Teeth whitening strips are taking the world by storm — and that, too, in hopes of brightening your smile. But do whitening strips even work? Are they worth the hype, or do they just damage your teeth? Like everything that goes viral, there are good sides to the product, and then there are bad. To learn more about teeth whitening and how you can achieve a picture-perfect smile, keep reading this blog.
Do Whitening Strips Really Work?
As gimmicky as they sound, teeth whitening strips actually do work. They bleach the surface of your teeth, making them shine brighter than before. However, the bleach in the strips isn’t exactly good for your oral health.
Usually, whitening strips come with a coating of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Even though their names are different, they both work in a similar fashion by lifting the stains from the enamel.
In order for them to work, you’re supposed to stick the adhesive strips to your teeth. This way, when the peroxide mixture touches your enamel, it can oxidize and bleach the surface, making your pearly whites look considerably whiter.
How Long Does It Take For Whitening Strips To Work?
Despite the dazzling outcome, whitening strips sadly do not offer instant results. You have to consistently use the strips to see the difference. That, too, can take a few days or weeks to work.
If you want to get the most out of drugstore whitening strips, apply them to your teeth for around half an hour. Keep up with the application on a regular basis, and voila! In a few days, the results will slowly start to show.
Professional Teeth Whitening Vs. Whitening Strips
There are many reasons why people prefer buying over-the-counter whitening strips, one of which is convenience. But if you would rather opt for efficiency than short-term convenience, professional teeth whitening might be more up your alley.
Having a dentist whiten your teeth is unbeatable. Not only do they use top-quality materials, but they can manage to lift up to three layers of stains, whereas whitening strips only lift one layer.
There is also the safety factor since dentists rely on proper tools to help facilitate the treatment. For instance, rather than just applying the peroxide mixture to your teeth, they prepare your mouth by using a protective layer of gel on the gums. This prevents them from getting damaged by the harsh bleach.
Moreover, if you’re prone to teeth sensitivity, your dentist might also use a desensitizer to avoid weakening your teeth further. Thus, when it comes to comparing a box of whitening strips to professional treatment, hands down, professional teeth whitening wins every time.
Get Your Teeth Professionally Whitened Today!
All in all, whitening strips do work, but they can damage the enamel of your teeth in the process. Nevertheless, if you want to get safe and long-lasting results, why not go for professional teeth whitening instead? With a qualified dentist handling the procedure, your smile is going to be in good hands.
To schedule an appointment, contact AK Dental today at (512) 653-3008. You can also visit us at 7010 State Hwy 71, Austin, TX 78735, United States.