Whitening Strips or Gel: Which One is Right for Your Teeth? - The Dental Care Center (2024)

Whitening Strips or Gel: Which One is Right for Your Teeth?
Sep 23, 2020

Whitening Strips or Gel: Which One is Right for Your Teeth? - The Dental Care Center (1)

Have you thought about whitening your teeth with an at-home remedy? If you have looked into it, then you know there are many different variations of teeth whiteners, the most popular being strips and gels. These options vary in cost and quality, but most of them will whiten your teeth at least somewhat. If you’re unsure which option to go with, ask us during your next visit. For now, we hope this comparison will help you decide which whitener is right for you.

Whitening Strips

Whitening strips are easy to use and can be found at all major drug, grocery, and convenience stores. Just apply the strip to your upper or lower set of teeth and let it sit for as much time as directed. Read your teeth whitening instructions for the best results. The daily usage and amount of time applied will differ with the strength of the product. We recommend removing the strip after 45 minutes, maximum, and waiting a day or two before applying another. They contain powerful whitening agents such as hydrogen peroxide so you don’t want to overdo it.

The downside: You may be using the strips too often if you experience an increase in tooth sensitivity. The sensitivity will most likely be experienced when drinking a hot or cold beverage. If you are noticing these symptoms, consult with us before using your strips again. We will let you know how often you should be using them or if they aren’t right for you.

Overall, the strips are an easy option when whitening your teeth. They are affordable, convenient, and they don’t hinder you from going out and getting things done. However, they offer more of a quick fix, rather than long-term results and won’t give you the same level of whitening a professional gel offers.

Whitening Gels

There are over-the-counter gels and pastes, but we recommend using a whitening agent supplied by your Dental Care Center office. We will give you a professional whitening gel and a custom made mold of your mouth to help you get that bright smile you desire. First, apply the gel to the inside of the mold, and then put it over your teeth. Some gels can be worn for hours at a time and some can be worn overnight; we will send you home with detailed instructions. The custom mold provides for a comfortable, quality whiten and gives your teeth longer-lasting results.

The downside: If you have trouble sleeping with the mold in your mouth, you may not get the results you’re looking for. 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.

If you have any other questions about using whitening agents at your home, please ask us during your next visit or contact us to learn more about our cosmetic dentistry services.

Whitening Strips or Gel: Which One is Right for Your Teeth? - The Dental Care Center (2024)

FAQs

Whitening Strips or Gel: Which One is Right for Your Teeth? - The Dental Care Center? ›

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.

Are strips or gel better for teeth whitening? ›

Whitening Gel Lets You Whiten as Many Teeth as You Want

Whatever the reason is, you'll want to create a custom whitening treatment for your teeth. With whitening strips, you have a pre-cut tape that isn't customizable and will cover all of your teeth evenly - and therefore, whitens them all the same.

Do dentists approve whitening strips? ›

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.

What do dentists recommend to whiten teeth? ›

Carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide are commonly used in whitening interventions and can readily permeate dental hard tissues.

Is dentist teeth whitening better than strips? ›

It's a common misconception that teeth whitening strips provide the same level of whitening as visiting a dentist to have your teeth professionally whitened, at a lower price point. Unfortunately, this isn't the case, and this is because of how each of the teeth whitening methods works and the ingredients they use.

What is the most effective teeth whitening method? ›

Option #1: In-Office Laser Whitening

This is one of the popular teeth whitening methods that some people believe is the most effective way to get a brighter smile. Using lasers and peroxide-based whitening agents in a professional setting, this teeth whitening method provides dramatic, lasting results.

What is the best teeth whitening product that actually works? ›

Known as the No. 1 dentist-recommended at-home teeth-whitening product, you can't go wrong with Crest 3D Whitestrips. They're formulated with the same hydrogen-peroxide whitening ingredient that dentists use, which will help enhance your smile after a recommended ten days of use.

Do dentists recommend Crest White Strips? ›

Yes. Crest 3D White Whitestrips contains hydrogen peroxide, the same enamel-safe ingredient dentists use for tooth whitening. Extensive testing has shown the product to be safe when used as directed.

What do dentist say about whitening strips? ›

Although strips are safe to use in moderation, overdoing it can cause sensitivity and even permanent damage to your teeth. If the layer of enamel is eroded through excessive application of whitening agent, you will not only suffer pains, but risk decay and other problems which in the worst case could end in tooth loss.

When should you not use teeth whitening strips? ›

You have existing oral health issues like cavities, worn enamel, periodontal disease, or exposed roots. You wear braces. You have crowns, fillings, or other dental restorations that will not be whitened by a home kit. You're allergic to peroxide or any of the other ingredients in whitening strips.

What is the least damaging way to whiten your teeth? ›

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.

Can yellow teeth become white again? ›

Fortunately, there are ways of making your yellow teeth white, from improving your oral hygiene and diet to visiting the dentist and having them professionally whitened. There's no need to feel ashamed of your smile anymore.

How to permanently whiten teeth? ›

One of the most effective ways to whiten teeth permanently is through professional teeth whitening procedures performed by a dentist. These treatments use potent bleaching agents that penetrate deep into the enamel, breaking down stains and discoloration.

What are the best teeth whitening strips that don t damage enamel? ›

  1. 5 Teeth Whitening Products Designed for Sensitive Teeth.
  2. Crest 3D White Whitestrips Gentle Routine Teeth Whitening Kit. ...
  3. Sensodyne Extra Whitening Toothpaste. ...
  4. Oral Essentials Lumineux Whitening Kit. ...
  5. TrueWhite Teeth Whitening Pen. ...
  6. In-Office Professional Whitening Treatments. ...
  7. 115 Broadstreet Rd Suite C,

What are the best whitening strips that don t damage your teeth? ›

The Crest Whitestrips for Sensitive Teeth work like the other strips in Crest's lineup: just wear them once a day for 30 minutes, and you should see full results in about two weeks—all without tooth pain. Plus, these strips use Crest's AdvancedSeal tech for a non-slip grip on teeth during whitening.

What is the best over-the-counter teeth whitening strips? ›

There's no doubt that Crest Whitestrips are one of the most recognizable over-the-counter teeth whitening systems available. It seems almost as if they've been around forever — and professionals still love 'em. “Over the counter, I recommend Crest 3D White Whitestrips,” Dr. Hadaegh says.

What is the disadvantage of whitening strips? ›

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 .

Are whitening strips the best way to whiten teeth? ›

These strips can remove surface stains in as little as two weeks. However, if tooth staining is inside the tooth, whitening strips won't help brighten your smile. This is why you should always consult your dentist in Cary prior to whitening your teeth so you're sure to get the results you want.

Are whitening strips more effective? ›

Although professional-level teeth whitening treatment may be more effective in achieving white teeth in some cases, teeth whitening strips are often just as effective at removing surface stains or discoloration caused by foods and drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, or tobacco.

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