Teeth Whitening Strips: How Often Should You Use Them?

Have you ever put a teeth whitening strip on and looked in the mirror wondering if you are overusing it or not using it enough? You are not alone. Teeth whitening strips are one of the easiest ways to brighten your smile in the comfort of home, but there is a slight twist – too much and you run the risk of sensitivity, too little and you are not going to see significant differences. So, how often can and should you use whitening strips?

This is where most people get it wrong, and this is exactly what we are going to clarify in this blog. Let’s dive into the details to help you know exactly where to draw the line.

What Are Teeth Whitening Strips?

Teeth whitening strips are thin, flexible strips coated with a whitening gel that has active ingredients; Some whitening strips use hydrogen peroxide, while others use PAP, a non-peroxide alternative designed to be gentler on enamel. When you apply them to your teeth, these active ingredients get into your enamel and break down discolouration, stains and other deposits.

How Do They Work?

Teeth whitening strips are no instant miracle patches that will give you a Hollywood smile in seconds! But when you apply the strips to your teeth, the active ingredients are getting to work and breaking down stains on your tooth enamel.

Peroxide molecules penetrate the enamel surface and break down stain compounds through oxidation, reducing surface and subsurface discolouration. They adapt to your teeth, so the gel stays in contact with the tooth surface for the required amount of time.

Strips contain a predetermined amount of peroxide gel, and you need to apply it directly to your teeth for the specified amount of time, usually 1 hour. With consistent usage for several days in a row, the strips have a cumulative effect in whitening your teeth, or in this case cause the oxidising agent to affect stains.

Most products recommend once daily use. Some brands may allow twice daily short-term use, but this increases the risk of sensitivity and should only be done if specified by the manufacturer.

Brighten Your Smile with Confidence

A whiter smile can instantly boost your appearance and self-esteem. Our professional teeth whitening in London delivers safe, effective results tailored to you.

02070434315 BOOK ONLINE

Benefits of Using Whitening Strips

When you are planning to get tooth whitening in London, there are clearly several benefits of using whitening strips, particularly for convenience or effectiveness. Using whitening strips gives you full control over the whole teeth whitening process and you can literally do it at home when you want, and you can stop the treatments whenever you feel satisfied with the results.

Unlike professional teeth whitening in London, whitening strips give a slow, gradual process of teeth whitening that is effective and limited in teeth sensitivity. In addition, whitening strips provide a cheaper but effective alternative.

How Often to Use Whitening Strips Safely

While each brand has its own instructions, some general tips are recommended below on how often to use teeth whitening strips and do it safely:

1. Initial Treatment Course:

• Typically, whitening strips are applied once a day for a specified period of time.
• Typical length of treatment is a 7-day or 14-day course.
• Each individual whitening strip is for one-time use only and cannot be saved for a second whitening treatment.

2. Length of Each Treatment:

• Strips are generally applied for 30 minutes to a maximum of 1 hour each day.
• Putting on the product any longer than the recommended time does not change or speed up the results;rather it may heighten sensitivity.

3. Enjoying the Whitening Results:

If you complete a 14-day at-home whitening treatment, results may last several months, often around 6 to 12 months, depending on your diet, lifestyle habits, and oral hygiene.So most likely you will only have to use whitening strips 1 to 2 times a year, unless you want to maintain your results for much longer.In such cases,we recommend using whitening toothpaste and an electric toothbrush to keep your smile bright.

4. Frequency of Treatments:

• Refrain from going over the daily recommended dosage during the treatment course.
• After completing a course, it is best to wait before starting another one to prevent overexposure to whitening agents.

What Factors Affect How Often to Use Whitening Strips

Tooth Sensitivity

• Monitor the Degree of Sensitivity: If you begin to notice increased tooth sensitivity, you may apply the strips every other day.

Discolouration Level

• Minor Stains: You may not need to do a whole 2-week treatment if your teeth are only slightly stained; a 7-day treatment may do the magic.
• Major Stains: A 14-day treatment will make a big difference if you have got relatively deeper stains.

Oral Health Conditions

• Talk to Your Dentist: Before starting any whitening process, particularly if you have any restorations or periodontal issues.Make sure you consult your teeth whitening dentist in London about it.

Maintenance

• Touch-Ups: To maintain your level of whiteness, you could use the strips from time to time (for instance, every few months).
• Don’t Overdo It: You definitely don’t want to disinfect your mouth or erode your enamel or irritate your gum tissue by using the strips too often, even if they are gentle.

Transform Your Smile in Just One Visit

Discover safe and effective teeth whitening in London for a brighter, more confident smile.

02070434315 BOOK ONLINE

Tipsto Achieve Good Results with Whitening Strips

You can achieve better results by following the tips listed below to get the most effective outcomes on whitening strips.

