Whitening strips are an effective and safe way to whiten your teeth by several shades. They also provide a convenient option for you to obtain a brighter, whiter smile at home while you go about your daily activities. There are a few cost effective options on the market today from Crest so you can have that whiter smile without breaking the bank.
How Do Teeth Become Stained?
Teeth become stained over time due to many different factors. There are 2 classifications of teeth stains, intrinsic and extrinsic. Extrinsic stains occur to the enamel only and intrinsic stains are a discoloring of the inner layer called the dentin.
Types of Extrinsic Stains
These types of stains involve only the enamel layer of your teeth. They typically cause your teeth to become yellow.
Most people with extrinsic stains start seeing whiter teeth after only 3 days of using teeth whitening strips.
Types of Intrinsic Stains
These types of stains involve the dentin layer of your teeth. Intrinsic stains can be yellow, but they are typically grey or brown.
If you have intrinsic stains, you can discuss with your dentist if there are any teeth whitening options available for you.
Why Does It Matter What Type of Stain I Have?
It’s important to determine the source of what is causing your teeth to be discolored because teeth whitening strips only work on certain stains. You’ll have good results with extrinsic stains because these stains are on the outer layer of your teeth.
However, teeth whitening strips will most likely not work on intrinsic stains because they involve deeper layers of your teeth. Teeth whitening strips can’t penetrate these other layers of your teeth.
How Do Teeth Whitening Strips Work?
Whitening strips are thin strips of plastic that have the whitening agent applied on one side of the film. The amount of whitening agent is applied by the manufacturer. Therefore, you can expect consistent concentrations and consistent results for each strip. The strip also acts as a barrier to keep the whitening agent from being diluted by saliva.
Most whitestrips use hydrogen peroxide for the whitening agent. You can expect different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide depending on the type of white strip you’re using. The hydrogen peroxide works by acting as a reactive agent that breaks down the stain molecules and causes them to separate from your tooth enamel.
Are Teeth Whitening Strips Safe?
Numerous studies have shown that hydrogen peroxide is a safe way to whiten your teeth. When you follow manufacturer’s instructions, teeth whitening strips that use hydrogen peroxide as the whitening agent are a safe and effective way to whiten your teeth. Pain is typically an indicator that something isn’t right.
However, if your teeth are sensitive to hydrogen peroxide then you can feel confident that the pain isn’t a concern. The discomfort is caused by the reaction of hydrogen peroxide on the molecules of your enamel. For most people, any discomfort quickly subsides and is well worth having a noticeably whiter smile.
Who Should Use Teeth Whitening Strips?
Teeth whitening strips produce the greatest results on those who have yellow teeth. It’s less effective for people with brown teeth and probably won’t help at all for those with grey teeth. People use teeth whitening strips for many reasons such as:
Who Shouldn’t Use Teeth Whitening Strips?
Even though teeth whitening strips provide a convenient and affordable alternative to whitening your teeth at the dentist, there are few people who should not use whitestrips. If you fall into any of the following categories, you should discuss with your dentist your teeth whitening options:
How Often Do You Need to Use Whitening Strips?
You should stop using white strips when you achieve your desired shade of white. Most people will achieve this in just one box of white strips. Those with heavily stained teeth may need a few rounds of treatments to reach the level of whiter teeth they are going for.
After you’ve gotten to a shade of white that you’re satisfied with then you only need to do a touch-up whitening once or twice a year.
How to Use Whitening Strips
Whitening strips are convenient and easy to use. They’re one of the most popular at home whitening treatments because of how relatively mess-free they are. Just follow these easy steps when using them:
- Peel film from plastic. The side of the film that’s attached to the plastic is the side you will apply to teeth
- Apply to teeth. Press the center of the strip in the center of your teeth. There are 2 separate films for the top and bottom of your teeth.
- Leave in place for 30-60 minutes, depending on which type of whitening strip you’re using
- Gently remove the strip from your teeth
- Either brush or rinse your mouth with water to remove residual whitening agent
You can take a look at the video below to see more information on how to use and apply these white strips.
What Are the Best Crest Whitestrips?
After going through all of these different whitestrips and their features, you might be wondering which ones are the best. The ones you pick will depend on your needs. If you have sensitive teeth or if you’ve had to stop using whitestrips in the past because of discomfort then go with the Gentle Routine. It’ll take longer for you to see results but at least you won’t have to give up your dream of whiter teeth.
