Teeth whitening has skyrocketed in popularity as a cosmetic dentistry procedure, with more people looking to reverse the effects of staining on their teeth. Everybody wants that million-dollar smile, and the confidence that comes along with being able to flaunt those pearly whites. A lot of people are conscious about how they look, and teeth are a crucial part of that.

As such, teeth whitening strips have emerged as a cheap and simple solution to get whiter teeth from the comfort of home, rather than having to visit a professional. There are some considerations to keep in mind though when deciding between teeth whitening strips or a professional dentist.

How Do Teeth Whitening Strips Work?

As the name suggests, teeth whitening strips are used to give a whiter look to your teeth. They are made of a flexible gel-like substance, which contains a bleaching agent — most often hydrogen peroxide — that is then coated on the strip. For the gel to stick evenly and work properly, you need to have the strip pressed against your teeth for a fixed amount of time, as should be indicated in the directions for use. You won’t see the impact of these strips immediately.

In fact, they are supposed to be applied daily for 2 to 3 weeks to see results, and if done correctly, results can last up to 4 months. In a nutshell, the bleach in the strips penetrate the surface of the teeth, which in turn brings forth the original white colour. While teeth whitening strips do work to an extent, they certainly aren’t the only teeth whitening option in Melbourne and beyond though.

Advantages of Teeth Whitening Strips

If they aren’t the only option — or the best — for whitening teeth, why then do people choose them? Having worked in the cosmetic dentistry field for a long time, we find that people’s reasoning for using teeth whitening strips usually involves one or more of the following:

They can be more accessible for some people than attending appointments with a cosmetic dentist. This is particularly true as they are typically available in pharmacies, supermarkets and online. However, quality varies between options.
They are one of the cheapest whitening solutions available on the market, making them an economical option for anyone interested in the procedure.
Though they are not as potent as bleaching gels or professional procedures, whitening strips can still help whiten teeth a few shades. They may not be as effective for certain people or the results can be uneven.
They are easy and straightforward to use, all you need to do is read the instructions on the packaging. Steps often involve peeling off the covering, placing strips on both rows of teeth, and then leaving them on for the recommended period before taking them off.
When compared to bleaching gels, most whitening strips are gentler and milder on your teeth and gums. However, irritation can still occur.

Disadvantages of Teeth Whitening Strips

Despite their popularity and immediate appeal, there is a lot that many people don’t love when it comes to teeth whitening strips.

While they are simple to use and cheap, it is very likely that you will get uneven whitening with these strips. Applying a flat strip to an uneven surface makes it hard to cover for all possible gaps you may get — even if you take the utmost care —which can hinder you from getting a uniform look.
Though there are newer and healthier alternatives popping up in the market every now and then, most of the common teeth whitening strips use some bleaching agent like hydrogen peroxide. These chemicals can often be harsh on the soft tissues of your gums, and avoiding contact between gums and the gel on the strip is extremely difficult.
Excessive usage of these strips can lead to possible tooth and gum sensitivity. Overexposure to these chemicals can also erode the enamel layer in some cases, which eventually leads to tooth decay.
Whitening strips aren’t always effective, based on what the cause of teeth staining is in your case. Staining can be a result of bad oral hygiene, smoking, alcohol, soft drinks and even certain medications, and these over-the-counter strips may not be effective for all of them.

Issues and problems like these certainly take the shine off teeth whitening strips.

Why We Recommend Seeing a Dentist for All Cosmetic Dentistry?

While teeth whitening strips are getting popular for the advantages mentioned earlier, they still don’t come close to a professional whitening procedure done by trained experts who understand everything about it. Seeing a dentist for teeth whitening will give you access to a plan tailored to your specific case and needs. Professional procedures are also safer, have longer lasting results and leave room for specific aftercare procedures, if any are needed. Even if you do go with whitening strips, it is still prudent to consult your dentist first to understand any downsides and to gauge if they will be effective in your situation.

Book an Appointment at Abbotsford Dental Today

Whether you have been thinking about getting a professional whitening procedure done or are simply curious about the potency of teeth whitening strips, book an appointment with one of our experienced dentists for a consultation. Our dentists provide the utmost care for residents in Richmond, Kew, Collingwood, Clifton Hill and the surrounding suburbs.

Visit our website to make an appointment online or get in touch with our friendly receptionists at (03) 9410 1077 for any assistance.