Whitening strips before and after - do they work? (2024)

Whitening strips can be an effective short term solution to discolored or stained teeth. When you consider teeth whitening strips before and after pictures, you can see the benefits.

Here, we explain what you need to do before and after whitening your teeth. We also look at the evidence behind whitening strips and look at the factors that can affect teeth whitening before and after results, before answering some FAQs.

What you need to do before and after whitening your teeth with strips

To give whitening strips the best chance of working as they should, it's helpful to perform some simple steps before and after the treatment. Here's what you need to think about:

Before

After

  • After removing the strips, brush your teeth after about thirty minutes. This gives enough time for the bleach to work without removing it.

  • Most of the time, you need to use strips more than once to see results. If this is the case, make sure you use the strips consistently over a few days or weeks.

The evidence: Do whitening strips work?

When it comes to before and after teeth whitening strips, you can reasonably expect to see an improvement in the brightness of your teeth.

Remember, studies show that teeth whitening strips can have a positive impact on the brightness of your teeth, but they should be regarded as a short-term solution*.

*Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4058574/

The good news is that peroxide-based strips are safe and effective, but you need to be aware of the risks and use the strips correctly, following the instructions and any dental advice before, during, and after application. In other words, if you apply ADA-approved strips correctly, within a few hours or a few days, you can expect to see notable improvements in how white your teeth are.

The results will vary from person to person and will depend on numerous factors (explained below), but at the very least, you should see some improvements after using teeth whitening strips.

Factors affecting teeth whitening strips before and after

When planning for whitening strips before and after, you need to take into account various factors that are likely to affect the results that you see. For instance:

1. The level of discoloration

Naturally, one of the most important factors to consider is the level of discoloration of your teeth before using strips. If your teeth are particularly stained or discolored, you won't see incredible results overnight.

Rather, the bleach will take longer to work its magic. However, if your teeth are only slightly yellow or a light brown, you can reasonably expect to see better results in the short-term.

2. The quality of the products

Not every teeth whitening product is created equal, so you need to consider the quality of the strips that you're using. Crest whitening strips before and after tend to deliver good results, so this is worth thinking about.

You should avoid the cheapest whitening products and always check that the strips you use our ADA-approved. If you use inferior-quality whitening strips, you can't expect to see positive results.

3. Your dental hygiene

The way you look after your teeth will have a big impact on the success of whitening strips. For instance, if you use whitening strips and don't plan on brushing your teeth regularly, the results will only last for a few days.

However, if you invest in a high-quality automatic toothbrush - like the Laifen Wave - and use a whitening toothpaste, you can expect to see much better results.

Also, improving the way that you brush and look after your teeth in the long run will have a positive impact on the brightness of your teeth and will mean that you don't necessarily need to use whitening strips going forwards.

Recap: Whitening strips before and after

The results of whitening strips before and after depend on various factors. But if you use a quality product and follow the instructions, you are likely to see results. Check out our whitening strips FAQs below for more information.

FAQ

Q1: How long does it take to see results from whitening strips?

Some people see results from whitening strips in a few hours, while some people need to wait a few days. The quality of the product you use will influence how quickly you see results.

Q2: Should I brush my teeth before and after whitening strips?

We recommend brushing your teeth before using whitening strips. Then, wait at least 30 minutes until brushing your teeth after whitening to let the bleach work properly.

Q3: Do whitening strips work permanently?

Not usually. Whitening strips are best seen as a short-term solution. If you want to achieve much whiter teeth in the long term, book an appointment with your dentist and improve your long-term dental hygiene.

Q4: What not to do after using whitening strips?

You should avoid brushing your teeth too soon after using whitening strips. Also, avoid alcohol and tobacco immediately after using the strips, as these things can have a negative impact on the bleach.

TEETH WHITENING

Whitening strips before and after - do they work? (2024)

FAQs

How long does it take to see results from whitening strips? ›

Some improvement may be seen after only 3 days. Final results are visible after 10 to 20 days, depending on the specific Crest whitening-strip product used.

Do teeth whitening strips actually work? ›

The short answer is yes. Teeth whitening strips can whiten your teeth by a shade or two and can act in as little as a few days. But home products aren't usually as effective as in-office dental whitening techniques. They also come with some risks such as increased tooth sensitivity and gum irritation.

Do dentists recommend whitening strips? ›

The majority of whitening strips are effective at removing surface stains from teeth. However, if the directions are not followed, at-home whitening strips can be harmful. Purchase tooth whitening strips that are ADA-approved, such as Crest whitening strips.

