Looking through the Hollywood films, probably, each of us repeatedly paid attention to the snow-white smile of the actors and dreamed of getting one himself. The modern world does not stand still, and now, according to the creators of the whitening strips, absolutely everyone and at any time can become the owner of little white teeth.
Plus, as manufacturers say, they are absolutely safe and simply cannot do any harm. But is it all true? Or another PR move to promote a new product to the world market?
It is with this question that we will try to figure it out, finding out at the same time the effectiveness of the whitening strips, and whether it is worth giving the money for them.
What are teeth whitening strips, how do they act
Teeth whitening strips are in the form of plates that are easily bent. On the one hand, their surface is coated with a special gel that brightens the tooth enamel. There is nothing difficult in their use, which is why they are convenient for home use without any additional preparation.
Do not expect instant results from this product. In order for teeth to be lightened, the course must be from 14 to 28 procedures (depending on the manufacturer).
Having completed the full course, you will notice a significant improvement. Whitening strips are perfect for those who have a darkening of the tooth enamel against the background of frequent use of tea, coffee drinks or as a result of smoking.
With their help, you can get rid of various pigmentation on the teeth, which occurs as a result of medication or braces. I would like to draw attention to the fact that the strips intended for teeth whitening, unfortunately, will not help those who have a dark shade from the nature of tooth enamel.
Analyzing the sources, you can see a variety of reviews about this product. Someone helped the strips after a few procedures, and someone greatly increased the sensitivity of the teeth. This phenomenon can be explained by the fact that the gel contains either carbamide or peroxide.
The effect of these substances is almost identical, only carbamide, which is essentially a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and urea, has a mild effect on tooth enamel, but the effect of bleaching is less of it.
How exactly do the stripes whiten your teeth?
When the peroxide is in contact with the tooth enamel, as a result of the action of oxygen, oxidative reactions and the formation of ions begin. Penetrating deep into the enamel, they destroy the pigmentation and lead to lightening of the teeth.
Advantages and disadvantages
Among the main advantages of whitening strips worth noting:
- Sometimes there are quite a few procedures to significantly improve the color of the tooth enamel, which makes the stripes the fastest way;
- Easy to use at home;
- They are easy to use, because during the procedure you can do any business;
- Teeth can become brighter by 4 shades;
- The result is stored for at least 6 months;
- Reasonable price;
- The bleaching process is safe and does not bring any painful sensations.
As they say, there are no perfect things. Here and whitening strips have a number of disadvantages, which should be paid attention to before the procedure:
- There are situations when the strips are not fixed tightly on the teeth. At this time, they may move, and the result of bleaching may become uneven;
- For some time, the teeth may become hypersensitive;
- An allergic reaction may occur;
- If there are any dental diseases, then whitening should be abandoned;
- Pigment spots can be bleached differently.
How to use whitening strips for teeth
Using whitening strips for teeth at home is very easy and simple. You can use them no more than 2 times a day with an interval of 12 hours. This interval gives the opportunity to recover a little enamel. After all, peroxide in any case will have to some extent a negative impact and slightly damage the enamel.
Each strip is designed for single use. After the procedure, it is just worth throwing it away. Before you start applying the whitening strips, pay attention to their length. Those that are longer, apply to the upper row of teeth, and shorter - to the bottom.
On the teeth strip remains from 5 to 30 minutes. It all depends on the chosen company, so it is very important to read the instructions, and then start bleaching. Do not leave them on the teeth longer than indicated by the manufacturer. This will not speed up the bleaching process in any way.
Before you stick a strip to your teeth, wipe them with a dry cloth. After the procedure, at least an hour to refrain from eating, smoking and all kinds of drinks. After removing the strip, brush your teeth with toothpaste and rinse the mouth with lukewarm water.
Experts advise before starting the bleaching a couple of weeks to start taking vitamins to strengthen the teeth. And during the procedures themselves, try to refrain from bright foods that can somehow affect the color of the tooth enamel.
