Whitening strips hold a promise of a brighter smile, but do they work, though? And, most importantly, do whitening strips damage teeth? The truth might surprise you, so before you stick those pieces for the next whitening session, let’s clear this dazzling question once and for all – is teeth whitening bad for your teeth?
Bottom Line – Do Whitening Strips Damage Teeth?
So, do whitening strips damage the enamel, the outer layer of your tooth? Well, there’s no simple answer – it depends on the particular product and the way you use it. For the most part, these products are safe when used correctly. However, overusing them can do more harm than good.
How Do These Whitening Strips Work Anyway?
Teeth whitening has been all the rage in recent years, and we don’t mean only those treatments that occur during dentist appointments. In fact, around 35 million Americans use some sort of whiteners every year.
As you stroll down the aisles of your local pharmacy or beauty store, you will come across too many such products to count. Some will look decent, while others will seem shady, with a price tag that’s too good to be true. Looking at them, you’ll definitely start to wonder – do teeth whitening strips damage teeth? Is teeth whitening bad for teeth in general?
But before we dive deep into this question, it’s good to know how these strips work their magic. No matter the exact product you want to use, it contains multiple pieces of plastic that are dabbed with a whitening gel. Here are the most commonly used ingredients:
- Hydrogen peroxide,
- Sodium hydroxide,
- Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP),
- Glycerin & hydroxypropyl cellulose.
How Do You Use Whitening Strips?
It’s pretty easy and straightforward – you place one strip on the upper teeth and another on the lower. Of course, this is done for a certain amount of time, as specified in the manufacturer’s instructions. Some products report a visible change in just two weeks, giving users a noticeably brighter smile.
However, it’s important to point out that such strips will work only in removing stains in the enamel. These are mostly the result of long-term coffee drinking or tobacco usage. If your tooth discoloration runs deeper than that, it will all be a waste of time and effort, not to mention the money.
Therefore, it’s crucial to consult your dentist in Charlotte, NC. They can give you professional guidance, as well as recommend other cosmetic dental treatments that can bring in even better results. After all, it’s not just about having a bright smile – you need to keep your teeth healthy and happy as well!
Can Whitening Strips Damage Teeth?
So, the million-dollar question is – Does whitening your teeth damage them? As we’ve already mentioned at the beginning, there isn’t a straightforward answer to this question. So, let’s delve a little deeper and uncover just why this is the case.
First and foremost, there are plenty of products available, some good, some bad. While the general rule of thumb is to look for those with an American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance, there are other things you should keep in mind.
Most importantly, avoid whiteners that contain chlorine dioxide. It can be pretty damaging to the enamel, which is completely irreversible. This can increase the chances of developing decay and other dental issues. And who wants to deal with all that, when all you’ve wanted was a bright smile?
Is Whitening Your Teeth Bad? Not if It’s Done Correctly
The answer to the question “Does whitening teeth damage the enamel?” is twofold. As we’ve just discussed, certain products can be bad for this outer layer, but even quality products can be damaging if used incorrectly.
You need to know how often you should whiten your teeth, but consider going a step further than simply skimming over the product instructions. Your Charlotte dentist in SouthPark can provide you with professional advice, helping you find the perfect treatment for your unique smile!
There’s Always the Risk of Unwanted Side Effects as Well
So, now you know the answer to the question – can teeth whitening damage teeth? However, there’s a bit more to this – you should know the side effects as well. The most common one is increased tooth sensitivity, which can result in discomfort when drinking or eating something cold or hot.
Luckily, there are other treatments, such as those using TouchWhite™ Fotona laser technology, that keep these risks to a minimum. Advanced laser dentistry is completely non-invasive and, judging from multiple case reports, extremely effective in removing discoloration.
A Few Tips for Brightening Safely
If you’re still up for trying out one of these whitening strips, our team at Aspire Dental Wellness is here to help with any questions you might have. With a quick dental exam, we can assess the level of discoloration you have, and provide you with valuable insight on which brightening route would be the best for you. To ensure everything is as safe as it can be, here are a couple of expert tips for the road:
- Unless the instructions specifically ask you to, never brush immediately after using these products,
- Don’t use strips that include chlorine dioxide or contain more than 20% hydrogen peroxide,
- Follow instructions to a T, including how long you should leave the strips on and how often you should use them.
Why Settle for Strips When Your Charlotte, NC, Dentist Can Work Magic for Your Smile?
While these strips can offer a quick and easy fix, they often come with their own set of drawbacks. They can be messy, not as effective or long-lasting as you’d hope, and may even pose risks to your dental health. To really achieve that smile you’ve always dreamed of, advanced cosmetic & laser dentistry in Charlotte, NC, can offer so much more.
Led by Dr. Sladjana Bjelac, our team at Aspire Dental Wellness provides plenty of options. Whether you prefer the convenience of our custom at-home kit, the speed of Opalescence™ Boost™, or the cutting-edge results from TouchWhite™ treatment, we’ve got you and your smile covered. Ready to shine? Contact us today, and let’s find the perfect brightening solution together!
