Today, there are many ways to whiten teeth at home: from folk methods using baking soda or lemon juice to gels that are activated by exposure to UV lamps. But the most popular are whitening strips, because... it's fast, convenient, inexpensive and harmless.
Everyone dreams of a Hollywood smile. Owners of slender, dazzling white teeth attract attention and instantly invite communication. But what does this concept actually include? What steps are necessary to form a beautiful smile line?
The very first thing is to correct the bite: even the slightest deviation of any tooth from an even position spoils the overall impression. In more complex cases associated with an unsightly shape, advanced caries, mechanical damage, restorations, implantations, prostheses, as well as veneers, lumineers and ultraneers, which are very popular today, come to the rescue. And the most important stage is bleaching. Unlike the first two situations, which require a visit to a professional dental office, the latter is quite feasible at home.
When choosing a product of this type for the first time, you should understand how the products differ from each other and whether they are effective at all. Conventionally, whitening strips can be divided into 2 categories:
- With hydrogen peroxide.
The most effective, but unsuitable for sensitive teeth, because... may cause pain. - No hydrogen peroxide.
More gentle formulas that include natural brighteners (for example, activated carbon, oils and vitamins). But the effectiveness of such products is noticeably lower than that of previous ones.
You should not expect instant results from the strips after the first use. They all differ in speed and duration of action. You need to leave them on your teeth from 10 minutes to 6-8 hours, so before use you should definitely read the instructions, because... It is also undesirable to overexpose the strips. The course can last from 5 to 20 days. And to consolidate the result, manufacturers often advise using toothpastes and mouthwashes from the same line.
How to use the strips:
- Rinse your mouth and blot your teeth with a paper towel.
- Separate the strip from the protective membrane.
- Apply an adhesive layer to the teeth and smooth it, pressing it to the surface as much as possible. It is important not to get the whitening gel on your gums, otherwise you may risk getting a chemical burn.
- Wait the time specified by the manufacturer and remove the strips, or wait until they are completely dissolved, depending on the type of product. Drinking water, swallowing saliva or talking at this moment is not recommended.
- Rinse your mouth to remove any remaining gel and use a brush if necessary.
The procedure must be repeated daily throughout the course. If all the rules are fully followed, within a few days you will notice a lightening of the enamel by 1-2 tones. It is advisable to consult your dentist before use.
Introducing the ranking of 2022 teeth whitening strips. 11 best products that were selected by our experts based on consumer reviews and ratings.
There are contraindications, be sure to consult your doctor!
Rating (2020) | Prices, ₽ | A country |
1. Crest Supreme Professional Whitening | from 3300₽ | USA |
2. Blend-a-med 3D White Luxe | from 3000₽ | USA |
3. My Brilliant Smile based on activated carbon | from 2400₽ | USA |
4. Crest 3D White Glamorous White | from 3300₽ | USA |
5. BlanX O₃X Flash White Stripes The Power of Oxygen | from 2000₽ | Italy |
6. Megami White Xtreme 3D PRO for sensitive teeth | from 1900₽ | Japan |
7. On White Stripes Kit | from 1400₽ | Russia |
8. Bright Light 3D Bright Night Effects | from 1500₽ | China |
9. Global White Charcoal | from 700₽ | China |
10. Shomi Time White Express | from 1000₽ | China |
11. White Glo Bright Light | from 800₽ | Australia |
Tips after the procedure
To consolidate whitening, it is not recommended to eat foods with an aggressive reaction to enamel, for example:
- strong tea and coffee;
- wine;
- borsch;
- seasonings and tomato.
You should also not smoke or drink alcoholic beverages.
Otherwise, the achieved result will be lost and the enamel will become dark again.
Advantages and disadvantages, limitations
The indication for using inoPro is the presence of a yellow coating.
The popularity of whitening strips among users is due to a number of advantages inherent in them. Among the most significant are the following:
- A positive effect is achieved within a week. During this time, the color becomes lighter by 3-4 tones.
- Availability and ease of use. It is enough to apply the strips to the tooth surface and remove after 30 minutes.
- Safety. The use of whitening components in a minimally concentrated form guarantees the safety of using the product.
Just 30 minutes a day for 7 days and your teeth will become at least 2-3 shades whiter.