Who should not use them
Despite the fact that the whitening strips have a local effect, there are still situations in which it is desirable to refrain from using them:
- During pregnancy or breastfeeding;
- Children and adolescence;
- Any diseases of the gums and periodontal, including lesions on the enamel;
- Many crowns, fillings, prostheses. Remember that bleaching them is pointless;
- If you are prone to allergic reactions;
- Tendency to diseases such as epilepsy, asthma, arterial hypertension, and so on.
Whitening strips for teeth of popular brands
In today's global market there are many manufacturers of strips for whitening tooth enamel. Sometimes it is difficult not to get lost in this abundance and to make the right choice, which would have had a worthy comparison "price-quality."
Now we will look at the most popular brands and try to figure out which whitening strips should be preferred.
- Crest
Teeth whitening strips of this manufacturer are quite popular in the global market. They are produced in the United States of America, but they managed to get not a bad name far abroad.
The range of brand Crest includes about 10 items. Each of them has a specific course duration and bleaching intensity. Those who decide to whiten tooth enamel for the first time should prefer Crest 3D White Whitestrips Vivid.
The course of using strips is 10 days, and the color of the enamel can become 3 tones lighter. Among the latest developments of the manufacturer is also worth highlighting the stripes Crest 3D White Intensive Professional Effects Whitestrips. The course of application is calculated only for a week, and the teeth brighten by 5 tones;
- Dr. White
The strips of this manufacturer are designed for intensive whitening, but at the same time have a soft and careful effect on the tooth enamel. The manufacturer is the holder of many international certificates that confirm the quality of products. Dr. White has two types of strips, one of them is designed for hyper-sensitive teeth, the second for intensive bleaching;
- Crestal
The manufacturer has created several whitening systems, which are designed for both conventional and sensitive teeth. The composition of the strips includes those components that are carefully related to the tooth enamel, but at the same time intensively whiten it. The strips are easily attached to the teeth, thereby helping to whiten the enamel evenly;
- Bright light
This is one of the most comfortable strips. They are easy to fix on the tooth enamel, which ensures uniform whitening. The Bright Light Professional Effects system is traditional and helps to whiten teeth by 3 tones;
- Blend-a-med
It is also one of the most common manufacturers in the world of whitening strips. Thanks to them, you can get rid of the stains of various subjects, as well as generally lighten the enamel.
The course is designed for 28 days, while a one-time procedure lasts about an hour. The first positive effect should appear after the first week of application.
How much are teeth whitening strips?
You can buy strips for whitening tooth enamel in pharmacies, online stores, or in specialized stores. Their cost varies from 1 thousand to 5-6 thousand rubles and depends entirely on the manufacturer.
The more famous his name, the higher the price of the strips. And most often, in composition and their actions, they practically do not differ with cheaper counterparts. If you decide to whiten your teeth in the first, then the system for a gentle procedure will cost you 2-3 thousand rubles.
Customer Reviews
As they say: "how many people, so many opinions." That is why you can see a variety of reviews about whitening strips.
A friend advised me to buy Crest whitening strips. They have a wide range of goods, and I needed for sensitive teeth. In just a few procedures I managed to reduce the yellowness of enamel, which appeared as a result of constant use of coffee.
Oksana, 33 years old, Tver
I was pleased with the result. Of course, you could go to the dentist, but he has a whitening procedure much more expensive, and rather unpleasant sensations. After the first course, I did myself a second one after 2 years.
Sergey, 47 years old, St. Petersburg
My choice fell on strips Blendamed. Used them twice. Very like. But my husband, unfortunately, was not happy. He says that the result must wait too long.
Marina, 25 years old, Arkhangelsk
So, we have considered the option of teeth whitening using special strips. These are really affordable procedures at home, but it is advisable to consult a dentist before checking out their use and to check your teeth for caries and holes.
About another kind of whitening strips can be found in the following video.
