Crest Whitestrips: Do They Really Work?
A mouthful of pearly-white teeth is undoubtedly an enviable attribute. Many people dream of this possibility for themselves and wonder about over-the-counter products. Crest Whitestrips commonly come to mind when considering which type to purchase. But do they really work?
Crest Whitestrips are generally thought to be safe for very sporadic use; however, if you do not use them exactly as intended, or apply them too often, the strips may harm your teeth and/or gums. Crest whitening kits contain various chemicals that can irritate sensitive mouth tissue. Keep in mind that discoloration of the teeth can occur if the strips fail to adhere uniformly to the teeth.
What are the culprits that cause teeth to have negative changes in shade? The enamel becomes tarnished by staining, while dentin is discolored by aging, insufficient nutrition, trauma, or smoking. Crest Whitestrips glaze the teeth with a gel that contains hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. The gel is pressed against the teeth for a few minutes to seep into the enamel layer and actually bleach the teeth. Grey-tinged teeth tend not to whiten as effectively as teeth that are yellow in hue. The strips will only whiten natural teeth and will not work on veneers, bonding, or any other artificial enhancements.
It is important to be aware of potential concerns. Hydrogen peroxide is an ingredient in Crest Whitestrips that can destroy good bacteria that fight against cavity formation, gum disease, bad breath, and other unfavorable conditions. Sodium hydroxide is the pH-balancing ingredient in white strips. Since it is corrosive towards anything it touches, it can create sensitivity in the teeth. Another ingredient, PEG-8, can lead to hives in some people if it comes into contact with the tongue, cheeks, or gums. Pyrophosphate is the substance that is supposed to offer tartar protection in Crest 3D White Whitestrips Stain Shield. However, numerous studies have shown that it is ineffective in decreasing plaque or tartar accumulation.
Persistent dental diligence is the key to attaining and maintaining the whitest teeth possible. The best prevention to keep your teeth from yellowing is to adhere to proper oral care in your daily routine, cut down on foods and beverages that cause staining (and rinse your mouth after consumption), and make it a habit to drink plenty of water each day.
It is crucial that you visit your dentist for recommended routine appointments in order to achieve optimum dental health. Ask about solutions for dry mouth, teeth grinding, or any other concerns that you may have.
Dr. Lattinelli’s dental practice is a leader in the field of state-of-the-art oral health care and cosmetic dentistry. Please inquire about our safe and professional teeth whitening methods and find out if you are an ideal candidate. We are conveniently located at 121 East 60th Street in Manhattan. Kindly contact our office by calling (212) 752-71880 to arrange an appointment.