If you have a big mouth or bigger teeth then go with the Supreme Flexfit to ensure you can stretch the strip for better coverage. However, if you have to pick just 1 type of whitestrip then the best choice is the Crest 3D Whitestrips Glamorous White. These are cost effective yet still provide fast results that last a long time.
Crest 3D Whitestrips Glamorous White
Pros:
- Noticeable results after only a couple treatments
- Works quickly
- Strips adhere to your teeth
- You can talk and drink while you whiten
- Most people experience dramatic results
Cons:
- Bottom strip doesn’t fit securely
- Makes your teeth sensitive
- Hard to take apart the strips
14 Treatments
You will get 28 strips in the box, which is enough for 14 treatments at just 30 minutes each treatment. You can expect to see your final results after 14 Days.
Advanced Seal Technology
The Advanced Seal Technology adheres the film to your teeth for a firm fit. This means you can talk and drink while whitening your teeth. This also helps protect the whitening agent from being diluted with saliva or from whitening agent to get into your mouth.
Enamel Safe Whitening Power
These strips use the enamel safe whitening power of hydrogen peroxide with a concentration 9.5% hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide has been proven to be safe for your teeth and gums.
Removes 10 Years of Stains
The concentration of hydrogen peroxide in these strips is able to react with and remove up to 10 years worth of stains on your teeth.
Results Last 6 Months or More
After you complete the treatments, you can expect your results to last about 6 months before you need to do a touchup. It’s easier to maintain your results and you can quickly get back to your desired shade of white with just one or two strips.
Crest 3D White Professional Effects
Pros:
- Safe
- Easy to use
- Stay in place so you can talk and drink while wearing them
- No taste in your mouth
- No mess
- Fast results
Cons:
- Can cause sensitive teeth
- Might cause temporary white spots on teeth
- Can make your teeth hurt
1 Hour Express Whitening Treatments
The box comes with 2 of the 1-hour whitening treatments for those times you need a whiter smile but don’t have the time. You can have noticeably whiter teeth with just 1 treatment of the 1-hour express strips.
20 Treatments
You’ll get 40 Professional Effects strips in the box. This is enough for 20 days of treatments for the top and bottom teeth at just 30 minutes a treatment. You’ll notice a whiter smile after only 3 days but you’ll get to see your final results after 20 days.
Results That Last 12 Months
Most people who use these strips can expect their final shade to last about 1 year. After that year, you can periodically do touch up treatments.
Enamel-Safe Whitening Power
These strips come with a 10% concentration of hydrogen peroxide. This has been proven to be safe for your enamel and your tooth structure.
Removes 14 Years of Stains
These strips will remove up to 14 years worth of stains that have built up on your enamel. Most people will notice a dramatic difference and noticeably whiter teeth.
Crest 3D White Whitestrips Vivid Plus
Pros
- You can see results quickly
- Results last a long time
- Comes with express whitening treatments
- Not messy
- Easy to use
- Adhere to your teeth and stay in place
Cons
- Can cause discomfort for some
- Can cause temporary white spots on teeth
- Hard to get the strips apart
- Can be hard to get them off your teeth
10 Vivid Whitening Treatments
You’ll get 20 strips in the box, which is enough for 10 days worth of treatments. It takes 30 minutes for each treatment. You’ll notice that your teeth are whiter after only 3 days and complete results after 10 days.
2 Express Whitening Treatments
One great feature is that these whitestrips come with 2 days worth of express whitening treatments. These are a convenient option if you want whiter teeth quickly. You can also save these treatments to do a touch up treatment once or twice a year.
Safe for Enamel
These whitestrips use hydrogen peroxide as the whitening agent, which has been proven to be safe for your teeth and gums. These come with a concentration of 9.5 % hydrogen peroxide.
Removes 5 Years of Stains
These are effective at removing 5 years worth of set in stains. This also means that you’ll start seeing results quickly and many see results after only the first day.
Advanced Seal Technology
These come with the Advanced Seal Technology which helps the strips adhere to your teeth. They will stay in place so that you can continue your daily activities while you whiten. This convenient feature makes it so you don’t have to wait around in the bathroom while you wait for your teeth to whiten.
Crest 3D White Whitestrips Gentle Routine
Pros
- Good for those with sensitive teeth
- Effective at whitening teeth
- Doesn’t cause pain or discomfort
- Easy to use
- Stay in place
- You can drink and talk while wearing them
Cons
- Takes time to work
- Strips can be hard to use
- May not be effective enough
14 Treatments
The box comes with 28 strips which is enough for 14 treatments. It’ll take longer to start seeing results as these have a lower concentration of whitening agent. You’ll get your full results after you complete the 14 treatments at just 30 minutes a day.
