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While results can vary, most people start to notice a difference in their teeth color within a week of using whitening strips. Here's a general timeline based on common experiences: First Few Days: Some individuals may see a slight improvement in tooth color after just a few applications.
Whitening strips often contain peroxide-based chemicals to eliminate enamel stains, which may lead to temporary irritation and redness of the gums. This redness creates a visual contrast that can make the teeth seem more yellow.
However, after a few days, many people who use Crest 3D White Whitestrips can already see a brighter difference in their smile. Friends or family may also begin to comment on the change! You can also see the result by looking at your back teeth.
You might be tempted to leave whitening strips on your teeth for a little longer, but this will increase the risk and severity of side effects like sensitivity and gum irritation. In some cases, overuse of whitening strips has even led to chemical burns on the gums.
Yes, you can swallow your saliva while using whitening strips, as most bleaching agents in the strips are safe for oral use and ingestion in small amounts. But you do not need to swallow excessive amounts of saliva while using the strips.
Do not touch your gums with the whitening strips. The whitening agent in whitening strips can be harmful to your gums. Particularly, this agent can damage the soft tissue in your gums, which can lead to a wide array of oral health issues down the road. Apply whitening strips evenly.
Generally, the effects of a whitening treatment like whitening strips can last from 3 to 6 months. Professional dental whitening treatments might have longer-lasting effects, typically ranging from 1 to 3 years, provided good oral hygiene is maintained and staining substances are avoided.
Some stains are on the surface of the teeth, while others are internal. Teeth whitening strips can't fix internal staining caused by an injury or a side effect of a medication like an antibiotic or antihistamine. Teeth whitening strips also don't work well on dental restorations like crowns, caps, and veneers.
The myth that teeth whitening will make your teeth more susceptible to staining is mostly untrue. In the first couple days after whitening, you must avoid foods and beverages with dark pigments, such as coffee and berries. After the pores in your enamel close, your teeth will retain their newly whitened color.
Clean Surface for Better Adhesion: Brushing your teeth before applying whitening strips ensures that your teeth are clean, providing a better surface for the strips to adhere to. This can enhance the effectiveness of the whitening treatment.
By gently coating your teeth with a product like MI Paste or Colgate's Pro-Argin Toothpaste, you will plug up open pores on your teeth and reduce sensitivity. Additionally, the remineralizing effects of these pastes help to improve whitening.
Using whitening strips before bed might be more convenient for some people, as it allows the product to work overnight without interference from food or beverages. On the other hand, using them in the morning can help you start your day with a refreshed, brighter smile.
Brushing too soon could potentially damage this delicate layer and lead to tooth sensitivity or even enamel erosion over time. To strike a balance between these perspectives, dentists often recommend waiting at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth after using whitening strips.
If you experience teeth translucency after teeth whitening, don't panic! This relatively common side effect usually subsides within a few weeks. To prevent this, use safe and gentle teeth whitening solutions or discuss options with your dentist to ensure a lasting result without the risk of enamel damage.
Unfortunately, teeth whitening is not permanent.
Frequent application of the whitening strips may even cause the discoloration to be permanent. Spotting on the teeth is also possible. White spots could appear on the surface of the teeth due to the hydrogen peroxide. It can make the teeth look bad and unhygienic.
Constant refrigeration virtually stops breakdown of whitening gels. More importantly, refrigeration protects whitening gels against the potency-robbing damage of heat during storage and shipping.
After using whitening strips, you should always rinse your mouth with water. You should also do this after eating or drinking. A minimum of 30 minutes must pass after using whitening strips before consuming any acidic or sugary foods or beverages as they may discolor teeth.
The strips are applied to upper and lower teeth, once a day, for up to 30 minutes. Depending on the specific Crest 3D White Whitestrips product chosen, strips should be applied daily for anywhere from 10 to 20 consecutive days.
Most People Can Whiten Their Teeth Once a Year
Dentists monitor the risks and only recommend whitening to eligible candidates. Most people can get a full bleaching system every 12-18 months with touch-ups throughout the year.
If you experience a buildup of saliva while using, it's fine to briefly remove the device, expectorate (spit) and then replace it back into your mouth.