The safety of the method does not exclude the presence of some contraindications. For example:
- pregnancy and lactation;
- age under 18 years;
- presence of oral diseases, caries;
- fillings or enamel defects.
Before starting to use the strips, it is recommended to study all contraindications and consult a dentist.
Answers to popular questions
Are inoPro strips safe for teeth?
Based on the research conducted by the Central Research Institute, it can be concluded that the product is safe to use (subject to the instructions and recommendations). The enamel is not damaged (exposure time to the active substance is 30 minutes). If you have high tooth sensitivity, the procedure time can be reduced to 20 minutes.
Can they be used with crowns, fillings and veneers?
This whitening option can be used by those who have crowns, veneers or fillings installed. The strips have the ability to restore the original color of artificial surfaces.
Can it be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Despite the fact that there is no confirmed data on the negative impact of the product on the condition of the fetus or mother, experts do not recommend teeth whitening using the inoPro method for pregnant and lactating women. If a decision has been made to use flat pads, it is necessary to consult a dentist and gynecologist.
Do I need to brush my teeth before the procedure?
You can brush with toothpaste no earlier than an hour before whitening. Immediately before applying the product, it is recommended to rinse the mouth with warm water. The best time for the procedure is considered to be the evening, after dinner.
What to do if white spots appear on the enamel
Often, after the procedure is completed, small white spots may appear on the enamel. This is a temporary phenomenon that will go away on its own in a couple of days. It is not recommended to interrupt the whitening course using the inoPro method.
Important application details
Remember that, firstly, the whitening gel contains an aggressive chemical - hydrogen peroxide (albeit in a small concentration), and secondly, after the procedure, the teeth lose part of their natural protective film and they need time to recover. Given these features, the following rules must be observed:
- after brushing your teeth and before the whitening procedure, you can’t eat anything, you can only drink plain water,
- throughout the course you need to switch to a “white diet”: exclude brightly colored foods and drinks, black coffee, strong tea, berries,
- quit smoking or reduce the number of cigarettes to a minimum, because the enamel may darken again,
- do not expose your teeth to extreme temperatures, and also avoid combinations of hot and cold: for example, do not drink ice cream with a hot drink,
- It is not recommended to use bright lip cosmetics or toothpaste with dyes with an abrasiveness higher than 70-100 RDA,
- when the strips are glued to the teeth, it is not recommended to drink, eat, or talk a lot to prevent ingestion of the whitening component: although some manufacturers indicate that all these actions are allowed with their strips, dentists do not consider them completely safe,
- After the procedure, you can drink water, you cannot eat for 2 hours,
- strips are used once, after which they must be thrown away,
- Do not leave sachets or used strips within reach of children or pets.
You should not swap stripes – i.e. do not stick a short one on the top row and a long one on the bottom row. And the point is not at all that the whitening gel will be poorly distributed, but that the strips will stick much worse. After all, they are made taking into account the curves and height of the dentition.
Good to know! Before whitening, it is recommended to undergo professional oral hygiene to remove accumulated stone and plaque. Otherwise, the teeth may whiten unevenly (there will still be dark areas and “growths” of stone near the gums). If your teeth hurt after whitening strips, then you definitely need to undergo remotherapy - strengthening the enamel. In general, remineralization should be carried out in every good clinic after professional hygiene.
How whitening strips work
Whitening strips[1] work on a chemical principle and are one of the most common methods of whitening at home and in dentistry. The bottom line is that after gluing the strips, the active components of the bleach - hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide - begin to interact with the air, saliva in the mouth, soft plaque and pigments on the enamel. The oxidation process starts, as a result of which the darkened areas lighten. Moreover, the active substances work not only on the surface of the teeth, but also penetrate the enamel, whitening it by 2-5 tones. This is the advantage of strips over whitening toothpastes with a high RDA (abrasiveness) index - the latter can whiten teeth only on the surface.
