How to get the best results from teeth whitening strips?

Author: Chaya Kozey  |  Last update: Sunday, June 29, 2025

Be consistent — Most whitening strips require daily application, so using them as directed is essential. This will give you the best results. Brush your teeth — Before placing the whitening strips on your teeth, use a wet toothbrush to brush them, and then rinse your mouth with water.

How to get the best results out of whitening strips?

6 Tips to Make the Most Out of Teeth Whitening Strips
  1. Daily Use is Good, BUT Never Wear Whitening Strips in Excess. ...
  2. Avoid Touching Your Gums During Wear. ...
  3. Wait Before Eating These Foods. ...
  4. Even Application Leads to the Best Results. ...
  5. Avoid Whitening If You Have Tooth Decay. ...
  6. Be Honest With the Results You Want.

How do you maximize the effectiveness of whitening strips?

Brushing your teeth thoroughly ensures the removal of any plaque or debris. This cleanliness is key as it allows the whitening agent in the strips to come into direct contact with the tooth enamel, enhancing effectiveness and ensuring even coverage.

Do you brush your teeth before or after white strips?

It's generally recommended to use whitening strips after brushing and flossing your teeth but before using mouthwash. Here's a breakdown of the steps: Brush and Floss: This removes plaque and debris, allowing the whitening strips to make better contact with your teeth.

How can I maximize my teeth whitening results?

Tips to Prolong Your Teeth Whitening Results
  1. Avoid Staining Foods and Beverages. Foods and beverages high in pigment can stain your teeth and undo your teeth whitening treatment. ...
  2. Use Straws. ...
  3. Quit Smoking. ...
  4. Practice Good Oral Hygiene. ...
  5. Schedule Regular Dental Cleanings. ...
  6. Consider Touch-Up Treatments. ...
  7. Achieve Your Best Smile.

The Right and Wrong Way to use Teeth Whitening Strips - A Dentist Explains

How can I speed up my teeth whitening?

The fastest and best way to whiten teeth at home is by using professional whitening gel trays. These custom trays offer the best results at a lower cost than professional treatments, with minimal risk of sensitivity or gum damage. They provide long-lasting and sustainable whitening effects when used correctly.

Why are teeth more yellow after whitening?

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.

What happens if you leave whitening strips on longer than 30 minutes?

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.

How often should you whiten your teeth?

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.

Do I use crest 3D white strips every day?

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.

What not to do when using whitening 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.

Why am I not seeing results from 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.

How many days in a row should you use whitening strips?

Strips contain Hydrogen Peroxide and are worn for 30 minutes per day for 14 days. Vivid White - Crest Classic Vivid White uses Hydrogen Peroxide to remove up to 5 years of stain. Wear the strips for 30 minutes for 10 days in a row. Brilliance White - Unknown concentration of Hydrogen Peroxide, worn 30 minutes per day.

How to maximize the effectiveness of whitening strips?

Here are six tips to ensure you use them properly and maximize your whitening results:
  1. Brush Your Teeth Prior To Application (Not After). ...
  2. Make Sure Your Teeth Are Completely Dry Before Applying The Strips. ...
  3. Avoid Uneven Whitening. ...
  4. Follow The Instructions Closely. ...
  5. Avoid Contact With Your Gums.

Why are my teeth so transparent after 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.

What actually works for teeth whitening?

Dr. Rozenberg says that over-the-counter whitening kits should contain from 10 to 35 percent carbamide peroxide (or three to 10 percent hydrogen peroxide) and are most effective at higher concentrations.

Should I brush my teeth before using whitening strips?

Brushing before applying Whitestrips can help remove surface stains and improve product adherence. Yet, it's equally essential to follow up with a gentle post-treatment brushing to eliminate residual gel and maintain oral hygiene. The ideal sequence can vary depending on personal preferences and product instructions.

How long does it take for yellow teeth to whiten?

Teeth should appear whiter in about 10-14 days if used as directed. Using a dentist-recommended whitening toothpaste can work to brighten your smile, but the results may be less noticeable and it can take some time – usually about two to six weeks – if used twice a day.

What makes teeth translucent?

Translucent-looking teeth indicate that your teeth have lost some of the enamel that covers the surface of the tooth, which can expose underlying dentin. Enamel that has eroded cannot regrow nor can a dentist encourage it to grow back.

Do I rinse after whitening strips?

Yes, it is recommended to rinse your mouth after whitening strips to remove any excess whitening gel that may have remained on your teeth. Be sure to use lukewarm water and rinse for at least 30 seconds.

Will my teeth go back to yellow after whitening?

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.

How to permanently whiten teeth?

Dental veneers are a great way to permanently whiten your teeth, so no more white strips and no need for whitening treatments. A dental veneer is a thin piece of porcelain material that is placed on top of natural teeth. They are bonded to the tooth with a cement-like material to ensure a stronghold.

Why do whitening strips only cover the front teeth?

We do not recommend using Crest 3D Whitestrips on your back teeth because the strips are specially designed to fit front teeth — the teeth shown when you smile. If you use Whitestrips on the back teeth, the strips may become loose and eventually fall off during the wear period as a result.

Can yellow teeth be permanently whitened?

Yellow teeth can regain whiteness through various methods, including good oral hygiene, professional dental cleanings, and teeth-whitening treatments. Stains from coffee, tea, or tobacco can be removed with adequate oral care, while professional procedures like bleaching or laser treatments offer quicker results.

What is the best teeth whitening?

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.

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