How long to keep whitening strips on?
By
Dr Shivam Jha
This blogpost will answer the question : How long to keep whitening strips on?
And will also include the following topics:Why stains develop and prevention
How to use whitening strips
Should you brush your teeth after using whitening strips?
How do whitening strips work on your teeth?
Side effects of whitening strips
6 Tips When Using Teeth Whitening Strips
Alternatives to whitening strips
How long to keep whitening strips on?
The length of time you should leave whitening strips on your teeth is determined by the concentration and kind of gel used in that particular line of product. It makes no difference which whitening brand you use. It is critical that you follow the directions for the individual product. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for each kind of whitening strip you use.
Depending on the concentration the time could vary from 10 mins to 30 mins.
Why stains develop and prevention
There are various reasons why teeth may stain over time. These include:
a high consumption of specific foods and beverages, such as coffee, red wine, and tea
tobacco products consumption
medicines, such as allergy and blood pressure meds
age-related or trauma-related wear and tear
People might try to avoid tooth staining by restricting their intake of foods and beverages that are known to discolour teeth. They can also make an effort to quit smoking or chewing tobacco, if relevant. If drugs are the source of the problem, a doctor may be able to suggest alternatives if they are available.
How to use whitening strips
Before using whitening strips, people should read all of the information on the product’s box and instructions carefully.
The strips, on the other hand, are usually applied directly to the teeth. Manufacturers may advise against cleaning your teeth right before you put the strips on. After that, a person will leave the strips on their teeth for the specified amount of time. This time varies per product, but most people keep the strips on for roughly 30 minutes. Known for its reliability.
The appropriate frequency of usage for whitening strips may also be recommended by the manufacturer. Applying whitening strips twice a day for two weeks is a common tip.
These directions, however, may differ based on the product. As a result, one should always stick to the instructions on the box and never wear the strips for longer than the manufacturer recommends.
Should you brush your teeth after using whitening strips?
Brushing and flossing your teeth after using whitening strips is safe. It will not lessen the treatment’s whitening benefits. Manufacturers recommend that you do so carefully. This will keep your gums from becoming irritated and inflamed.
You might also use a soft-bristled brush. A hard-bristled brush may be excessively abrasive, increasing your chances of gum inflammation.
How do whitening strips work on your teeth?
Whitening strips often use peroxide to whiten your teeth. Bleach is a form of peroxide. Although most strips include hydrogen peroxide, other manufacturers may utilise carbamide peroxide instead.
The strips are composed of plastic and have a thin coating of peroxide gel on them. When you apply the strips to your teeth, the bleach breaks down the stains. This decreases the concentration of stains, making your teeth seem whiter.
Depending on the product, you’ll most likely need to wear the strips for 30 minutes once or twice a day. You may also need to repeat the treatment for 14 days.
How to keep teeth stain-free
Coffee, red wine, tea, and fruit juice are all tooth-staining foods.
Limit your intake of acidic meals and beverages.
When drinking tooth-staining liquids, use a straw.
Smoking cigarettes and other tobacco products should be avoided.
Brush and floss your teeth twice a day.
Brush your teeth soon after having stain-causing foods.
To neutralise acidity, chew sugarless gum.
You should see your dentist twice a year for a thorough cleaning.
Side effects of whitening strips
Although teeth whitening strips are easy, the substances might be damaging to your teeth and gums.
The degree of the side effects is determined by numerous factors, including:
concentration of peroxide bleach
other ingredients in the product
how long you use the whitening strips
your history of tooth sensitivity
It’s important to follow the instructions on the packaging and avoid wearing the strips longer than recommended.
This will help you avoid side effects, such as:
Tooth sensitivity
Whitening strips include bleaching ingredients that might make your teeth more sensitive. This happens when peroxide penetrates your enamel and reaches your dentin.
Dentin is the delicate layer of tissue that lies beneath the enamel. It is made up of tubules that connect with the nerves in the tooth. Peroxide can irritate nerves and induce tooth sensitivity if it reaches the dentin.
Having sensitive teeth involves pain and discomfort caused by various triggers, including:
acidic foods and drinks
hot or cold liquids
cold air
brushing
flossing
Tooth sensitivity caused by whitening strips might last for a few days. It is, however, always only temporary. If you experience this side effect, stop using the strips for a while before resuming use.
