Whitening strips are made of flexible plastic material coated in a whitening gel containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. You place the strip over your teeth––usually, one for each of the upper and lower teeth––and the gel permeates the teeth to remove stains.
Whitening strips do not provide instant results, so you will likely need to do several whitening sessions––though this depends on the extent of discoloration and your whitening goals. Though whitening strips seem more cost-effective than professional take-home or in-office whitening, there are some downsides:
Overall Safety and Effectiveness
Most whitening strips are safe for your teeth, but if they contain chlorine dioxide, be aware. This substance is the same one used to disinfect swimming pools and can destroy your enamel. Professional teeth whitening, whether at home provided by your dentist or in the dental chair, is the best way to ensure safe and effective results.
An Uneven Whitening Job
Even if you are careful and precise with whitening strips, you won’t be able to cover every nook and cranny like you can with a customized treatment provided by your dentist. The strips will inevitably miss small spaces or crevasses in your smile, resulting in an uneven whitening job.
The Dangers of Gum Problems
Whitening strips contain bleaching agents that are harsh enough to damage your mouth’s soft tissues, especially your gums. To avoid irritation or chemical burns, you must carefully place the whitening strips, avoiding your gums as much as possible.
Potential Tooth Sensitivity and Damage
If you use whitening strips, do so in moderation and ask your dentist for suggestions. Overusing whitening strips will cause tooth sensitivity over time, and they can permanently damage your enamel and dentin. Enamel doesn’t grow back, so once it’s gone, it leaves your tooth’s nerves vulnerable to decay, disease, and sensitivity.
Safe and Effective Professional Teeth Whitening in Vancouver, BC
Teeth whitening strips are a short-term solution to brighten your smile before a special occasion or event. However, please consider seeing a dentist for safe, effective, and long-term whitening. Delta Dental Studio provides professional teeth whitening to help you reach your aesthetic goals while caring for your oral health needs. Our team looks forward to helping you attain a brighter, whiter smile!
We invite you to contact us today to book a consultation with our Vancouver dentists.
A bright white smile helps make positive first impressions and also helps you feel confident because you know your smile looks its best. But the brightness of your teeth will start to fade over time, regardless of how well you brush and floss your teeth. 
At Alta Dental Studio, we want you to have 
