Congratulations! You have gotten the smile of your dreams, but now what? Does the white, bright hue on teeth remain forever? Or should you brush your teeth after using teeth whitening strips for long-lasting results?
Brushing Teeth After Using Whitening Strips – Is It Safe?
Yes, it is safe and recommended to do so after teeth whitening via strips. Brushing does not lessen the whitening effects of the treatment in any way; therefore, you need not worry about losing your sparkly white smile.
Having said that, there is a word of caution to it. Brushing and flossing after teeth whitening treatment should be done gently to avoid gum irritation and discomfort.
Also, use a soft-bristled toothbrush. A hard one may be too abrasive and increase your chance of gum inflammation.
Brushing Teeth Before Using Whitening Strips
Just like after brushing teeth before, teeth whitening strips are essential as well. This helps remove all the plaque matter and debris from your teeth that may get stuck beneath the strips.
Moreover, it is crucial for your strips to fully adhere to your clean teeth for better teeth whitening results. For that, getting rid of debris and plaque is a must.
Brush your teeth at least 30-40 minutes before applying the strips because using them immediately might cause gum irritation.
Teeth Whitening Procedure (Using These Strips)
The easiest way to have the perfect white smile is by using at-home whitening strips. These strips are sturdy (to an extent), thin plastic strips coated with a peroxide-based gel to remove surface stains and slowly brighten your teeth with time.
In this day and age, there are multiple teeth whitening strips widely available in every drugstore and online at affordable costs.
How do whitening strips work on your teeth?
As mentioned earlier, whitening strips with peroxide (a type of bleach) easily brighten the teeth. Most strips are hydrogen peroxide infused; however, some manufacturers use carbamide peroxide.
When you fix them (strips) on your teeth, the bleaching layer breaks the stains on your teeth apart because of perforation. This lessens the extent of stains, ultimately making your teeth look whiter.
The time span to put these strips on usually depends on the type you are using. The general rule of thumb is to wear them for 30 minutes at least once or twice a day. Also, this is not a one-time wonder. You may need to repeat the process for a few days.
Potential Side Effects
In general opinion, teeth whitening strips are safe; however, there are some faint possibilities of side effects with their use. Some of the common issues are:
- Teeth and gum sensitivity
- Gum irritation
- Allergic reactions
Closing Note
You can visit us for an in-depth evaluation with a professional orthodontist; contact The Smile Artisans at (832) 220-6087. You can also drop by our clinic at 18121 Tuckerton Road, Suite 140, Cypress, TX 77433.