Teeth whitening products, including whitening strips, have been known to effectively remove most internal staining on teeth. As there are so many available options on the market, it is crucial to understand how to use these strips effectively, what results to expect, and which products stand out.

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Understanding Types of Tooth Stains

Getting the best results from teeth whitening strips starts with understanding the types of stains that can affect your teeth. Stains are generally classified into two main types: external and internal. 

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External stains 

External stains are surface-level stains. They may be caused by consuming color-rich food and beverages like black tea, coffee, and berries. These surface stains can get caught in the tiny crevices of the teeth, causing discoloration. Generally, external stains are easier to remove than internal stains as they only remain on the tooth’s surface and do not soak into the tooth structure beneath.

However, some external stains, especially those that develop during tooth formation or due to poor oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment, can be irreversible. 

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Internal stains 

Internal stains also come from color pigments found in food and beverages and from habits like smoking. They penetrate more deeply into the teeth and cause a yellowish color. These stains require more than just surface cleaning to remove. Typically, professional whitening systems using peroxides are the best way to address these stains.

Whitening strips are designed to target both types of stains, but they are particularly effective for internal staining. Below, we discuss how effective they can be and what side effects to look out for when using them. 

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When to Use Whitening Strips

Whitening strips are a great at-home solution to brighten your smile without the need for a dentist visit. While professionally-fitted bleaching trays and gel syringes are often recommended for consistent results, whitening strips can be a good starting point for those new to teeth whitening. 

As always, please consult your dentist to address any underlying dental issues before starting any teeth whitening regimen.

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Effectiveness and Side Effects of Whitening Strips

Whitening strips can work, especially for those who haven’t whitened their teeth in the past. The whitening power of these strips lies in their active ingredients—hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide—which work to break down stains in between the crystalline structure of your teeth.

However, it’s worth noting that while whitening strips can yield great results, they may cause mild side effects from the peroxide gels, such as temporary tooth sensitivity and/or gum irritation. These side effects can be minimized by using the strips less frequently and following the recommended usage time specified on the packaging (i.e., not leaving the strips on the teeth longer than instructed).

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The Best Whitening Strips Product 

Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects with 10% hydrogen peroxide as the active ingredient is one of the better whitening strips available in the market. It has many positive reviews on Amazon and other eCommerce sites as well. While they don’t adhere as well to the teeth as professionally fit trays, they are a solid introduction to at-home teeth whitening.

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CONTACT US

To find the right teeth whitening solution for your unique needs, schedule a personalized consultation with Orem Orthodontics. Our team will help you achieve your best smile while managing any potential side effects. Contact us today to get started!