The Pros and Cons of Teeth Whitening Strips

Teeth whitening has become one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments for brightening a dingy smile. One of the most common methods for at-home whitening are teeth whitening strips. Whitening strips utilize thin strips of plastic that are coated with bleaching agents. The strips are placed on the fronts of the top and bottom teeth for a designated amount of time, or in some cases until they dissolve.

Teeth whitening strips are convenient and easy to use. You can safely whiten your teeth while watching television or doing chores around the house. Because the concentration of bleaching agent is low for whitening strips, people with sensitive teeth and gums usually find them gentle and comfortable to use. People with a strong gag reflex also find teeth whitening strips do not cause problems like whitening trays. Whitening strips are exceptionally safe for nearly anyone to use with the supervision of a dentist.

However, there are several downsides to using teeth whitening strips. Strips only whiten the areas of your teeth that they can touch, so crevices, grooves, and cracks are missed. Also, because the bleaching agents are milder, the results when using whitening strips are not as extreme and take considerably longer than professional whitening. It may take several weeks of using strips to lighten your teeth just one or two shades.

While teeth whitening strips may be a good option for a quick refresh of your smile, for the best results you should talk to your dentist about professional teeth whitening treatments. Whitening by a dental professional can yield fantastic results in as little as one or two office visits, leaving you with a bright, long-lasting smile.

 

Dental office in Newport Beach CA that offers professional teeth whitening