Teeth whitening has become one of the most popular and sought-after cosmetics treatments in Airdrie dental offices – and for good reason. Who doesn’t want a pair of sparkling, white teeth? It’s a boost of confidence that can make quite a difference in how we interact with people and how we feel about ourselves.

The popularity of teeth whitening has opened the floodgates for all kinds of whitening products to enter the market, including toothpaste, mouthwash, at-home syringes and mouthguards all claiming to whiten teeth to a certain shade. One of the most commonly used commercial whitening products is strips, which are applied directly to the teeth and typically contain either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide.

The question is, do they work? And are they safe?

What You Should Know Before Using Teeth Whitening Strips

The simple answer to the question above is – yes, teeth whitening strips do work to a certain degree. However, they are not the most effective and efficient way to whiten teeth. The concentration of chemicals in store-bought teeth whitening strips is low and will require a few uses to see results.

Although strips cost much less than a professional teeth whitening service in Airdrie, you likely won’t see the results you truly want. Basically, you get what you pay for, including the risks involves.

The Risks With Teeth Whitening Strips

Although the CDA (Canadian Dental Association) states that store-bought teeth whitening products are safe to use, they do come with certain risks, including:

  • Tooth Damage – Over-using teeth whitening strips can cause irreversible damage, including sensitivity to hot and cold. Over time, the whitening chemicals soften the protective enamel and even cause teeth to turn a greyish colour.
  • Gum Damage – If a user is not careful and the whitening strips touch the gum, it can cause a chemical reaction and damage the sensitive tissues.
  • Uneven, Blotchy Results – The shape of our teeth is naturally curved, making it a challenge for whitening strips to get into the in-between areas. Moreover, some teeth may not whiten like the rest. The result is uneven whitening, which is difficult to correct.

Professional Teeth Whitening In Airdrie

When professional teeth whitening is done in a dental office, your dentist will assess the overall health of your teeth first to look for any damage, decay, or other issues that may result in uneven whitening. Dentists can use one of two techniques to whiten teeth:

  • Vital bleaching, which is done on “living” teeth that have become stained by food, drinks, age, or tobacco.
  • Non-vital bleaching on teeth that aren’t “alive”, which lightens the tooth from the inside out.

Whitening products used by dentists have a stronger concentration of bleaching chemicals and can whiten teeth quickly and more effectively than commercial products.

To Sum It Up

Store-bought teeth whitening strips are safe and effective but come with risks. To get the bright, white smile you’ve always wanted, your best bet is to visit your dentist for an in-office consultation.