Teeth whitening is a typical treatment designed to eliminate stains on your teeth, helping you regain confidence in your smile.
You can choose to undergo this treatment at a dental office or opt for at-home solutions.
Whitening strips are an over-the-counter option for lightening the shade of your teeth and achieving the results you want by targeting superficial stains.
At Yonge & Seven Dental Care, one of the most frequently asked questions we receive is whether it's safe and effective to brush your teeth before or after using these strips.
Keep reading to find out.
Whitening strips are thin, adhesive plastic strips coated with a gel formula designed to brighten teeth.
These strips are placed over the teeth and typically left on for about 30 minutes, with use recommended once or twice a day.
Unlike professional whitening treatments, whitening strips can be purchased over-the-counter without a prescription.
Most of these strips contain hydrogen peroxide, which can lead to tooth sensitivity, though there are milder options available that use carbamide peroxide.
While they are effective at removing surface stains caused by coffee, tea, or smoking, they might not be able to tackle deeper discoloration related to genetics or certain medications.
In such cases, more advanced professional treatments like veneers or crowns may be necessary.
Whitening strips are applied directly to your teeth for 30 minutes to an hour, allowing the gel to penetrate the enamel and break down surface stains.
Whitening strips usually use peroxide to make your teeth whiter.
Most strips have hydrogen peroxide, but some brands use carbamide peroxide.
They tend to be particularly effective against yellowish stains from coffee or tobacco; however, they may struggle with greyish tones that stem from genetics or medication.
Whitening strips offer a convenient and budget-friendly option to enhance your smile.
Before using whitening strips, make sure to brush and floss your teeth well.
This is important because it removes plaque and food particles that can get stuck under the strips and prevent them from working.
When the strips are in contact with clean teeth, you have a better chance of getting a whiter smile.
If you decide to brush your teeth first, wait at least 30 minutes before applying the strips.
This waiting period allows your enamel to recover and reduces the likelihood of sensitivity in your teeth and gums.
It’s usually safe to brush your teeth after using whitening strips, but to minimize the chance of gum irritation, wait at least 30 minutes after brushing before putting on the strips.
On the other hand, you can brush your teeth before using the whitening strips.
This gets rid of plaque that might get stuck under the strips, making them work better.
If you feel you need a more professional treatment from an expert, consider an in-office whitening treatment with us.
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