The Pros And Cons Of Teeth Whitening Strips

Teeth whitening strips are very popular. In fact sales of teeth whitening strips are rising steadily that it is expected to surpass sales of whitening toothpastes soon. The main reason for this is its ease of application, availability and affordability. 

Teeth whitening strips are a comparatively new addition to teeth whitening for home use. The idea is to provide the customer with less messy, more convenient, least expensive but still provide effective whitening results compared to other teeth whitening home systems.

Teeth whitening strips are very flexible, very easy to use thin strips of plastic coated with bleaching agents that stick to the teeth. It comes in pairs designed for the upper and the lower teeth configuration and is applied in areas where the teeth are visible as the person smiles. Unlike other teeth whiteners, the whitening is only on the aesthetic area and like all whitening products; it is kept in the mouth for a period of time. Customers use the plastic strips while watching television, working out, doing household chores or overnight. 

The usual active bleaching ingredient is carbamide peroxide. Some strips uses hydrogen peroxide but only with 6% strength where normal concentration ranges from 10 to 20%. Since carbamide peroxide is only half the strength of hydrogen peroxide, the visible effect will take about two weeks of continued use, much longer than bleaching trays that contains hydrogen peroxide and in-office treatments but because it is, teeth whitening strips is gentle and comfortable to even those with very sensitive teeth and gums. 

Another reason for its popular use is that while the strips are thin, usual bleaching trays are bulky that could aggravate jaw problems, trigger gag reflex and messier to wear and remove. These differences allow a person to do much of the normal activities with less interference. 

Still like most everything, there is a downside to teeth whitening strips. For one, the adhesive used may not stick very well in the teeth or it could fall off, sometimes at an unfortunate time. People who use the strips while sleeping could find out the morning after that the bleaching is to be reapplied all over again. Besides, the results, no matter how diligently done, will never equal to in-office whitening where the procedure is conducted and is professionally supervised by a dentist.  

All cosmetic enhancements are subjective to the person. While companies are aiming to give superior results every time and is continuously working at providing such, customers could sometimes fall on the side the unsatisfied. When using teeth whitening plastic strips therefore, the person has to lower the expectation. Realistically, plastic strips are designed as a do-it-yourself-at-home remedy. Unlike teeth whitening trays that are designed by a dentist or a licensed practitioner to fit personalized requirements, the strips are for general use and therefore are designed to address every possible requirement without causing discomfort.  

There is no risk to using dental strips, however if the person wants a whitened teeth as soon as possible which could meet particular expectations, the dentist is irreplaceable. 