Rules for use at home
How to use teeth whitening strips? The use of whitening strips is carried out only at home, and there must be a supply of clean water (at least 1 glass), it will be needed after using the bleaching agent. Each manufacturer provides their products with detailed instructions, which you must read before use. The features of using different strips differ little from each other and include the following steps:
- brushing your teeth 60-30 minutes before the procedure: it is better not to use a brush immediately before use, because you can scratch your gums a little, and then peroxide will get into the wound and cause irritation,
- you need to take the top strip and peel off the film on one side: this will reveal the inner layer of the whitening gel,
- the strip is applied to the dentition flush with the gum and pressed tightly, with the side with the gel facing the enamel (be careful),
- the free lower part of the strip is folded onto the back side of the dentition and is also pressed tightly,
- the next strip (short) is glued to the bottom row by analogy: the order of gluing may be different - first the bottom, then the top, as indicated by the manufacturer,
- you need to wait a while for the active substances to act,
- remove the strips and rinse your mouth several times with clean water, brush your teeth with a soft-bristled brush.
Gluing is best done with clean, dry hands in a well-lit room. The presence of a mirror is mandatory for the first 3-4 uses.
TOP 8 best strips for teeth whitening
Now let's start reviewing the most popular and effective strips for different types of tooth enamel, according to buyers.
Today's TOP includes the following products:
- RIGEL;
- White Intensive;
- Bright Light Night Effects;
- Crest 3D White Supreme FlexFit;
- Celebrity Smile;
- Listerine Whitening Quick Dissolving Strips;
- Blend-a-med 3DWhite Luxe;
- MeiTan.
Now more about each of them.
RIGEL strips do not contain components that are aggressive to enamel, such as hydrogen peroxide. Suitable for even the most sensitive teeth. The strips dissolve on their own after 15 minutes, kill bacteria, remove plaque and freshen breath. The whitening result is visible from the first use.
Whitening procedure time | 14 days |
Daily procedure time | 15 minutes. |
Shade shelf life | 1 year |
Number of strips per package | 28 pcs. |
Country of Origin | Great Britain |
Packaging cost 1350 rubles
pros
- do not contain hydrogen peroxide;
- suitable for sensitive teeth;
- dissolve themselves;
- instant effect;
- kill bacteria;
- freshen breath.
Minuses
- To complete the full course, two packages are required.
RIGEL dental strips
White Intensive
A product that whitens quite intensively. 3-4 tones at once. However, experts note its gentle effect on enamel due to the low percentage of peroxide. The shade obtained as a result of exposure to such strips lasts throughout the year.
Whitening procedure time | 14 days |
Daily procedure time | 60 min. |
Shade shelf life | 12 months |
Number of strips per package | 28 pcs. (14 top, 14 bottom) |
Manufacturer country | USA |
The average cost of such a teeth whitening product is 2,150 rubles.
pros
- home use;
- quite safe;
- comfort in use;
- speed of obtaining results;
- long-term effect.
Minuses
- helps increase tooth sensitivity;
- may cause allergies;
- weaker effect after fluorosis;
- has contraindications.
After professional whitening in the clinic, I moved to a small village where I am caring for my parents and decided to purchase Uwhite Intensive. Completed the full course. The result was impressive. No need to travel to a clinic for whitening.
White Intensive dental strips
Bright Light Night Effects
This product is a night action system. Effective for removing age spots and tartar caused by constant smoking, drinking coffee and other coloring foods and drinks.
Whitening procedure time | 14 days |
Daily procedure time | 6-8 hours |
Shade shelf life | 12 months |
Number of strips per package | 28 pcs. (14 top, 14 bottom) |
Brand country | USA |
Manufacturer country | China |
The average price of such a drug is 1,490 rubles.
pros
- independent use;
- convenient use;
- whitening for quite a long time.
Minuses
- increases sensitivity;
- contains allergens;
- previous fluorosis prevents an impeccable result;
- at first there is intense salivation.
I used Bright Light Night Effects strips for whitening. The result is excellent. Some complain of drooling. But it goes away from the second night of the course. And this circumstance did not cause any inconvenience. My teeth turned five shades whiter. The first results (2-3 tones) were noticeable from the first time. At the end of the course, my teeth did not become more sensitive. Great product!
Bright Light Night Effects dental strips
Crest 3D White Supreme FlexFit
This product has the most active effect on tooth enamel, because... contains a concentrated composition of peroxide and other bleaching agents. Not recommended for sensitive teeth. Provides powerful whitening. The effect is no worse than whitening in professional dental clinics.
