Teeth whitening strips
There are many different teeth whitening techniques available to be practiced in your own home through products that can be bought over-the-counter. They include whitening toothpastes, gels, rinses, strips, and trays; you can also get teeth whitening agents that can be attained from a dentist. With all of these options, it is hard to know which one will work the best for you. From an economic standpoint, teeth whitening strips cost less than other methods of teeth whitening, save for the toothpaste option. Teeth whitening strips also have their advantages, which can be learned about right here in this article.
Good Candidates for Teeth Whitening
Those who have healthy teeth with no fillings and healthy gums are the ideal candidates for the various types of teeth whitening. That said, there are some people who should not have their teeth whitened.
Children under age 16
Those who are under the age of 16 are discouraged to have teeth whitening done because their pulp chamber (nerve of the tooth) is enlarged up until this age, and the whitening could irritate the pulp or cause it to become too sensitive.
Pregnant and lactating women
Women who are pregnant and lactating should not have their teeth whitened.
Sensitive teeth and allergies
People who have sensitive teeth or gums, receding gums, or defective restorations (fillings) should speak with a dentist before whitening their teeth. If you’re allergic to peroxide, do not use a bleach whitening system.
Gum disease, worn enamel, cavities, and exposed roots
The whitening agent can cause more sensitivity and make gum disease, a worn enamel, and exposed roots worse. Cavities must be filled before the tooth is whitened.
Fillings, crowns, and other restorations
Tooth-colored fillings and other types of dental restorations (crowns, veneers, etc.) do not respond to the whitening agent; they simply will not whiten. If you do have any of these things, and you proceed with teeth whitening strips or other method, the result will be an uneven whitening.
Darkly stained teeth
Yellowish teeth respond well to teeth whitening, but teeth with a grayish or purplish color do not.
Teeth Whitening Strips
Whitening strips are very thin, and almost invisible; they are coated with a peroxide-based whitening gel. The strips are applied twice daily for 30 minutes for 14 days. The initial results will be noticed by the fourth day and the end results can last for up to 4 months. The strips can be bought over-the-counter and are sold in a variety of brand names. If you are concerned about which one to choose, speak with your dentist.
Advantages of Teeth Whitening Strips
Teeth whitening strips are certainly a lot cheaper than getting your teeth bleached by the dentist. In addition, they last for about 4 months, so you only have to pay for the kit 3 times a year (if you wish to keep up with it).
Side Effects of Whitening Strips
All types of teeth whitening come with some side effects to be aware of. The best thing to do if any of the side effects are experienced is to stop using the strips immediately. The most common side effects are tooth sensitivity and mild irritation of the soft tissues in the mouth, especially on the gums. The tissue irritation happens more likely due to an ill-fitting white strip rather than the bleaching agent itself. Within one to three days of stopping or completing the treatment the irritation and sensitivity should go away. There are other things you can do to reduce these two things, such as wearing the strip for a shorter period of time, and brushing your teeth with a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth.
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