• Brush your teeth before applying strips (ideally 30 minutes prior) to remove plaque and allow better contact. Avoid brushing immediately before use, as it can increase sensitivity.
• Make sure your teeth are clean and dry before placing the strips on your teeth. The moisture makes whitening strips less effective.
• Apply the whitening strips gently across the teeth, ensuring to cover both the top and bottom part of the teeth. Proper application of the strips ensures the teeth will not be unevenly whitened.
• Follow the directions of the whitening strips usage – youare utilizing – from its manufacturer; most require about 30 minutes contacting.
• Do not allow the whitening strips to touch your gums, as they may contain bleaching agents.
• After you take off the whitening strips, wait approximately 30 minutes to brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrushto ensure the effectiveness of the whitening agents.
• After you have removed the strips, do not eat or drink anything that may stain your teeth for at least an hour.
• Do not apply any additional peroxide to the whitening strips before using them; this will change the adhesive characteristics of the strip.
• Maintain good oral health and hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly to avoid new stains.
• For best whitening results, use whitening toothpaste along with the whitening strips.

Maintaining Your Whiter Smile After Treatment

Good Oral Hygiene

• Brush Your Teeth Twice Daily: Use fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush with softbristles.
• Floss Your Teeth Once Daily: Flossing removes plaque build-up and prevents staining between your teeth.
• Use Mouthwash: An antibacterial rinse can help to cut plaque build-up, saving you time and trouble.

Watch What You Eat or Use

• Avoid Staining Substances: Limit tea, coffee,red wine and tobacco use.
• Eat Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables:Celery, carrots and apples can help naturally clean your teeth.

Regular Check-Ups with Your Dentist

• Regular cleanings: You should see your dentist once every six months for professional cleaning and to check your overall dental health.

Risks of Overuse of Teeth Whiteners

Teeth whitening strips can produce remarkable results if they are used correctly, but too much use can backfire. Too much bleaching agent can cause the following:

• Increase the sensitivity of your teeth to cold, hot, acidic and sweetened food.
• Overuse may cause tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, and uneven results. In rare cases, prolonged misuse can affect enamel integrity.
• Cause irritation or burning of your gums, if the gel spills over repeatedly.
• Cause patch-work results if the enamel is uneven, or the strips have not been applied evenly.
• In rare cases, too much whitening can cause pulp inflammation inside the tooth, which results in pain.

Am I allowed to use whitening strips more than once a day?

It is best to not use the strips more than once a day, as overuse never speeds up your teeth whitening – rather it trigger sensitivity.

How long should I wait in between treatments?

After completing 7 days or 14 days of treatment, you should wait 3 to 6 months to start another full treatment. However, a one-day occasional touch-up may be acceptable.

Can I eat or drink while wearing the strips?

Do not eat or drink while the strips are on to ensure that nothing interferes with the whitening process and maintains the strips in a fully adhered surface.

Your Brightest Smile Awaits

Trusted by London patients, our safe teeth whitening treatments deliver lasting results you’ll love.

02070434315 BOOK ONLINE

Importance of Enamel-Safe Whitening Strips

All whitening strips are not made equally. With the enamel-safe whitening strips, sensitivity has been minimised and the outer area of your teeth has been protected while lightening stains. Select a product that states it is enamel-safe and is approved by dental professionals for additional assurance.

Can I use whitening strips every day?

Yes, when undergoing a 2-week treatment, you will need to use whitening strips daily, once or twice a day. However, if you do not use dissolvable whitening strips, make sure to remove them immediately after the instructed duration. Ensuring that you do not over treat your teeth with whitening strips is crucial, as it may cause damage to your enamel.

Can I use whitening strips with sensitive teeth?

If you have tooth sensitivity, it is likely best to start whitening strips with less frequency, before adopting a frequency of more often. Reduce the frequency if you start to feel discomfort, or stop using the whitening strips altogether, and look for whitening strips specifically designed for sensitive teeth.

Should I brush my teeth after whitening strips?

You can brush your teeth after whitening strips, but it is not necessary. If you are going to brush your teeth after using whitener strips, make sure you are doing so gently and avoiding any irritation to your teeth and gums.

What if I develop tooth sensitivity or gum discomfort while using the whitening strip?

Many people experience gum discomfort or tooth sensitivity when using whitening products; this is short-term and harmless. However, If significant gum discomfort or prolonged tooth sensitivity develops, then consider stopping its use for 2 to 3 days, then resume using once a day. If the discomfort is still present, stop using the product.

Say Goodbye to Stains

Enjoy a whiter, cleaner smile with our advanced teeth whitening services in London.

02070434315 BOOK ONLINE

Conclusion

At the end of the day though, the teeth whitening strips work; no question about it. But, how often to use teeth whitening strips? The answer is following the protocol provided on your product and adhering to your individual needs. Most people will benefit by applying the whitening strip for 7 days or 14 days.

If you have sensitive teeth, then be picky. There are low-peroxide, enamel-safe options available in the market for a reason. Use sensitivity toothpaste while whitening and you might actually get through the whitening cycle without worrying. Finally, continue to practice good oral hygiene and make conscious lifestyle choices to prolong the whitening effects.