Which side of whitening strips do you use?

Author: Monroe Smith  |  Last update: Thursday, July 31, 2025

First things first, you need to remove the whitening strips from their packaging. Each strip is typically backed with a plastic liner that protects the gel side which is the active side meant to face your teeth. Carefully peel off this liner. The strips are delicate, so handle them gently to avoid tearing.

Which side of the white strip goes on teeth?

To apply, simply remove the whitening strip from its liner and place the gel side to your teeth, aligned with your gum line. Press against your teeth for best contact and fold the remainder of the strip behind your teeth.

What side of whitening strips is adhesive?

The sticky gel side that goes on your teeth is the same side that was stuck to the plastic sleeve and contains the whitening agents.

Which crest whitening strip goes where?

There are two strips – one designed for the top teeth and one designed for the bottom teeth. Use the longer strip for your top teeth and the shorter strip for your bottom teeth.

Which teeth whitening strip is the top?

“Over the counter, I recommend Crest 3D White Whitestrips,” Dr. Hadaegh says. “A lot of my patients who naturally have whiter teeth or slightly discolored teeth are happy with the results.”

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

Which whitening stripes go on top and bottom?

Which strip goes on the top and bottom? The longer strip goes on the top, the shorter one on the bottom.

Can yellow teeth become white again?

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 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.

Do I brush after whitening strips?

While it may be tempting to brush immediately after using strips, it's best to wait for your enamel to recover before brushing gently with a sensitive toothpaste. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy a radiant smile without compromising your dental health.

Does blue light actually whiten teeth?

Blue light itself cannot whiten the teeth. Instead, blue light is used to activate a chemical reaction. You'll apply a specialized whitening gel to the patient's teeth containing either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. The blue light activates the compounds in the gel and helps break it apart faster.

Is it better to use whitening strips at night or morning?

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.

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.

What are the down sides of teeth whitening?

One of the most common side effects is tooth sensitivity, which can occur during or after treatment. Overuse or misuse of teeth whitening products can also lead to enamel damage, gum irritation, and discoloration. Additionally, some types of tooth discoloration may not respond well to teeth whitening treatments.

How to get the best results from 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.

Should I rinse my mouth after whitening strips?

Rinsing your mouth after using whitening strips can help remove excess whitening gel. However, avoiding immediate use of mouthwash containing certain ingredients that may affect the whitening process is advisable. Brushing remains the recommended practice for comprehensive cleaning.

Why are my teeth more yellow after whitening strips?

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.

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.

Should you brush your teeth before or after breakfast?

To sum up, brushing your teeth when you wake up is better than brushing after breakfast as it protects your tooth enamel more. If you have to brush your teeth after breakfast, wait for 30-60 minutes after eating.

Can I drink water after whitening strips?

It is advisable to wait at least 30 minutes after using whitening strips before consuming any kind of beverage, including water. This is because drinking water after whitening can dilute the bleaching agent and reduce its effectiveness.

Why are my teeth so yellow?

Wear. Teeth ultimately turn yellow as you get older, when enamel wears away from chewing and exposure to acids from food and drink. Most teeth turn yellow as this enamel thins with age, but some take on a grayish shade when mixed with a lasting food stain.

Why not brush teeth before white strips?

Wait before applying Whitestrips: It's essential to wait 30 minutes after brushing before applying Whitestrips. Brushing can temporarily weaken your enamel, making it more sensitive. Waiting allows your teeth to recover and minimizes the risk of sensitivity.

How to get white teeth in 1 day?

10 Ways to Whiten Teeth in a Day and Keep Healthy Gums
  1. Brush with Baking Soda. ...
  2. Use Hydrogen Peroxide. ...
  3. Activated Charcoal. ...
  4. Powdered milk and toothpaste. ...
  5. Coconut Oil Pulling with Baking soda. ...
  6. Essential Oils Whitening Toothpaste. ...
  7. Turmeric Whitening Toothpaste. ...
  8. Baking Soda and Strawberry Paste.

What vitamin deficiency causes yellow teeth?

The Link Between vitamin D Deficiency and Yellow Teeth

Increased Susceptibility to Cavities: Weak enamel due to insufficient calcium absorption increases the risk of cavities. Decayed areas can appear yellow or brown, contributing to an overall discolored smile.

Can enamel grow back?

Does tooth enamel grow back? No, if your enamel is completely gone, you can't bring it back. But your dentist can place a dental crown over your tooth to protect it from further damage.

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