Teeth Whitening Strips: How to Get a Brighter Smile at Home
Have you ever wondered whether teeth whitening strips actually work? Teeth whitening strips are another popular option for achieving that pearly white smile without spending half your day in the dentist office. But you want to know, do they really deliver? I wanted to share my experience on these, as well as learn how they work to decide if they are the right thing for you. Spoiler: Wait, not everything is awesome but it is worth a try!
The Basics: What Are Teeth Whitening Strips and How Do They Work?
Teeth whitening strips are the thin strips of plastic coated with a whitening agent. The gel typically contains hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide photodegradation, which is useful in terms of whitening your teeth. But how have they actually worked?
The strips contain gel that works through the enamel to the stained areas when you place them on your teeth. The strips are typically left on for 20 to 30 minutes. I include myself: The first times I used them, I was glued to the clock, worried that my teeth would glow in the dark! Fortunately, the results sounded a lot more organic than that.
Do Teeth Whitening Strips Really Work?
In a nutshell, yes, whitening strips do indeed work —but results vary from person to person. If you are looking for like super white teeth that you would get out of a dentist, you may be disappointed. Based on personal experience, after two weeks of wearing Crest teeth whitening strips, my teeth were approximately two tones brighter. It did take a while to see the results, but I saw steady improvements. The important part is to use them repeatedly. I promise, as long as you stick with it, it will yield actually quite nice results.
Lumineux, Snow, Crest, Burst, Zimba: Which Brand Is Best?
You have plenty of brands to choose from—Lumineux teeth whitening strips, Snow teeth whitening strips, Crest teeth whitening strips, Burst teeth whitening strips, Zimba teeth whitening strips—but which is right for you? I tried a couple of them, and this is what I discovered:
Crest Whitening Strips — A staple for almost everyone (myself included). They do the job and have been around for a few years. After 14 days of using it, I noticed roughly a 2-shade difference.
Lumineux Whitening Strips: If you prefer natural, Lumineux is a strong choice. They are better for sensitive teeth as they do not use peroxide. They were less but sweeter to me.
Snow Whitening Strips: These are very effective yet pricier. I didn’t find the biggest difference from Crest but they were more comfortable.
Burst Whitening Strips: These have not been my favorite, there was no real improvement and the strips just never fully adhered to my teeth.
Zimba Whitening Strips: I enjoyed the flavors with these, which made them more fun. Results were fine, but not as effective as Crest.
How to Use Teeth Whitening Strips for the Best Results
Applying teeth whitening strips correctly is crucial if you want decent results. Follow these simple & easy steps to follow:
– Use Strips with Clean Teeth: Brush your teeth before using the strips, but make sure it’s not with a fluoride toothpaste immediately prior, since that can inhibit the whitening.
– Define: Place the strip on your teeth and press to ensure it adheres firmly. Bend the rest behind your teeth.
– Stay On It: Keep the strips on for the amount of time indicated on the package—typically between 20–30 minutes.
– DO NOT EAT OR DRINK: Do not eat nor drink anything while the strips are on, that might weaken them, actually.
– Reapply As Necessary: Most products list daily use for 10 to 14 days.
Honestly, consistency is the key here which I really followed. It’s more challenging to see good results if you miss days.
Are Teeth Whitening Strips Safe?
Q: Are teeth whitening strips safe to use? That was one of the major questions about them I had before using them. Pretty much, they are, as long as you use them as directed. Although, they can make the teeth sensitive. My teeth had some slight discomfort after using Crest whitening strips, but nothing too crazy. I would recommend Lumineux teeth whitening strips if you have extremely sensitive teeth because they are made with natural ingredients.
Why Do My Teeth Hurt After Whitening Strips?
Why do whitening strips cause pain in my teeth? If your teeth hurt, the issue is likely from the gel peroxide penetrating the enamel and irritating the nerves. But my teeth hurt after three days straight. All of this led to me using the strips every other day instead. Many have also said they use a sensitive teeth toothpaste afterward to ease the pain.
Teeth whitening strips do not need to be applied every day. They should only be used once or twice per week on your teeth, but if you are using a different product, be sure to check the instructions in terms of usage and know how often they can be used!
How Often Should You Use Teeth Whitening Strips?
It varies by brand and how responsive your teeth are. All brands recommend using them one time per day for a period of two weeks. They would recommend using them every other day for the best results, I had better luck using them every other day as my under eyes felt sensitive but the results were definitely still there! Using them in excess damages your enamel, so after doing a full set, you need to wait a couple of months before using again.
Do Teeth Whitening Strips Expire?
Answer — Yes, teeth whitening strips can expire. Expired strips may not be effective if at all and may also irritate. Always verify the “Best Before date” on the carton. I only tried a strip once when they were years past expiration and all that happened was my teeth were uncomfortable.
Before and After: What to Expect
Photos of teeth whitening strips before and after is enough to make you want to try it. It took about a week, but I saw a difference. My teeth were shinier and of a more uniform color. I loved that they did not go like mega white, but just brighter looking naturally.
Are Teeth Whitening Strips Bad for Your Teeth?
The health of your teeth may indeed be jeopardized by teeth whitening strips. Yes, my friend; if used too liberally. If you use them too much, you’ll start to erode your enamel, which can lead to sensitivity and even harm. This is why you have to stick to the directions and not go overboard. I have never had permanent issues but I am very careful not to repeat it too often.
Natural Teeth Whitening Strips: Do They Work?
In case you like to have natural issues, then there are natural tooth whitening strips. They usually just use ingredients such as coconut oil, baking soda, or charcoal. I used Lumineux teeth whitening strips, which are made with coconut oil rather than peroxide. They were gentler, but also not as effective as the standard strips. However, if your teeth are more sensitive, they are worth a shot.
Why Choose Teeth Whitening Strips Over Other Methods?
You may ask why you should use teeth whitening strips instead of home professional whitening or whitening toothpaste. It was mostly just a matter of price and convenience for me. At-home whitening does a great job but it can cost a lot. I was not satisfied with the appearance of my teeth as per the whitening toothpaste. Somewhere in-between, teeth whitening strips (which I was in no way, shape, or form an adult enough human to handle) offered a decent compromise — affordable, easy to use, functioning well enough for my purposes.
My Honest Opinion on Teeth Whitening Strips
I have tried the most expensive and they really give you a clean feel, but ultimately teeth whitening strips did work for me yes. They are a good choice if you want a lighter smile without a tremendous cost. Make sure you stick to the protocols and stick with them or else you will have issues like sensitivity. If you are like me in that you don’t mind spending a little time, you will probably find it very worth it. And peeling off the strips is always fun watching your teeth get whiter!
Conclusion: Should You Try Teeth Whitening Strips?
Thus, the question remains—are teeth whitening strips really worth it? I guess so—as long as you have realistic expectations. They will not make your teeth several shades whiter instantly, but they will help brighten them. Lumineux teeth whitening strips are a gentler place to start if you are unsure of your sensitivity. Keep in mind a nice bright smile is great; however, preserving your teeth is the most important. Whiten your smile properly, and before you know it you will be flashing a whiter smile!
Have you ever used teeth whitening strips and how did they go for you? Is there a brand that suits you really well? Feel free to let me know—I would love to know your opinion!