Teeth Whitening Strips: Do they work? Are they safe?
Smile Brilliant Smile Brilliant
  • Teeth Whitening
    • NEW! DENTAL STAIN CONCEALER
      Purple Toothpaste Stain Concealer
    • CUSTOM WHITENING TRAYS
      Complete Whitening Trays & Gel System
    • WHITENING GEL REFILLS
      Professional Strength Teeth Whitening Gel
    • DESENSITIZING GEL REFILLS
      Remineralization & Tooth Sensitivity Gel
    • Whitening Tray Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
    • Tray Replacement Reorder
    • Enamel Armour™ for Sensitive Teeth
    • Teeth Whitening Kit Reviews
    • 10 Facts About Teeth Whitening
  • NIGHT GUARDS
    • CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS
      Complete Night Guard System
    • REORDER MORE NIGHT GUARDS
      Existing Customer Login for Fast Reorder
    • Night Guard Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
    • NEW! Enamel Building Gel
  • Sports Mouth guards
  • Smile Brilliant Smile Brilliant
  • oral Care
    • ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH
      Best Electric Toothbrush Packages
    • CORDLESS WATER FLOSSER
      Award Winning Electric Water Flosser
    • DENTAL PROBIOTICS
      Bad Breath. Immune Support. Cavities.
    • NEW! ENAMEL ARMOUR™
      Rebuilds Enamel & Reduces Sensitivity
    • PLAQUE HIGHLIGHTERS™
      Highlight Plaque & Tartar For Better Brushing
    • Dental Floss Picks
      U-Shaped Disposable Floss Tool
    • Replacement Toothbrush Heads
    • Plaque Highlighters™ For Kids!
    • Dental Probiotics For Kids!
    • Retainer Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Cleaner
  • HELPFul
    • 10 FACTS ABOUT TEETH WHITENING
      Best Practices for Whitening Teeth
    • Sensitive Teeth Guide
      Causes & Remedies for Sensitive Teeth
    • The Science of Bad Breath
      Causes & Remedies for Bad Breath
    • 5 FACTS ABOUT ORAL PROBIOTICS
      Understanding Oral Micriobiome
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Science & Articles
    • Cruelty-Free Certification
    • Contact Us
  • Support
    • Frequently Asked Questions
      Commonly Asked Customer Questions
    • CONTACT US
      Contact Form & Phone Number
    • ABOUT US
      See How it All Began
    • GUARANTEE
      We Stand Behind Everything We Sell
    • Smile Brilliant Product Reviews
    • Cruelty-Free Certification
0
  • Whitening
    • Best Teeth Whitening
    • NEW! DENTAL STAIN CONCEALER
      Purple Toothpaste Stain Concealer
    • CUSTOM WHITENING TRAYS
      Complete Whitening Trays & Gel System
    • WHITENING GEL REFILLS
      Professional Strength Teeth Whitening Gel
    • DESENSITIZING GEL REFILLS
      Remineralization & Tooth Sensitivity Gel
    • Whitening Tray Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
    • Tray Replacement Reorder
    • Enamel Armour™ for Sensitive Teeth
    • Teeth Whitening Kit Reviews
    • 10 Facts About Teeth Whitening
  • NIGHT GUARDS
    • CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS
    • CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS
      Complete Night Guard System
    • REORDER MORE NIGHT GUARDS
      Existing Customer Login for Fast Reorder
    • Night Guard Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
    • NEW! Enamel Building Gel
  • Sports Guards
  • oral Care
    • ORAL CARE PRODUCTS
    • ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH
      Best Electric Toothbrush Packages
    • CORDLESS WATER FLOSSER
      Award Winning Electric Water Flosser
    • DENTAL PROBIOTICS
      Bad Breath. Immune Support. Cavities.
    • NEW! ENAMEL ARMOUR™
      Rebuilds Enamel & Reduces Sensitivity
    • PLAQUE HIGHLIGHTERS™
      Highlight Plaque & Tartar For Better Brushing
    • DENTAL FLOSS PICKS
      U-Shaped Disposable Floss Tool
    • Replacement Toothbrush Heads
    • Plaque Highlighters™ For Kids!
    • Dental Probiotics For Kids!
    • Retainer Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Cleaner
Smile Brilliant Smile Brilliant
  • REVIEWS
  • HELPFul
    • HELPFUL LINKS
    • 10 FACTS ABOUT TEETH WHITENING
      Best Practices for Whitening Teeth
    • Sensitive Teeth Guide
      Causes & Remedies for Sensitive Teeth
    • The Science of Bad Breath
      Causes & Remedies for Bad Breath
    • 5 FACTS ABOUT ORAL PROBIOTICS
      Understanding Oral Micriobiome
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Science & Articles
    • Cruelty-Free Certification
    • Contact Us
  • Support
    • Support
    • Frequently Asked Questions
      Commonly Asked Customer Questions
    • CONTACT US
      Contact Form & Phone Number
    • ABOUT US
      See How it All Began
    • GUARANTEE
      We Stand Behind Everything We Sell
    • Smile Brilliant Product Reviews
    • Cruelty-Free Certification
0
Get $25
Science & Articles >> NEWS, TEETH WHITENING, TOOTH PAIN

Teeth Whitening Strips: Do they work? Are they safe for my teeth?

