs.
Alternative teeth whitening methods
Teeth whitening strips are not the only way you can rejuvenate your smile. You may want to consider the following options in your journey to brighter-looking teeth:
- Teeth whitening in the clinic: Using special lights and lasers, as well as state-of-the-art equipment, your dentist will be able to safely whiten your smile.
- At-home teeth whitening kit: Our powerful, dentist-led treatment uses a 16% concentration of carbamide peroxide to give you a dazzling colour that lasts up to 12 months.
- Teeth whitening pen: Similar to whitening strips, teeth whitening pens are a quick and convenient way to refresh your teeth.
- Teeth whitening toothpaste: There are many toothpastes on the market that aim to encourage a whiter aesthetic.
- Natural remedies: Bicarbonate of soda, charcoal, banana peels - these are all believed to have a whitening effect. If you decide to try a DIY home remedy, please proceed with caution.
We have created a table comparing the aforementioned treatments to help assist your decision-making. For this data, 10 is the best option, and 1 is the worst:
Effectiveness | Cost | Longevity | Safety | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
In-clinic Whitening | 10/10 | 4/10 | 10/10 | 10/10 | 4/10 |
At-home Whitening kit | 5/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 | 5/10 | 7/10 |
Whitening Pen | 5/10 | 9/10 | 6/10 | 6/10 | 9/10 |
Natural remedies* | 1/10 | 8/10 | 1/10 | 4/10 | 10/10 |
Whitening Toothpaste | 2/10 | 10/10 | 2/10 | 10/10 | 10/10 |
*Ingredient dependent.
Things that stain (and should therefore be avoided)
Once you have had your teeth whitened, you want your new beautiful smile to last. Avoid the following while undergoing the treatment and as much as possible afterwards to help preserve the vibrancy of your teeth:
- Staining food and drinks: Think tea, coffee, red wine, tomato-based sauces, fizzy drinks and berries.
- Smoking and vaping: Alongside teeth discolouration, smoking and vaping has many effects on the mouth, including tooth decay, gum disease and bone loss.
Conclusion: The experts at Yorkshire Dental Suite would generally recommend avoiding teeth whitening strips. While its low cost may be alluring, there are too many questions surrounding the effectiveness and safety. Our at-home teeth whitening kit is guided by dentists, extremely effective and provides long-lasting results. Enquire today about our set and how it can transform your smile in as little as 72 hours.