Which tooth whitening strips are better? Principle of action and reviews

Teeth whitening strips are among the most gentle methods for home use. Moreover, they are quite effective, and the result remains for a long time - from 6 to 12 months. A large selection of options for people with different conditions of teeth becomes an additional plus in their favor.

Features and principle of operation

The tool is very convenient to use. It is a strip of perforated polyethylene, on one side of which an active gel is applied. Unlike a whitening pencil, the concentration of active substances in the gel is minimal. As the bleaching compositions are used all the same peroxides of hydrogen and urea. A clear dosage of the composition, which is determined by the manufacturer, is also important. If the same pencil allows you to apply the gel more or less at the discretion, then with strips this will not work.

Operating principle

1. Before use, open the strip. The active substance begins to interact with oxygen.
2. Strips are applied to the upper and lower teeth, moreover, their purpose can be distinguished visually, by size.
3. Keep on their teeth should be as much as indicated by the manufacturer. These requirements are different in the lines of even one brand. For example, different types of Crest Whitestrips 3D White and Teeth Whitening Strips for teeth must be kept for 5 to 30 minutes.
4. At this time, the gel, which has reacted with oxygen, begins to actively oxidize on the surface of the enamel. It acts not only on its external part, but also penetrates the mineral matrix of the tooth, which is why it can eliminate even aged pigment spots. The teeth are clarified by converting these pigments into organic compounds of water and carbon dioxide.
5. After the end of the procedure, the polyethylene should be removed, and the teeth or brushed with a soft toothbrush, or rinse (as indicated by the manufacturer). The frequency of use also depends on the recommendations. Usually it is 2 times a day.

Advantages, disadvantages, contraindications

Convenience and the ability to do everyday activities have become important reasons for the popularity of tooth whitening strips, reviews also confirm several more advantages.

• Quick effect - it forms within 2 weeks. During this time, enamel can be lightened by 4 tones. But it is important to consider that during the whitening period, it is necessary to avoid contact of the teeth with the main dyes: coffee, cigarettes, tea, red wine, saturated with spices, otherwise the effectiveness of the method will not be so obvious.
• Ease of use - theoretically, you just need to apply pieces of polyethylene, and then remove them. In practice, a little discipline is required. For example, the instructions for Crest Whitestrips teeth whitening strips require that you do not brush your teeth before the procedure, remove the polyethylene strictly at the specified time and use a mouthwash throughout the course, which reduces tooth sensitivity. The latter, by the way, can accompany throughout the course, but should leave after it.
• Relative security. It is believed that this method is completely safe due to the use of active substances in the least concentrated form.But it should be understood that the effect on the teeth, nevertheless, is exerted by hydrogen peroxide or urea, which can cause deep damage to the enamel. Therefore, before the start of the course, you should visit the dentist at least in order to clarify the condition of tooth enamel. And choose the type of strip that suits you.

Brand Offers

Many manufacturers offer tooth whitening strips. Which are the best of them? This can only be determined through personal experiments. We give the names of brands that have earned recognition among dentists.

• Crest Whitening Strips. The widest product line from an American manufacturer. It includes 7 products at once, among which the classic Crest 3D White Whitestrips Vivid system for those who decided for the first time to try to whiten their teeth, designed for a course of 10 days. And the system for cleansing sensitive Crest 3D White Whitestrips Gentle Routine enamel, the duration of the strips in which is only 5 minutes, but it takes 4 weeks to complete the procedure. Other products offer different conditions and effectiveness of the result, which makes an individual and balanced choice of the model of teeth whitening with Crest stripes. Reviews about them are neutral or positive.
• Bright Light Teeth Whitening Strips. Another American dental care product. 2 systems are offered: classic and gentle for use at night while sleeping.
• Dr. Whitening Strips White Certified and popular in Europe. A course is offered for healthy and sensitive teeth lasting 14 days.

Despite the safety of the method, there are contraindications that should be considered. These include pregnancy, the period of breastfeeding, adolescence, the presence of diseases of the oral cavity and caries, defects in enamel and the presence of many fillings that cannot be whitened.