Lacy Walker, RDH, BS, CDA, MAADH, COSE, FAAOSH

Teeth whitening strips are easy to use, widely available, and may be a great solution for superficial stain removal in some cases. For most, years of staining and imperfect coverage by the strips will leave prominent staining & insufficient results. For others with ongoing tooth sensitivity, they may experience excessive discomfort.

For centuries, white teeth have been seen as a sign of wealth, beauty, and privilege. Whether you’re looking for a more youthful look or want to boost your confidence, teeth whitening can make a big difference. Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures, but it’s important to seek professional help to avoid damage to your teeth and gums.

Oral health conditions to consider before proceeding with any whitening procedure are periodontal disease, crowding, medical history, and current restorations such as fillings, crowns, and veneers.

Understanding over-the-counter teeth whitening strips

Whitening strips are a popular way to improve your smile and confidence, but it’s essential to do it safely. They are easy to use and relatively affordable. Additionally, various formulas are available to target different needs, such as sensitive teeth or deep stains. Whitening strips consist of plastic holders typically containing 5–15% hydrogen peroxide, developed with the main idea of avoiding the customized trays used in an at-home dental bleaching technique.[1]

How do whitening strips work?

There are numerous whitening products on the market, and the formulations and ingredients have evolved over the years. Tooth whitening agents aim to remove stains and discolorations. The success of tooth whitening depends on the type of stain present, which can be categorized as extrinsic staining, intrinsic staining, and internalized discoloration[2]

Whitening strips deliver a thin layer of peroxide gel on plastic strips shaped to fit onto the buccal surfaces of the teeth. [3] Carbamide and hydrogen peroxide are the most broadly used whitening agents. A typical set of instructions is to apply the strips twice daily for 30 minutes for 14 days. [3]

Is it possible to cause permanent damage with prolonged over-whitening?

Prolonged over-whitening can cause damage to the enamel structure and cause sensitivity to the teeth and irritation to the gums. This depends partly on how many whitening products are used in conjunction with the whitening strips.The degree of these side effects is directly related to the concentration of the peroxide bleach component, the duration of the treatment, and the non-bleach composition of the product used. [3] Aggressive bleaching can chemically react with composite restorations, glass ionomer cements, sealants, and ceramic crowns, thus reducing their stability. [3]

Disadvantages of whitening strips

Whitening strips are a popular at-home teeth whitening option; however, some temporary risks include sensitivity, damage to your enamel, or irritation to the gums if misused. An ingredient that can aid in the reduction of sensitivity caused by teeth whitening is products containing potassium nitrate.

Whitening strips may not lighten crowns, veneers, or composite (tooth-colored) fillings. A study that investigated the application of carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide whitening agents resulted in clinically unacceptable color change for all resin composites. [4]

Advantages of whitening strips

Research has shown time and again that having a beautiful smile is linked to your self-confidence and can also increase your happiness in life. [5] Whitening strips are affordable and easy to use at home or on the go. Although whitening strips are not as powerful as custom teeth whitening procedures, they can still impact lightening teeth. Whitening strips are easily accessible over the counter, online, at supermarkets, and pharmacies and are also gentler on the teeth and gums. Whitening strips are an excellent choice for those looking for a quick and convenient way to achieve brighter teeth. However, follow the instructions on your whitening product and talk to your dentist if you have any concerns.

Lacy Walker

LACY WALKER, RDH, BS, CDA, FAAOSH - dental hygienist, speaker, owner of Shared Hygiene, LLC, & writer w/ 25 years of experience in the dental field working in a psychiatric hospital, cosmetic, restorative, DSO, and periodontal practices. Lacy is the CE Director for A Tale of Two Hygienists podcast & Public Relations Chair for the AADH. She has a passion for the oral-systemic connection & is published in DACE, RDH Magazine, & DrBicuspid. Lacy is an approved provider of CE credits through AADH.

View My Profile Contact Lacy

References

  1. de Freitas, M. R., de Carvalho, M. M., Liporoni, P. C., Fort, A. C., Moura, R. D., & Zanatta, R. F. (2021). Effectiveness and Adverse Effects of Over-the-Counter Whitening Products on Dental Tissues. Frontiers in Dental Medicine, 2. https://doi.org/10.3389/fdmed.2021.687507
  2. Naidu, A. S., Bennani, V., Brunton, J. M. A. P., & Brunton, P. (2020). Over-the-Counter Tooth Whitening Agents: A Review of Literature. Brazilian dental journal, 31(3), 221–235. https://doi.org/10.1590/0103-6440202003227
  3. Carey, C. M. (2014). Tooth Whitening: What We Now Know. The journal of evidence-based dental practice, 14 Suppl, 70. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jebdp.2014.02.006
  4. Kurtulmus-Yilmaz, S., Cengiz, E., Ulusoy, N., Ozak, S. T., & Yuksel, E. (2013). The effect of home-bleaching application on the color and translucency of five resin composites. Journal of dentistry, 41 Suppl 5, e70–e75. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdent.2012.12.007
  5. Rye, D. G. (2017, June 13). Studies prove your smile has a direct impact on your self-confidence. Your Dental Health Resource. Retrieved December 13, 2022, from https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/studies-prove-your-smile-has-a-direct-impact-on-your-self-confidence/