Whitening procedure time | 21 day |
Daily procedure time | 1 hour |
Shade shelf life | 18 months |
Number of strips per package | 21 pack |
Brand country | USA |
The estimated cost of such a system is 4,500 rubles.
pros
- the ability to carry out the procedure independently;
- longer bottom strip size for better adhesion to teeth;
- quality result;
- fast results;
- long-term effect.
Minuses
- danger to sensitive teeth;
- possible allergies;
- unpredictable result after fluorosis;
- in some cases it is generally contraindicated.
I wanted to whiten my teeth. I didn’t dare go to professional dentists. I have heard about the pain, discomfort and harshness of this procedure. I decided to try Cross Three D White. I started using it and bleaching it. The effect suited me quite well. My teeth have always had a yellow tint, but now they turned white. I didn’t use these strips completely so as not to greatly increase the sensitivity of my teeth. One problem: the effect doesn't last very long. Coffee, chocolate, etc. products again change the color of the enamel.
dental strips Crest 3D White Supreme FlexFit
Celebrity Smile
Refers to gentle means. Whitening occurs according to the anatomical structure of the teeth. The impact does not affect the tissue surrounding the tooth. No periodontal irritation occurs. The active substance of the strip is low. The drug provides gentle whitening. The package contains fourteen two-week packs.
Whitening procedure time | 14 days |
Daily procedure time | 60 min. |
Shade shelf life | One year |
Number of strips per package | 14 pcs. |
Brand country | China |
Manufacturer country | China |
The cost of a two-week complex is about 1890 rubles (for 14 pieces).
pros
- can be done at home;
- high level of security;
- very convenient to use;
- fast whitening;
- the result lasts for a long time.
Minuses
- an allergic reaction is possible;
- there are a number of contraindications.
Thanks to the Celebrity Smile brand, the whitening procedure has become familiar to me. I do it once every six months. Fast, effective, safe and no discomfort. Super! I recommend.
dental strips Celebrity Smile
Listerine Whitening Quick Dissolving Strips
A special feature of the products of this production is the presence of such a property as gradual dissolution under the influence of saliva. Perfect for customers with sensitive teeth.
Whitening procedure time | 14 days |
Daily procedure time | 5-6 min. |
Shade shelf life | 12 months |
Number of strips per package | 56 pcs. |
Manufacturer country | USA |
You can buy these strips at an average price of 2,300 rubles.
pros
- quite usable at home on our own;
- good level of security;
- convenient and comfortable use;
- the effect is long lasting.
Minuses
- the sensitivity of the enamel increases slightly;
- danger of allergies;
- contraindicated in some cases.
I love coffee very much, and sometimes I smoke. Teeth have changed color over time. I purchased Listerine Whitening Quick Dissolving Strips and was very pleased. White teeth. I'm not embarrassed to smile now.
Listerine Whitening Quick Dissolving Strips
Blend-a-med 3DWhite Luxe
Excellent whitening product. It has one of the most effective indicators - seven tones! It effectively removes even strong pigmentation and complex dental deposits. Peroxide is contained in a five percent composition. This amount is allowed for use in case of increased tooth sensitivity.
Whitening procedure time | 14 days |
Daily procedure time | One hour |
Shade shelf life | 12 months |
Number of strips per package | 28 pcs. (14 top, 14 bottom) |
The average price of such a drug is 3,640 rubles.
pros
- used at home, independently and safely;
- easy to use;
- quick results;
- long lasting effect.
Minuses
- allergic;
- not recommended after fluorosis;
- There are medical contraindications.
I bought it for my daughter at her request. I took it for myself. We went through a whitening course with her for two weeks. No discomfort. Everything is convenient, comfortable and efficient. My daughter’s bleaching was more intense; she’s young. Mine are a little worse, but the result is also pretty good. I will continue to use it. Read the instructions carefully and strictly follow all recommendations. The result will not disappoint. I recommend.
teeth strips Blend-a-med 3DWhite Luxe
MeiTan
The drug is called “Living Enamel”. Whitening occurs up to four tones - quite effective. However, the chemical composition of the strips can negatively affect the soft tissue around the teeth. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid contact of the strip with the periodontium.
