Do Teeth Whitening Strips Work?

Teeth whitening strips can brighten your teeth by a shade or two. You may notice improvement within a few days after beginning treatment. Over-the-counter whitening products are most appropriate for mild discoloration.

If you browse your local pharmacy, you’ll find numerous items promising to whiten teeth. Home teeth whitening options first appeared in the , and now they’re widely available.

But do whitening strips and other at-home whiteners really deliver?

The short response is yes. Whitening strips can make your teeth lighter by a shade or two and may take effect in just a few days.

That said, over-the-counter solutions typically aren’t as powerful as in-office dental bleaching. They also carry potential side effects such as increased tooth sensitivity and irritation of the gums.

Keep reading to understand how whitening strips work and which products tend to be most effective.

Yes, whitening strips can brighten teeth

Whitening strips can lighten teeth by using hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to bleach stains. Carbamide peroxide decomposes into hydrogen peroxide upon contact with water.

Peroxides in the strips penetrate the enamel — the outer protective layer of the tooth — and reach the underlying dentin, where they act on chromogens. Chromogens are colored molecules inside and on the surface of teeth that contribute to staining.

Stains are generally classified as extrinsic or intrinsic.

Extrinsic staining

Extrinsic stains affect the outer surface of the tooth and are mainly caused by environmental influences such as:

• smoking

Intrinsic staining

Intrinsic stains occur within the tooth. Common causes include:

Whitening strips address both extrinsic and intrinsic stains

Whitening strips can target both kinds of stains. Discoloration from aging, heredity, smoking, or coffee typically responds to bleaching. Yellowing that comes with age often improves as well.

Whitening strips are often best for making small adjustments to tooth shade.

For more dramatic whitening, consider professional treatment from a dentist. A dental professional can use stronger bleaching agents and provide a customized plan suited to your needs.

When it comes to effectiveness, ingredients matter

Most at-home whitening strips use hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to lift stains. Some strips, particularly those available at certain , may contain chlorine dioxide.

Chlorine dioxide is sometimes promoted as a safer, more effective substitute, but its safety is contested. It can potentially degrade enamel and make teeth more likely to re-stain and become highly sensitive.

Below are some whitening strips we suggest that use hydrogen peroxide as the active ingredient. (You can buy them online by following the links.)

• Crest 3D Whitestrips Glamorous White
• Crest 3D Whitestrips Gentle Whitening Kit
• Fairywill Teeth Whitening Strips for Sensitive Teeth

How long until you see results?

There’s a wide range of whitening strips on the market, and directions differ by brand.

Typically, users apply whitening strips daily. They’re commonly worn for about 30 minutes per session.

Lightening can be noticeable in as little as several days, and many strips can make teeth a shade or two whiter. Some formulations require only a single daily application while still delivering similar outcomes.

Risks and precautions to consider

Whitening strips are associated with temporary increases in tooth sensitivity and potential gum irritation. In most cases, these effects are mild.

Sensitivity often begins during treatment and can persist for a few days. Gum irritation may start within a day of use and typically resolves in several days as well.

The likelihood of these adverse effects rises with higher peroxide concentrations and longer application times.

Using strong hydrogen peroxide solutions may harm the structural integrity of teeth and make them more vulnerable to demineralization — the loss of calcium and other minerals.

have documented enamel structural damage after applying 35 percent carbamide peroxide.

Also note that whitening does not change the color of dental restorations such as fillings, crowns, bridges, or implants. Only natural tooth structure responds to bleaching.

Tips for maintaining white teeth

Good oral hygiene and limiting intake of certain staining foods and drinks can help prevent discoloration and preserve your tooth health.

Here are a few practical steps to help keep teeth looking brighter.

Takeaway

Whitening strips can potentially lighten teeth by a shade or two, and you may see effects within several days of starting treatment.

Over-the-counter whitening products are most useful for minor touch-ups. If you have substantial staining, consider visiting your dentist for professional whitening.

Before trying any whitening product, consult your dentist and verify whether the product carries the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance.