Whitening Strips

Whitening strips are common and easy to use whitening method. Typical brands claim to whiten teeth 3 shades and expect those results to last approximately one year. Treatments are usually one-two times a day for a week. Complaints about whitening strips usually involve the slipping of the strips off the teeth, the extra saliva they can create or the fact that they are easily noticed.

Whitening Gels, Whitening Toothpastes & Whitening Gum

Whitening Gels are — often a lower level of hydrogen peroxide that comes in a tube with a brush or sponge applicator. The gel is then applied to and left on the teeth. **Most brands recommend application 1-2 times per day for two weeks.

Common negative comments about whitening gel are that it is hard to use, sticky and may make your mouth salivate. On the other hand, products are usually quite inexpensive, the treatment is nearly invisible when applied and the gel does not have to be wiped off.

Whitening Toothpaste – These toothpastes contain mild abrasives and clean the surface of your teeth removing plaque or extrinsic surface stains. They are also a great way to keep your teeth white after completing a professional or in-home whitening treatment.

Whitening Gum – A much less effective whitening product, it does not contain peroxide although it is marketed as a product that breaks up the surface stains on teeth. Chewing teeth whitening gum has the added benefit of stimulating saliva, which neutralizes the acids that contribute to tooth decay. Be wary that you must chew a very large number of whitening gum pieces before you see a noticeable difference. Dear Doctor in their article, “Brighter, Lighter, Whiter” states that you would have to chew over 4 pieces for 20 minutes each day to make a noticeable difference over time.