Do Crest White Strips Work?

Do Crest white strips work? This has become a very frequent question, ever since a large number of over-the-counter products flooded supermarkets in the early 2000’s. In this article, we will attempt to answer this question, by addressing a number of common topics related to the use of Crest white strips. We will explore some of the advantages and disadvantages of Crest white strips, to determine if the product is suitable for you.

Crest White Strips vs. Expert Whitening Solutions

There is an ongoing debate in the US on whether we should use over-the-counter teeth whitening products or choose to get expert whitening solutions from a dentist. Many users agree that both approaches can yield the desired effect.

However, side-effects for over-the-counter products have recently come under closer scrutiny. Though such products are effective in their own right, the lack of dentist supervision can have serious consequences for consumers. Many people are often unaware of their compatibilities and sensitivities with various substances. Whitening solutions that your dentist apply also have side-effects. However, they are less likely to occur due to the expert advice you will get.

It is also important to note that medical insurance policies do not cover teeth whitening. The main reason is the cosmetic nature of such a treatment.

Do Crest White Strips Work for Tooth Staining

In order to pertinently answer the question do Crest white strips work, we must also place this whitening solution within the larger context of dentistry approaches to tooth staining.

In order to understand whether you actually need tooth whitening, you should first have a very good understanding of tooth staining, and of how and why it occurs.

Tooth staining is determined by numerous factors, amongst them diet, genes, age, and lifestyle. In addition, tooth staining can be intrinsic (internal causes) and extrinsic (external causes). Tooth whitening solutions mainly treat extrinsic staining and have little or no effect on intrinsic staining. So, before you rush and start buying tooth whitening products, let’s see what causes tooth staining in the first place.

Do Crest White Strips Work for Extrinsic Tooth Staining

Extrinsic staining, or discoloration, is caused by a number of external causes, many of them considered “bad” habits. Tobacco is indeed a major culprit, the negative effects of smoking on tooth color being well-documented. Red wine also stains teeth and so does coffee. Some types of antibiotic also cause tooth staining. Finally, exposure to harmful chemicals, radioactive substances or heavy metals can also lead to tooth staining (though tooth whitening might be your last concern in such a situation).

Tooth whitening solutions, Crest white strips in and Crest 3D white strips included, can do a lot to make teeth recover their bright white color, depending on the severity of the staining. Crest white strips work best with teeth that have already seen some consistent care.

Do Crest White Strips Work for Intrinsic Tooth Staining

Besides external factors, teeth also stain due to internal, biological, factors. Age is one of the main reasons behind tooth staining. However sad it may seem, we simply must accept that teeth get yellow with age. In addition, a variety of dental problems can also cause tooth staining. Cavities, root canal operations, and plaque all play a part in tooth discoloring. Unfortunately, Crest white strips do not work very well in reversing intrinsic tooth staining. You should pursue alternative cosmetic dentistry solutions.

3 Questions to Ask Yourself before Using Crest White Strips

If you’re asking yourself do Crest white strips work then you are definitely considering to try the product. Before making a purchase, it’s important to know whether using Crest white strips will actually work for you. The best thing you can do is to seek expert advice from a dentist. In addition, you should absolutely consider the following points:

1. What is your dental health status?

Before using Crest white strips, check whether your teeth are in a good condition, besides the staining. Tooth caries, wisdom tooth eruptions, and dental plaque are conditions which should be given absolute priority over teeth whitening solutions. Moreover, if you do not solve such issues first, tooth whitening might not be effective at all.

2. Are you allergic to hydrogen peroxide or other bleaching chemicals?

Crest white strips use hydrogen peroxide as an active bleaching substance. If you are allergic to bleaching substances, it is imperative that you seek expert advice before investing in an over-the-counter tooth whitening solution. Allergies can be very serious and can sometimes cause anaphylactic shock, which is life-threatening. In addition, sensitivity to bleaching substances can cause gum inflammation and gum recession, both of which can lead to periodontal disease.

3. Do you plan on getting orthodontic treatment soon?

If you plan to use any type of orthodontic treatment, you should consult your dentist before using Crest white strips. You will obviously not be able to use white strips with regular braces. Furthermore, the active bleaching substance in white strips can damage alternative orthodontic devices, like Invisalign, by chemically interacting with its base materials.

Do Crest White Strips Work? – Advantages

If there are no factors which might cause your dentist to not recommend Crest white strips, this teeth whitening solution is widely recognized as very efficient at doing its job. It should only be worn a couple of hours a day. During that time, you will be able to drink water, but that’s about it.

If you’re looking for a quick solution to whiten your teeth at home, Crest white strips work and have lasting effects, keeping your teeth nice and white for about a year. Of course, continued dental hygiene is an absolute must, and white strips will in no way replace the need for constant brushing and flossing.

Do Crest White Strips Work? – Disadvantages

A major inconvenience of Crest white strips is the chance that you might not use them properly, thus reducing treatment efficiency. When whitening your teeth at the dentist, an expert will take care of all the necessary steps and preparation. By contrast, Crest white strips require a diligent study of the instruction manual and a lot more involvement on your behalf.

Crest white strips are also quite expensive. A complete package may cost as much as $50. Though going to the dentist for teeth whitening can be more expensive than that, the advantage of having an expert assisting you is well worth the money.

Finally, white strips can cause gum inflammation and, in rare cases, more permanent gum disease. Discovering allergies before being exposed to a substance is very difficult, and there is always a risk of you not tolerating the bleaching agent within the white strips.

Do Crest White Strips Work? – Conclusions

In conclusion, the answer the question do crest white strips work is yes. However, it’s important to consider all the factors, advantages, and disadvantages, before choosing to use the product. Just like other cosmetic dentistry solutions, Crest white strips only work for some people in some situations. It’s your job to correctly determine if they are suitable for you. Ask an expert opinion on the matter.