Introduction
When you think of teeth whitening, what do you picture? Maybe the dentist’s chair or a super fancy dental office? Well, today we’re going to talk about another option for getting those pearly whites: teeth whitening strips. But before we get into all of that fun stuff, let’s first discuss exactly how they work.
Teeth whitening strips contain peroxide, which essentially breaks down on the teeth in the form of hydrogen peroxide and oxygen.
Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical compound that contains two atoms of hydrogen and one atom of oxygen. When it breaks down, it releases both an atom of oxygen and an atom of water. This reaction occurs when the peroxide comes into contact with your teeth and saliva, which are both acidic.
The process of breaking down occurs as follows:
- Hydrogen peroxide enters your mouth through the strips.
- The hydrogen peroxide reacts with enzymes in your saliva to form free radicals (just like those in our bodies).
- These free radicals break down the outer layer of stains on your teeth caused by coffee, tea, wine and cigarettes just to name a few causes for staining! In short this whitens them up quite nicely!
The oxygen then enters the enamel of your teeth and removes stains from inside the tooth, bleaching it.
The active ingredient in teeth whitening strips is oxygen. When you apply the strip, the peroxide breaks down to release oxygen that enters your enamel and removes stains from inside your tooth, bleaching it.
This means that only a small amount of peroxide needs to be used and there's no risk of damage from using too much.
There are generally two types of teeth whitening strips: over-the-counter and by prescription.
There are generally two types of teeth whitening strips: over-the-counter and by prescription. The main difference between the over-the-counter strip and the prescription strip is that the prescription strips have a higher concentration of peroxide, which makes them more effective at removing stains on your teeth. However, they can also cause dryness in your mouth if you use them for too long (1-2 weeks). Over-the-counter strips can be used for up to 14 days.
Over-the-counter strips are fluoride-based.
The strips are made with a fluoride solution, which helps to prevent cavities and strengthen tooth enamel. Fluoride is found in many dental products, such as toothpastes and mouthwashes.
It’s important to note that the FDA does not approve of over-the-counter whitening strips because there isn’t enough evidence about their safety or effectiveness for a product that people use for themselves at home.
Prescription strips will be made with more peroxide than over-the-counter strips because of the strength of the prescription.
Prescription teeth whitening strips will be made with more peroxide than over-the-counter strips because of the strength of the prescription.
Over-the-counter teeth whitening strips contain 10% hydrogen peroxide, whereas prescription teeth whitening strips often contain 35% hydrogen peroxide. The higher concentration is used to ensure that your treatment is effective even in cases where you have extensive tooth decay or a higher risk for gum disease.
These can have anywhere between four percent to 40 percent peroxide.
Over-the-counter teeth whitening strips are generally between four and six percent peroxide, whereas prescription strips can be up to 40 percent. This is because prescription teeth whitening products are stronger.
Also, over-the-counter strips will require you to wear them for 14 days, while prescription strips usually only need one or two weeks to work properly.
It's important to remember that the longer you wear teeth whitening strips, the more effective they will be. With that in mind, it's best to keep these factors in mind when deciding which method is right for you:
- Your prescription strength may impact how long your whitening process takes. The stronger your prescription, the shorter amount of time it will take for you to see results.
- If you have sensitive teeth and are worried about possible discomfort or pain from using over-the-counter strips, then prescription strips may be a better fit for your needs.
Of course, this all depends on the strength of your prescription as well as your own personal dental habits and needs.
Of course, this all depends on the strength of your prescription as well as your own personal dental habits and needs. Prescription strips are generally stronger than over-the-counter products, so they often need to be worn longer in order to achieve the desired results. Some prescriptions require you to wear them for up to 14 days straight! Over-the-counter strips have a milder formula, which means they can be applied for shorter periods of time—sometimes just one week at a time.
But regardless of whether you're using an over-the-counter product or one from your dentist's office, there are some general guidelines that apply to every type: always read directions carefully before applying any whitening strip; don't use strips more than once every 24 hours; and don't leave them on longer than instructed (even if you start out with a prescription).
Teeth whitening strips can either be prescribed or purchased over the counter depending on what works best for you.
There are two types of teeth whitening strips. One is purchased over the counter, and one requires a doctor's visit.
The most convenient option is the over-the-counter strip, which comes in a package that contains several individual strips that can be used for 30 minutes each day for up to 10 consecutive days. The downside to this type of product is that it tends to be less effective than prescription strips—but they're also more affordable and convenient, especially if you're only looking for minor improvement in your smile's appearance. On top of this, they don't require any professional attention whatsoever: all you need is some extra time in front of your mirror!
Prescription teeth whitening products often come with more powerful ingredients than their store-bought counterparts—so while they may take longer (upwards of an hour), there's a higher likelihood that the treatment will produce better results than what could be achieved using an OTC strip alone., but keep in mind that these may require additional visits from dentists or other healthcare professionals—especially since some patients experience irritation from using them during their first few uses., so when considering which method best suits you make sure "doing it yourself" doesn't translate into doing without professional guidance altogether.
Conclusion
The important thing to remember is that teeth whitening strips are safe, effective, and can give you a beautiful smile. If they aren’t right for you, there are other options out there to consider like in-office bleaching or at-home kits with trays.
Reference
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4058574/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/whitening-strips
https://www.glamwhite.eu/peroxide-vs-non-peroxide-tooth-whitening/
https://www.forbes.com/health/body/how-to-whiten-your-teeth/