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Do Crest Whitestrips Really Work and Are They Safe to Use?

Do Crest Whitestrips Really Work and Are They Safe to Use?

While at your local drug store, you find yourself tempted to try one of the many whitening kits available. Considering your options, you look at one of the more prominent brands and ask, “Do Crest Whitestrips work? Are they safe to use?” Before you invest in one of the over-the-counter solutions, let your local dentist explain some of the risks you might be taking to achieve a brighter, whiter smile.

Do Crest Whitestrips Work?

If you want to know the truth, yes, Crest Whitestrips do work. They can make your teeth look whiter because of a gel that is spread along the strip and placed onto the surface of your teeth. This substance contains hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide and works to penetrate the tooth enamel to remove stains.

Designed for one-time use, these strips mold around your teeth and are, for the most people, completely non-toxic. If you have difficulties or a reaction to adhesives, whitestrips may not be the right solution for you.

What Are the Risks Associated with Them?

Crest Whitestrips as well as other similar store-bought whitening brands can pose several risks, especially if overused. Some of these include:

Damage to your gum tissue: In order for your teeth to become whiter, the chemical substance that blasts away stains can actually do harm to your gums. Because these whitestrips contain the pH-balancing ingredient, sodium hydroxide, it can corrode teeth and irritate soft tissue.

Possible yellow spots: Since whitestrips cannot get into the crevices of your teeth or in-between spaces, they can cause an uneven whitening experience, leaving you with less-than-desirable results.

Tooth damage: If you begin to whiten your teeth too often, the solution on the whitening strips can damage them and increase your risk for possible cavities or sensitivity.

Tooth sensitivity: If the enamel on your teeth becomes damaged, the inner layer known as the dentin can become exposed and result in tooth sensitivity. This will make it difficult to consume hot or cold foods and beverages.

Disrupting your oral microbiome: Since peroxide is used in the gel found on whitestrips, and because it is great for killing off bacteria, it shouldn’t remain in your mouth for an extended period of time. It is important that you have good bacteria in your mouth as well to prevent cavities and other dental problems. Too much peroxide can disrupt your oral microbiome and creating more issues.

What is an Alternative Solution to Consider?

If you want to avoid possibly doing more harm than good to your teeth and gums, allow your dentist to provide you with a safe and effective at-home teeth whitening kit. Not only do they come with custom-made trays that are created based on impressions taken of your smile, but you will also receive a high-grade bleaching gel that is guaranteed top produce dramatic results.

Because the trays are customized to fit your smile, once you dispense the pre-filled gel into the tray, you can feel confident that your soft tissues will remain untouched with no irritation.

After two weeks of wearing your whitening trays, you will see a noticeably whiter and brighter smile.

While you could go out and buy a name brand product that promises a lot, why not skip the possible risks and leave it to the real professionals? If you are interested in taking the safer route to achieve whiter teeth, talk to your dentist today.

About the Author

Dr. R. Sharma graduated from Boston College with her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Mathematics. After earning her doctorate from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, she completed a year-long General Practice Residency at the Boston VA Medical Center. Dr. Sharma and the team at Allen Creek Family Dentistry can help you achieve a brighter, whiter smile in less time with professional teeth whitening in Marysville, WA. As one of the most cosmetic dentistry services available, find out if you are eligible to receive treatment by contacting us at (360) 651-2900.

Location

6618 64th St. NE, Suite C, Marysville, WA 98270

Office Hours

MON 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

TUE 11:00 am - 7:00 pm

WED 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

THU 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

FRI 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

SAT - SUN Closed

Get in Touch

Email: allencreekdentistry@gmail.com

Phone: (360) 651-2900