A lot of individuals question whether such mainstream drugstore items are safe to their teeth. The fact is that the whitening strips are not entirely ineffective, and they are associated with certain risks when they are not applied properly. Learning how they will influence your teeth will help you make informed decisions concerning your smile. We should discuss the truth about whitening strips and their comparison with the professional ones.
Do dental professionals consider teeth whitening strips to be safe to use?
The greater part of dental professionals do not deny that teeth whitening strips are usually safe when applied as recommended. They do have significant warnings, though Whitening strips have peroxide that may irritate gums and increase tooth sensitivity when overused or used improperly, and in some cases may weaken enamel. The question of is teeth whitening is safe or not is determined by your dental state and how properly you observe instructions. Dentists suggest that people should use strips infrequently and should not spend more time than the suggested time of treatment. Before using any form of whitening product at home, people should see a dentist when they have some dental issues.
How Whitening Strips Work
Teeth whitening strips have hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide that removes stains on teeth surfaces. These are plastic strips with whitening gel applied directly to the teeth, which are kept in place for a fixed duration, usually around 30 minutes. The peroxide disintegrates stain molecules which causes teeth to become whiter. This is an easy process that is less regulated compared to professional treatments.
Dentists’ perceptions of the safety of enamel
Licensed dentists state that no serious harm to healthy enamel is observed with the occasional use of whitening strips provided that the products are used properly. Nonetheless, enamel may be weakened by the regular or excessive use. Medical practitioners point out that monitoring and adequate usage are important. The use of professional guidance makes the whitening process safer.
Will the use of whitening strips harm the tooth enamel or make them sensitive?
Yes, teeth whitening strips may increase tooth sensitivity and when misused, may contribute to enamel weakening. Application of strips longer than recommended or forgetting about them leaves teeth at risk of too much peroxide which may soften and erode the enamel. A significant number of users have a temporary loss of sensation to hot and cold following the use of strips. The question is whether it is safe to whiten your teeth depending on the current state of your teeth? Enamel is vulnerable, and once it is damaged, it does not regenerate. When the sensitivity continues to take several days after discontinuation of the treatment, then professional dental treatment is advised.
Risk Factors for Enamel Erosion
- Excessive consumption of whitening products.
- Keeping a strip longer than advised.
- Application of strips on the already weakened enamel.
- Making several whitening products at once.
- Disregard of manufacturer instructions.
Short-term vs. Long-term Sensitivity.
Majority of the individuals have mild sensitivity during and direct to whitening strip treatment. This interim pain normally disappears after few days of quitting. Nevertheless, dental sensitivity may persist and require dental care in cases of repetitive whitening or aggressive usage. In the case of lack of sensitivity improvement or severe sensitivity then this indicates that there is a risk of enamel damage.
Who should not use teeth whitening strips?
Definitely no teeth whitening strips should be used by several groups of people. Patients who have cavities, gum disease or exposed tooth roots are at greater risk of pain and damage. Whitening treatments should be avoided by pregnant or nursing women. Whitening products should not be used by children and teenagers whose permanent teeth are still developing. Individuals using dentin restorations such as crowns/veneers will experience an uneven outcome as these products do not react to peroxide. Prior to thinking about any whitening, it is always good to ask the question before any whitening is considered; is teeth whitening safe in your case? Firstly, it is always good to consult with a dental professional.
Risky Dental Problems.
- Active cavities or active tooth decay.
- Gum disease or receding gums
- Litigated tooth roots or resorbed enamel.
- Available dental restorations (crowns, veneers, bondings)
- Extremely sensitive teeth
- Cracked or damaged teeth
Whitening strips vs professional whitening treatments: Which one is better than the other?
Whitening Strips. Teeth whitening strips are convenient and cheaper than professional procedures, but professional treatments have high-quality and safety supervision. If you want the best and affordable teeth whitening smile treatment in McKinney, TX, LiT Dental has low-cost professional whitening services. Teeth whitening prices differ with the treatment you prefer to take- an in-office treatment ($400-1500) or the take-home treatment by professionals ($200- $400). The ultimate price will be determined by how discolored you are, the whitening technique that you have been prescribed, and any cleaning or sensitivity therapy you might require before the procedure.
Differences in Effectiveness and Safety.
Professional whitening involves the application of greater levels of concentration of peroxide in controlled conditions, which results in quicker and more pronounced results. Dentists are able to program the strength of treatment according to the sensitivity of tooth and desired shade. They also screen dental issues, which may be aggravated with whitening. Strips apply with less concentration and a one-size-fits-all application that can be irritating to gums or lead to uneven whiteness.
Factors of Control and Supervision.
- Personalized trays in professional treatments.
- The use of dental supervision on in-office procedures.
- Dental health pre-treatment assessment.
- Varying levels of treatment.
- Timely reaction to complications.
- Management of post-treatment sensitivity.
LiT Dental has a qualified team that offers a wide range of dental treatments, such as tooth whitening, crowns, veneers, dental bonding, and fillings. The first step of making certain that your teeth whitening is safe in your specific case is an initial examination of your oral health by our licensed dentists. Professional whitening is effective and comfortable as we tailor the treatment to your level of sensitivity and desired outcomes.
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Conclusion
The correct decision to make for your smile is the knowledge of the advantages and disadvantages of over-the-counter products compared with professional care. Though teeth whitening strips may offer some slight results, they do not provide the safety monitoring and level of control available with professional procedures. Never endanger your teeth by misusing drugstore whitening strips without professional guidance. Book an appointment at LiT Dental in McKinney, TX and today to see safe and professionally controlled whitening products that can leave you with a brilliant smile that you have always wanted with professional care that you can trust.
