Everyone wishes to achieve a whiter and brighter smile and hopes to get rid of those stains or decolourisation in their teeth as they age. Certain foods including coffee, wine, medication and tobacco products can stain or discolour your teeth over time. There are various teeth whitening options such as take-home kits, in-office bleaching at the dentist, professional grade gels, porcelain veneers treatment and whitening strips to choose from.
This article focuses on the benefits and drawbacks of using whitening strips. This product is low-cost, comes in a variety of formulations and is an effective way of achieving white and bright teeth. Plus, in some ways they are better than teeth whitening kits but they have few drawbacks that you must know of.
Benefits of using Whitening Strips:
Affordable
As compared to in-chair whitening or bleaching gel kits, whitening strips are one of the more inexpensive ways to achieve the desired smile. Plus, they are easily available.
Easy to use
There are a variety of options available for teeth whitening these days, but not all of them are as comfortable, effective and easy like whitening strips. To use whitening strips, you stick each whitening strip on your lower and upper teeth, leave them on for the required amount of time and finally remove and rinse thoroughly.
Gentle
Whitening strips are gentle on teeth and gums as compared to high strength dental bleaching gel. Before you buy whitening strips, make sure you look for the best brand and variety for better results.
Drawbacks of using Whitening Strips:
Uneven whitening
No matter how carefully you use the strips, if you have crooked or cramped teeth, the strips may not be able to cover all the edges. Moreover, some strips won’t be long enough to completely cover all of the teeth, which can leave you with hideous discoloured teeth. Before purchasing products make sure to read reviews in order to avoid this sort of design flaws or ask your dentist for advice.
Sensitivity
Most of the dental whitening products can cause sensitivity in the gums and teeth. If the instructions are not followed properly, you are more likely to experience problems. If you are experiencing any teeth sensitivity issues, don’t use any whitening product that contains chemicals like bleaching agents or hydrogen peroxide, as they are likely to worsen the issue. Fortunately, there are mild varieties of whitening strips available that work without causing sensitivity.
When to Avoid Teeth Whitening Strips
While whitening your teeth can give you that desired smile, they are not for everyone. Whitening agents may not be effective on fillings, veneers, caps and crowns, and may not work for discoloration that is grey, brown or caused by medication or injury.
How Often Should You Whiten Your Teeth?
Using whitening strips over and over again increases the chances of side-effects, including tooth sensitivity and enamel and gum damage. Yet, there is no official guideline for how often using whitening strips is safe for teeth, therefore it’s essential to get your dentist’s recommendation and treatment advice first.
In Conclusion:
Whitening strips are affordable and easy to use but when it comes to whitening your teeth in a faster, safer and effective manner, dental porcelain veneers is the ideal option. It is essential to remember that whitening products can’t correct all types of stains or discolouration, so it’s better to consult your Miranda based dentist or wherever you are located before spending your money on any kind of teeth whitening product.
If you would like to share your personal teeth whitening experience, feel free to write to us in the comment box below. Do you have any horror or success stories when it comes to teeth whitening?
