In fact, we've done extensive testing and determined that we do not recommend using more than two upper strips and two lower strips per day.
Yes. With Crest 3DWhitestrips, you can use one strip right after the other (back-to-back). Wear teeth whitening strips for the instructed time, then remove; rinse or wipe if needed, then apply a second whitening strip.
Most whitening strips are designed to be used once a day for a period of one to two weeks. It's important to note that overuse of whitening strips can cause tooth sensitivity and even damage the enamel on your teeth.
The frequency of using whitening strips depends on your goals and your dentist's recommendations. To maintain results, consider using them once or twice a week. However, if you're aiming for a significant change in tooth shade, daily application for several weeks might be necessary.
Brushing before using the strips may help remove any plaque buildup on your teeth, while waiting for at least 30 minutes after using them before brushing again allows time for remineralization of tooth enamel.
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.
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.
What happens if I skip an application? You can skip or miss a couple of applications without affecting your whitening benefit.
Overusing Whitening Strips
Teeth whitening strips are an affordable, convenient way to get a brighter smile at home. Although they can effectively whiten your teeth, whitening strips can start to damage your teeth if you wear them too long or use them too often.
Whitening strips usually start to make a difference within just 3-4 days. Only you'll want to keep wearing them to continue the improvement, even out the whitening overall, and get the brightest end results.
Increase the time between whitening treatments
It's okay to skip days to allow your gums time to heal and tooth sensitivity to settle down. You'll still get the same whitening results, but it may take more days to get there.
Overusing whitening strips can cause adverse effects on your teeth, like enamel damage, gum irritation, and extreme tooth sensitivity. So, if you are experiencing these symptoms during your teeth whitening process, you need to reduce your frequency of use or consult your dental expert.
Crest's 3D Whitening Strips are probably the most recognizable teeth whitening method on this list, and with good reason. The brand stands out as the No. 1 recommendation in this category, with dentists telling me their patients get good results within a week or two of using the strips every day.
Extensive clinical and consumer testing was done to establish the safety and efficacy of Crest 3D White Whitestrips. However, based on the results of that work we do not recommend using more than 2 upper strips and 2 lower strips in a day.
Tips to Get the Best Results
While teeth whitening strips can be used any time in the day, we recommend that you use them at night before bedtime to help whiten teeth. Brushing teeth after use can help remove any potential leftover residue.
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.
Teeth Are Not Clean
The chemicals break down the stain molecules that cause teeth to darken. Plaque buildup can block these whitening chemicals from reaching the stained teeth. Schedule a dental cleaning appointment first before using teeth whitening strips. This can prepare your teeth well for the whitening process.
The general advice is to wait at least 30 minutes, allowing the whitening agents time to set fully. However, brushing gently afterward—using a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive toothpaste—can help you avoid any potential side effects like irritation or enamel wear.
With that said, Crest 3D Whitestrips will whiten teeth for at least six to 12 months, so we recommend using Whitestrips twice per year to maintain a whiter smile.
The best and fastest way to whiten teeth is through professional teeth whitening treatments at your dentist's office. These treatments offer quick results, whitening teeth from the inside out in just 1-3 sessions of 30-60 minutes each.
Yes, you can drink water after using whitening strips, but it's best to wait a short period (typically around 30 minutes) after removing the strips to allow the whitening agents to fully work. Drinking water immediately after might slightly dilute the whitening effect but is not harmful.
With time, these tannins cling to your teeth's enamel and create yellowish stains. Similar to this, frequent use of tobacco products or cigarette smoking might cause your teeth to remain yellow even after whitening procedures. A yellow coating on your tongue could also be noticed.
Although you can whiten your teeth while undergoing orthodontic treatment, you should not attempt to whiten your teeth with a retainer in your mouth. The whitening agents in most products can damage the retainer and make it less effective in keeping your teeth straight.