Do Crest Whitestrips work after one use? ›

Yes, the crest white strips do work after one use although the effects may be more mild. However, the more consecutive days that you use it you should notice your teeth getting whiter and whiter. The whitening effect becomes more prominent the longer you use it.

Do I brush my teeth after whitening strips? ›

As for whether you should brush your teeth after using whitening strips, there is no definitive answer. While some experts recommend brushing immediately after removing the strips to ensure all residue is removed, others advise waiting for 30 minutes to allow the enamel to rehydrate and minimize potential abrasion.

What happens if you leave whitening strips on longer than 30 minutes? ›

It's tempting to think that leaving them on longer will yield a more dazzling smile, but this isn't necessarily the case. Overextending the application time can lead to increased tooth sensitivity without delivering significant additional benefits.

How often should I crest white strips? ›

The ADA Council on Scientific Affairs Acceptance of Crest 3D White Whitestrips is based on its finding that the product is safe and has shown efficacy in whitening natural teeth when used according to the manufacturer's instructions. Features: Use once a day for 14 days.

What is the best method to whiten teeth? ›

In-office bleaching provides the quickest way to whiten teeth. With in-office bleaching, the whitening product is applied directly to the teeth. These products can be used in combination with heat, a special light, or a laser. Results are seen in only one, 30- to 60-minute treatment.

How can I naturally whiten my teeth? ›

Seven Ways to Naturally Whiten Teeth
  1. Eat Strawberries. One of the simplest ways to naturally whiten your teeth is just by eating strawberries. ...
  2. Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables. ...
  3. Brush After You Eat or Drink. ...
  4. Rinse with Apple Cider Vinegar. ...
  5. Apply Coconut Oil. ...
  6. Brush Your Tongue. ...
  7. Use Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide.

When should you not use teeth whitening strips? ›

You have existing oral health issues like cavities, worn enamel, periodontal disease, or exposed roots. You wear braces. You have crowns, fillings, or other dental restorations that will not be whitened by a home kit. You're allergic to peroxide or any of the other ingredients in whitening strips.

What are the side effects of Crest Whitestrips? ›

From Whitening Strips: Potential teeth whitening side effects associated with whitening strips include irritated gums and tooth sensitivity. From Whitening Pens: Like whitening strips, whitening pens may cause some tooth sensitivity or gum irritation.

Is a teeth whitening kit better than strips? ›

For many people, teeth whitening kits work well on both surface-level and deeper stains. The average cost of a kit is $20-$100. Trays provide more coverage than some teeth whitening strips. May contain a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide and other chemicals for near-immediate results.

Should I use whitening strips in the morning or night? ›

Using whitening strips before bed might be more convenient for some people, as it allows the product to work overnight without interference from food or beverages. On the other hand, using them in the morning can help you start your day with a refreshed, brighter smile.

Why aren't my teeth whitening strips working? ›

Teeth Are Not Clean

The chemicals break down the stain molecules that cause teeth to darken. Plaque buildup can block these whitening chemicals from reaching the stained teeth. Schedule a dental cleaning appointment first before using teeth whitening strips. This can prepare your teeth well for the whitening process.

How long do teeth stay white after whitening strips? ›

Whitening strips vary in the number of treatments needed before you see results. Some strips provide superior results, which can last for up to 6 months. Whitening strips are one of the most effective over-the-counter treatments for whitening teeth at home. Some brands are easier to use and more effective than others.

How to know if whitening strips are working? ›

However, after a few days, many people who use Crest 3D White Whitestrips can already see a brighter difference in their smile. Friends or family may also begin to comment on the change! You can also see the result by looking at your back teeth.

How long does it take very yellow teeth to whiten with strips? ›

Common Ways To Whiten Your Teeth

Whitening strips are the most commonly used method and people gravitate towards them. But these are not always the best option for sensitive teeth. If you choose this method you have to be very committed, they have to be worn 1-2 hours every day for 2-3 weeks.

How long does it take for white spots to go away after teeth whitening strips? ›

Some teeth have irregular fluoride or calcium levels. The areas that contain less fluoride or calcium lighten more quickly during home whitening, which then looks like stains on the first few days of treatment. However, this returns to normal, usually within 60 to 90 minutes after application.

Why am I not seeing results from whitening strips? ›

Teeth Are Not Clean

The chemicals break down the stain molecules that cause teeth to darken. Plaque buildup can block these whitening chemicals from reaching the stained teeth. Schedule a dental cleaning appointment first before using teeth whitening strips. This can prepare your teeth well for the whitening process.

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