Whitening Strips: Should You Use Them?
While at-home tooth whitening strips seem like an ideal way to brighten your smile for less money, there are some issues that you could experience. The following are some things to look out for if you are going to consider using whitening strips:
Uneven Whitening
When you are placing the strips on your teeth, you have to be very precise in order to reduce the chance for uneven whitening. Teeth are three-dimensional, and it can be difficult to get the strip on every single surface of the tooth, no matter how careful you are. Once you get used to placing them, you may notice that you are getting better at covering the entire surface of the tooth. However, if you are not properly applying them to the teeth, you are running the risk of having parts of the teeth that will bleach unevenly. You could end up with uneven whitening, or even worse, teeth that still have yellow splotches on them.
Gum Issues
The bleach used in the whitening strips is very strong, though not as strong as that used in a dental office. It is a harsh chemical that can be damaging to the soft tissues of the gums. You will need to be careful not to have the strips come into contact with the gums as much as possible. You will not experience this at the dental office because a seasoned professional places the bleach directly on the teeth. To help prevent getting bleach on your gums, you may need to trim the strips to fit your mouth properly.
Damage And Tooth Sensitivity
While it is safe to use whitening strips on occasion, you risk damaging your teeth and experiencing sensitivity if you overuse them. Over time, the bleach will erode the enamel on the teeth if the strips are used too often. This will not only result in pain, but it also opens your teeth up to decay that could result in a lot of dental work that could have been prevented. Only use the strips on teeth that are healthy and free of cavities to help avoid this.
At-home whitening strips can be a good and inexpensive way to get a brighter smile, but it is important to remember all of these considerations. If you want long-term results that will not cause you any potential damage, consider going to a dental professional like those found at TLC Dental Center to have your teeth whitened. It will cost a bit more, but consider it an investment in the health of your teeth.