The Great Teeth Whitening Debate: Trays or Strips? (2024)

FAQs

The Great Teeth Whitening Debate: Trays or Strips? ›

Custom whitening trays, professionally made to fit your teeth, typically offer longer-lasting outcomes compared to over-the-counter whitening strips.

Trays provide more coverage than some teeth whitening strips. May contain a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide and other chemicals for near-immediate results. Permanently remove light and tough stains. Many kits come with enough gel for multiple, separate treatments, which saves on costs.

Ultimately, it depends on your goals and budget. If you're looking for fast results with precision whitening, a tooth whitening pen might be the way to go. However, if you want an easy-to-use solution that won't break the bank and still offers decent results, then teeth whitening strips may be a better choice for you.

Crest 3D Glamorous Whitestrips is approved by the American Dental Association, and are considered safe when used occasionally and in moderation. If used incorrectly or too frequently, this product may cause damage to your gums and teeth.

If you're looking for long-lasting results, Bianca Velayo, DMD of Green Valley Smiles Dentistry, recommends looking for peroxide-based products if you're hoping to whiten tooth enamel. You can opt for either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide as both will reverse internal and external stains on teeth, she notes.

The strips can cause side effects, such as tooth sensitivity and gum irritation. However, sensitivity is less likely to occur with at-home bleaching than it is with in-office procedures. As whitening strips use bleaching agents to achieve their effects, the overuse of these products can damage the teeth .

Results: Both methods can provide noticeable whitening results, but GLO teeth whitening is generally considered to be faster and more effective than traditional whitening strips.

Brushing before applying Whitestrips can help remove surface stains and improve product adherence. Yet, it's equally essential to follow up with a gentle post-treatment brushing to eliminate residual gel and maintain oral hygiene.

Blue light itself cannot whiten the teeth. Instead, blue light is used to activate a chemical reaction. You'll apply a specialized whitening gel to the patient's teeth containing either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. The blue light activates the compounds in the gel and helps break it apart faster.

Why do my teeth look more yellow after whitening strips? ›

Teeth can become temporarily dehydrated after using whitening strips. Your teeth may appear more yellow as a result of this dehydration because the enamel may become dry and lack moisture. Dehydrated enamel sometimes has a transparent appearance that makes the naturally yellowish dentin underneath visible.

The majority of whitening strips are safe to use; however, if you use whitening strips that contain chlorine dioxide, you could destroy the enamel on your teeth.

If you've never used a home whitening kit before, Dr. Cho recommends starting off with one that has a low hydrogen or carbamide peroxide solution, such as 5% or 10%. “This will give you an idea as to whether or not your teeth are sensitive to the bleach and if so, just how sensitive they become to it,” she says.

Here are a few to consider: Baking Soda: As long as you are careful to brush gently, baking soda can eliminate stains from the surface of your teeth without damaging them. Whitening Strips: Whitening strips mold to the shape of your teeth to whiten them. Whitening strips are both safe and effective.

What Can Be Done to Whiten Yellow Teeth? If you're looking for a radical change in the coloring of your teeth, you need professional-grade whitening to get the job done. Your cosmetic dentist can provide treatment that penetrates deep into the enamel and removes years of stains with a powerful bleaching agent.

You can wear the mold during the day, but you can't eat or drink anything while wearing it. Overall, the gel is a better option if you're looking for long-term results. It may not be as convenient or inexpensive as the whitening strips but it will brighten your smile.

Take-home teeth whitening kits do not work as fast as the products used for in-office treatments, but they are just as effective in the long-run. The process usually takes a bit longer when using take-home trays, as most patients can see results after one in-office session.

Though some lights can add a temporary boost that fades within a day or so, none ultimately make your teeth whiter than trays of bleach or whitening strips alone. Nor can they shorten the amount of time you have to spend with a mouth full of whitening chemicals to achieve your desired tooth shade.

At home teeth whitening kits may offer convenience and affordability. However, their results often fall short of delivering desired outcomes when compared to professional treatments. Teeth whitening with a dentist remains the gold standard when it comes to creating brighter smiles under expert care and supervision.