Gum irritation
The peroxide in whitening strips may irritate your gums as well. This is common if you use the strips over an extended period of time or use them incorrectly.
Gum inflammation, like tooth sensitivity, can persist a few days but is also transitory.
Tooth damage
Whitening strips might cause tooth damage in exceptional cases. The peroxide may cause demineralization and erosion by destroying the layers of your teeth.
This is especially possible if you use whitening strips repeatedly. Again, it is preferable to avoid wearing whitening strips for a long period of time.
6 Tips When Using Teeth Whitening Strips
Brush Your Teeth Prior to Application
Before using the whitening strips, clean your teeth with a damp toothbrush. Although toothpaste can be used before teeth whitening strips are applied, it is not required. If you use a fluoride-containing toothpaste before applying the whitening strips, the whitening ingredient will be rendered ineffective.The whitening agent is vital for improving the appearance of your teeth. After brushing your teeth, make sure to rinse your mouth with water. Brushing and rinsing help open pores in the teeth, which must be accessible for whitening to occur.
Avoid Uneven Whitening
Teeth whitening strips must be applied precisely to the teeth. It is crucial to remember, however, that teeth are difficult to completely cover using two-dimensional teeth whitening strips. There will always be teeth that are not completely covered, no matter how cautious you are while putting these strips. The teeth that aren’t covered will be less white than the rest of the mouth. As a result, take your time when filling out the application. Take your time and make sure you cover all of your teeth to provide a uniform whitening result.
Use Teeth Whitening Strips in Moderation
In moderation, these strips are quite safe to use. Overdoing it, on the other hand, will make your teeth sensitive. If the strips are used at a high enough frequency, they may cause long-term harm. Overexposure to the whitening chemical may cause the strips to dissolve the protective enamel layer. It’s possible that tooth loss will be the eventual outcome.
Avoid Contact With the Gums
Although the bleaching ingredient in teeth whitening strips is not as strong as that used by dentists, it still has the potential to harm the gums’ sensitive tissue. It is critical that the whitening strip does not come into touch with the gums. If required, trim the strips with scissors to match the contour of your teeth on an aesthetic level.
Do Not Consume Dark Food or Beverages After Whitening
Allow your teeth to seal their pores once the teeth whitening strips have been placed. These pores will stay open for a few hours after the strips are placed, making the teeth more susceptible to stain if they come into contact with dark-colored foods and beverages. Dark-colored foods and beverages, such as chocolate, coffee, soda, berries, and wine, should be saved for later in the day or evening.
Alternatives to whitening strips
There are two categories of dental whitening products: those available through a dentist and those for sale OTC.
Aside from whitening strips, other products available OTC include:
whitening toothpaste
whitening mouthwash
whitening gels
whitening trays
whitening powder
A person’s dentist can also provide whitening goods or services. Dentist-recommended whitening products are generally stronger. The following are some of the alternatives offered directly from dentists:
custom dental trays with bleaching gels, for either at-home or in-office application
light-activated bleaching, which is an in-office procedure
power bleaching
Some people prefer to use natural products to remove stains, but most reports of effectiveness are anecdotal at best. However, evidence does suggest that baking soda can help whiten teeth.
Similar to the hazards of carbamide and hydrogen peroxide, it’s crucial to exercise caution while using items that others frequently recommend, such as fruit juices, vinegar, or scrubs. These, on the other hand, may cause tooth injury or worsen discoloration.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How long should you leave whitening strips on?
The concentration of whitening strips depends on how long it should be left on. It can vary from 10-30mins.
Do whitening strips work better if you leave them on longer?
No, whitening strips should not be left on for longer durations . It can lead to teeth and gum sensitivity.
Do I brush my teeth after whitening strips?
Yes, you can brush your teeth after whitening strips. Brushing and flossing your teeth after using whitening strips is safe. It will not lessen the treatment’s whitening benefits
How long will my gums stay white after teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening can make gum sensitive which makes them appear white. However, this condition is temporary and goes away within a few days.
Do teeth go back to yellow after whitening?
Teeth whitening does not change the natural appearance of the teeth and hence your teeth may eventually go back to their normal colour.
Other FAQs about Whitening Strips that you may be interested in.
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What To Do After Whitening Strips?
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