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The Whitening Strips Myth: Professional Insights on Why They Don't Work

Updated: Oct 31, 2023

Having white teeth is a self esteem booster for most people. Individuals are always seeking ways to improve their overall dental health by changing their diet and taking different products to achieve these results.


Today, teeth-whitening strips are a most popular choice for a majority of the population who are looking to work on their dental health. But, one little problem is that some whiteners might not be as good as they claim (and might even do more harm in the long run).

Here are four reasons why your teeth whitening methods fail.


The Wrong Type of Whitener


There are two main types of teeth whiteners in use. Some consider abrasive teeth whiteners as a cheaper and more convenient alternative compared to chemical whiteners. The only disadvantage is that abrasive whiteners may cause your teeth to turn yellow after prolonged use.


Abrasive whiteners are found in many brands of toothpaste (particularly those that claim to be whitening toothpastes). They wear down tooth enamel, which can cause tooth damage and reduce the quality of the teeth.


Its important to check on the type of whitener you are using before settling on a choice. You can start by conducting a little research on the different products and compare their features.


Poorly Fitting Tray and Strips


Some trays just dont fit. A common process of teeth whitening involves having a tray where you can put the whitener. If the tray is loosely fit, you might have a problem achieving the required results.


Its always crucial to ensure that you get quality fitting trays if you intend to purchase over the counter whitening products. Another idea might involve paying your dentist a visit, where they can help you acquire fitting trays for your teeth.


Although it might seem more expensive and less convenient at frst, it might save you time and guarantees results. Having poorly fitting trays can provide for an uncomfortable experience. Cheap whitening strips might also cause irritation on the gum.


The coldness of some trays has been criticized (however, you can still find some quality stripes at decent prices, you just need to know what to look for).


Wrong Type of Discoloration


Discolorations can be either temporary or permanent. An uneven discoloration that does not disappear no matter how frequently you use whitening products is probably a permanent one.

A major cause of permanent discoloration relates to enamel defects that damage the interior of the tooth. Extrinsic discolorations are mainly because of the consumptions of beverages and tobacco. Teeth whitening strips are effective against such, but it might be more difficult to completely remove permanent strains.


You might need to have a good idea concerning tooth discoloration before going for teeth whitening strips. Also ensure that you only purchase quality products from recognized brands.


Choose the Professional Whitening


Its important to choose quality products every time you decide to whiten your teeth. The strips should be easy to use, light and not too expensive. You can tell if a product is quality by looking at the manufacturers profile.


If you are still unsure, its advisable to check with your dentist, or any other qualified professional for additional insight. However, some discolorations might be permanent (which are much more difficult to remove). A visit to a dental expert can help you understand the right product based on your needs although its also possible to make online purchases.


Whitening strips also come in several flavors including mint., strawberry, etc. You should also check the packaging for any defects. A quality product should adhere to strict hygienic standards which should be observable from a first glance.




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