Whitening procedure time | 7-14 days |
Daily procedure time | 30 min. |
Shade shelf life | 12 months |
Number of strips per package | 28 pcs. (14 top, 14 bottom) |
The price of such strips is on average 1980 rubles per pack.
pros
- independent home use;
- comfort;
- quick effect;
- maintaining the result for a long time.
Minuses
- aggravates enamel sensitivity;
- allergic reactions are not excluded;
- not recommended after fluorosis;
- contraindications must be taken into account.
Our dentist told me that with healthy enamel like mine, any use of strips would only damage it. But the whiteness of my smile leaves much to be desired. I found a safe option for myself - MeiTan strips and am very pleased with the result. The seller recommended buying two packages and taking a two-week course. I purchased it. But after a week I was quite satisfied with the result. I left the second package until next time. I recommend to everyone.
MeiTan teeth strips
Price, manufacturer
The product is produced under the inoPro brand, China.
The price of inoPro depends on the set:
- 1 set (course for whitening 2-3 tones) - from 1000 rubles;
- 2 sets (whitening course for 5-6 tones) - from 2000 rubles;
- 3 sets (for 8-9 tones) - from 3000 rub.
You can buy them on the official website.
How many times a day can you use the strips?
As a rule, strips are used once a day. Moreover, most manufacturers recommend whitening in the evening - for example, an hour after dinner. So that the active components remaining in the enamel layer have a better effect. And try to carry out the procedure in the following days at a certain time of day. Some strips are suitable for twice daily use – morning and evening. In this case, manufacturers must indicate this information in the instructions.
Reviews
Recently I saw material on the Internet about whitening Ino Pro. I was very interested in the product, and my teeth are not sparkling white. I decided to order on the official website. After using the entire set, people around me simply did not believe that it was my mouth. My smile became simply dazzling. Thank you!
Maria
I have been a smoker for over 25 years. My wife gave me an Ino Pro whitening kit for my birthday. At first I was skeptical about this experiment, but after three days of using them I noticed a significant lightening of the enamel color by several tones.
Valery
I simply cannot live without strong coffee, it is my passion. But it has a detrimental effect on my teeth: they acquired a dark brown color, which I could not get rid of with any of the most expensive toothpastes. I recently saw an advertisement for inoPro whitening pads. I decided to try it. I am completely satisfied with the result: my teeth are 4 shades lighter, they are very simple and easy to use, and the enamel is not damaged.
Catherine
Source
General information about the product
Whitening strips or strips (from English strips) are products for home teeth whitening. They consist of two parts of dense material (film), between which there is a layer of gel with active brightening components - hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Each row of teeth has its own strip. It will not be possible to whiten all teeth with such means, since the structural features of the human dental system do not allow making long stripes, covering the entire row. Otherwise, the risk of burning the mucous membranes or swallowing the active gel increases many times over. Therefore, they are glued only in the “smile zone” - on the 6-8 front teeth.
On a note! Most manufacturers package 2 strips per use in a sachet (small sealed bag). The long strip is intended for the upper row of teeth, it is marked as “upper”, the short strip is for the lower row, it is marked “lower”.
The whitening course is designed for a certain number of days - 7, 10, 14, or 28. It all depends on the effect of the strips - extra-strong ones are used for fewer days, and gentle ones are designed for 2-4 weeks. As a rule, 1 box of strips is 1 course, i.e. the box will contain the required number of sachets. Manufacturers themselves, as well as dentists, do not recommend repeating whitening courses more than 1-2 times a year.
How to use inoPro strips
To make the use of inoPro whitening strips safe and achieve the desired effect, it is important to follow the instructions for use.
- Open the package immediately before use. When the active substance comes into contact with oxygen, it is activated.
- Apply the strip to the upper and lower teeth along the gum line.
- The strips should remain on the teeth for 30 minutes. It is during this time that the active substance, oxidizing, removes plaque. The substance also has the ability to penetrate the enamel, which helps eliminate age spots.
- After the required time has passed, remove the product and rinse the mouth.
The time during which a positive result can be seen depends on the individual characteristics of the person, including the initial shade of plaque and the presence of pathologies on the dental surface.