Teeth whitening strips are a hot commodity that quickly runs out of stock in online retailers. However, before you purchase a transforming agent, you should clearly familiarize yourself with the principles of its operation.
On Instagram of almost any star from time to time there is an advertisement for teeth whitening strips. Celebrities claim that they constantly use them themselves and only because of this they have such a luxurious snow-white smile. And reading such reviews, it is simply impossible not to think even for a second about purchasing miracle strips, which are also relatively inexpensive. Certainly cheaper than going to the dentist!
All that is required when using the strips is simply to attach them to the front teeth after brushing and wait from 5 to 45 minutes, depending on the concentration of the active ingredient in the product.
Everything would be fine, only few people realize that most of the singers, actors and bloggers are happy (or not really) the owners of veneers – which already have a snow-white shade.
Of course, the instructions for many types of strips indicate that they can be used on veneers to eliminate the slight darkening that appears after taking “coloring” products. And in fact, in relation to veneers, whitening strips are considered a much more acceptable option than to natural tooth enamel.
The fact is that the main active ingredients of almost all home teeth whitening strips are chlorine dioxide and hydrogen peroxide.
“In fact, chlorine dioxide is the same substance that is used to disinfect drinking water, bleach things and … clean the plumbing! In small doses, it is relatively safe, but in high concentration, it leads to the destruction of enamel. And there are large doses in the whitening strips. Otherwise, they would simply not work, ”explains the owner of the dental center. Vladimir Shipkov.
Alas, hydrogen peroxide is no less dangerous.
“In particular, peroxide is harmful to the collagen structures of the teeth. (dental cavity)… Like enamel, collagen is mercilessly destroyed when exposed to these aggressive substances. These tissues are not regenerated, so along with bleaching, in any case, we should talk about destructive processes, ”the dentist says.
In addition, the use of strips is harmful to the gums. Washing out with saliva from the strips, the active substance penetrates into the gum pockets and contacts the outer part of the gums. This can lead to chemical burns of soft tissues, and subsequently even to gum recession, in which the volume of tissues decreases and the gum drops.
The expert advises not to flatter yourself in anticipation of a safer effect from strips intended for use on sensitive teeth. Simply because there are no safe home remedies for whitening.
“By choosing whitening strips, you will probably be able to whiten your teeth by a few tones and, perhaps, this effect will last for a couple of months. But is it worth exposing the enamel to the risk of complete destruction in the medium term for the sake of saving several thousand rubles? It is much more expedient to turn to professionals and, for example, to do laser whitening – without any risk to the enamel and with an effect of up to one and a half years. As a result, in comparison with the cost of strips, this method will be even more economical – and, of course, more reasonable, ”concluded Vladimir Shipkov.