Gentle Whitening Power
These strips are not as harsh as the other strips because they have less of the hydrogen peroxide that can cause discomfort for many. These provide for a gentle whitening and won’t cause you tooth or gum discomfort.
Safe for Enamel
These use a 6% concentration of hydrogen peroxide as the whitening agent. Hydrogen peroxide is completely safe for your tooth enamel and won’t cause any damage.
Advanced Seal Technology
A popular feature for the whitestrips is the Advanced Seal Technology. This technology helps the film to adhere to your teeth so they stay in place. This means you can go about your usual routine while you whiten your teeth.
Crest 3D White Whitestrips Supreme Flexfit
Pros
- Fit your teeth better
- Strong whitening power
- You can talk and drink while wearing them
- Fast results
- Long lasting results
Cons
- Can cause discomfort
- Can cause gum sensitivity
- Hard to get the strips off your teeth
- Bottom strips might be too small for some
Professional Whitening Power
You can get professional results at home. These strips provide for strong whitening power which means you’ll get fast and dramatic results. Your teeth will be noticeably whiter even after just 1 treatment.
Results Last 18 Months or Longer
Most people who use these strips can expect their results to last up to 18 months. Once you’ve achieved your desired shade of white, all you have to do is 1 or 2 touch up treatments every 18 months.
21 Treatments
The box comes with 42 strips for a total of 21 treatments. Apply once a day for 60 minutes and you’ll see your final results after 21 days.
Flexible Strip
These strips can be stretched 30% more to cover your teeth more effectively. This is a great feature if you find that typical whitening strips don’t cover all of your teeth.
Advanced Seal Technology
One of the most loved features of these strips is the Advanced Seal Technology. This makes it so the film sticks to your teeth for a snug fit. You can drink and talk while you’re using the strips. This also helps prevent saliva from diluting the whitening agent.
Safe for Enamel
These strips come with maximum at-home whitening power with a hydrogen peroxide concentration of 14%. Hydrogen peroxide is a safe way to whiten your teeth and won’t damage your tooth enamel.
How Are All These White Strips Similar?
With all of these features, it might seem a little overwhelming to try to pick out the right whitestrips for your needs. Here are some of the features that all of these strips have in common.
Stay In Place While You Whiten
These all come with Advanced Seal Technology. This makes it so the strips adhere to your teeth for a snug fit. You can talk or even drink while you’re doing your whitening treatments. This is a great feature because treatments won’t interfere with your life as you can just go about your daily routine.
Won’t Damage Your Teeth or Gums
All of these strips use hydrogen peroxide as the whitening agent and in small concentrations. Hydrogen peroxide is safe to use and won’t damage your teeth and gums. Even if you experience some discomfort while using these it’ll go away quickly.
Get A Dramatically Whiter Smile
Hydrogen peroxide works quickly to break up the molecules that are staining your teeth. This reactive power is what makes it so effective at give you whiter teeth. Most people start noticing whiter teeth after just a few treatments and the results last a long time.
How Are These White Strips Different?
These whitestrips also have some differences. Check out this guide to see how they’re different to help you pick out whitestrips.
Some Strips Might Be More Harsh on Gums
These strips all come with different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. The higher the concentration, the more harsh it’ll be on your gums. If you experience discomfort at 1 level of whitening strip, try changing to a lower concentration. This is also why strong whitening treatments are only performed by dentist so that they can take steps to protect your gums.
How Quickly Do You Want Results?
These also have different amounts of treatment times. Typically speaking, the higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide the more quickly you’ll start seeing results. Most people start seeing results within 3 days. If you want 1 day results then make sure you go with something that offers the express treatments.
How Long Do You Have to Whiten Each Day?
Most of these strips you leave in place for 30 minutes each day unless you’re using an express treatment, which requires you leave them in place for 60 minutes. Also, the Supreme Flexfit require that you use them for 60 minutes for each treatment. It’s important to consider how much time you have each day for your treatments.
Do You Want Express Treatments?
The express treatments are a popular feature because they make it so you can get fast results. If something comes up where you need whiter teeth by tomorrow then these strips would be good to have on hand. Another popular reason people like the express strips is that they work well for touch ups.