RELATED ARTICLES

Easy tips to care for teeth even if you’re struggling

By: Esmy Ornelas

Following her own path & making a difference | Ashley S. Dosanjh, BDSc

By: Esmy Ornelas

How to brush your teeth to avoid damage

By: Kari Carter-Cherelus

Combat sudden tooth pain: uncover causes & solutions

By: Kari Carter-Cherelus

What is xylitol?

By: Lacy Walker

TOPICS

  • ALL
  • BAD BREATH
  • BRAND
  • BRUSHING & FLOSSING
  • CAVITIES
  • DRY MOUTH
  • FOR PROFESSIONALS
  • GINGIVITIS
  • KIDS
  • MEDICAL CONDITIONS
  • NEWS
  • ORAL MICROBIOME
  • Oral-Systemic Health
  • PH
  • PRODUCT REVIEW
  • TEETH GRINDING
  • TEETH WHITENING
  • TOOTH PAIN

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER

TEETH WHITENING PRODUCTS
  • New! Dental Stain Concealer
  • Teeth Whitening Trays
  • Teeth Whitening Gel
  • Teeth Desensitizing Gel
  • Electric Toothbrush
  • Toothbrush Heads
  • Water Flosser
  • Teeth Grinding Night Guards
  • ProShield™ Sports Mouth guards
  • Plaque Highlighters
  • Dental Floss Picks
  • Plaque Highlighters Kids
  • Dental Probiotics
  • Oral & Sinus Probiotics for Kids
  • Retainer Cleaning Tablets
  • Enamel Armour
  • Ultrasonic Cleaner
SITE NAVIGATION
  • Home
  • Reviews
  • Guarantee
  • Contact Us
  • About Us
SITE NAVIGATION
  • 10 Teeth Whitening Facts
  • Sensitive Teeth Guide
  • The Science of Bad Breath
  • 5 Facts About Oral Probiotics
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Science & Articles
privacy policy| product disclaimer| terms of use
already a customer?
  • Teeth Whitening
    • NEW! DENTAL STAIN CONCEALER
      Purple Toothpaste Stain Concealer
    • CUSTOM WHITENING TRAYS
      Complete Whitening Trays & Gel System
    • WHITENING GEL REFILLS
      Professional Strength Teeth Whitening Gel
    • DESENSITIZING GEL REFILLS
      Remineralization & Tooth Sensitivity Gel
    • Whitening Tray Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
    • Tray Replacement Reorder
    • Enamel Armour™ for Sensitive Teeth
    • Teeth Whitening Kit Reviews
    • 10 Facts About Teeth Whitening
  • NIGHT GUARDS
    • CUSTOM NIGHT GUARDS
      Complete Night Guard System
    • REORDER MORE NIGHT GUARDS
      Existing Customer Login for Fast Reorder
    • Night Guard Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Tray Cleaner
    • NEW! Enamel Building Gel
  • Sports Mouth guards
  • oral Care
    • ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH
      Best Electric Toothbrush Packages
    • CORDLESS WATER FLOSSER
      Award Winning Electric Water Flosser
    • DENTAL PROBIOTICS
      Bad Breath. Immune Support. Cavities.
    • NEW! ENAMEL ARMOUR™
      Rebuilds Enamel & Reduces Sensitivity
    • PLAQUE HIGHLIGHTERS™
      Highlight Plaque & Tartar For Better Brushing
    • Dental Floss Picks
      U-Shaped Disposable Floss Tool
    • Replacement Toothbrush Heads
    • Plaque Highlighters™ For Kids!
    • Dental Probiotics For Kids!
    • Retainer Cleaning Tablets
    • NEW! Ultrasonic Cleaner
  • HELPFul
    • 10 FACTS ABOUT TEETH WHITENING
      Best Practices for Whitening Teeth
    • Sensitive Teeth Guide
      Causes & Remedies for Sensitive Teeth
    • The Science of Bad Breath
      Causes & Remedies for Bad Breath
    • 5 FACTS ABOUT ORAL PROBIOTICS
      Understanding Oral Micriobiome
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Science & Articles
    • Cruelty-Free Certification
    • Contact Us
  • Support
    • Frequently Asked Questions
      Commonly Asked Customer Questions
    • CONTACT US
      Contact Form & Phone Number
    • ABOUT US
      See How it All Began
    • GUARANTEE
      We Stand Behind Everything We Sell
    • Smile Brilliant Product Reviews
    • Cruelty-Free Certification
Shopping Bag
ORDER PROCESSING