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 |
The best inexpensive teeth whitening strips: up to 2000 rubles
Effective home teeth whitening products are not always expensive. By spending less than 2 thousand rubles, you can purchase high-quality strips to carefully restore the color of the enamel. But you should remember that in the first few days after using them, your teeth will be very sensitive, and you will have to brush them with a special paste. An analysis of user reviews showed that 5 whitening strips are considered the best in this category:
RIGEL
RIGEL
RIGEL whitening strips are made in the UK using the European patented formula Eureco HC® with active oxygen, which gently whitens your teeth, removes plaque and freshens your breath all day long. The strips do not contain hydrogen peroxide or urea, the use of which negatively affects tooth enamel. Therefore, RIGEL is suitable for the most sensitive teeth.
The strips can be used at any time and anywhere, as they dissolve themselves with saliva within 15 minutes after application. The result is visible even after the first use!
Amount in a package | 28 pcs. |
Duration of use | 2 times a day for 14 days |
pros
- Does not contain hydrogen peroxide
- Instant effect
- Ease of use
- Kill bacteria
- Freshen your breath
Minuses
- A complete whitening course consists of two packages
Global White Charcoal
Global White Charcoal
The main feature of these strips is that they contain charcoal. It not only perfectly brightens the enamel, but also removes small dirt from the space between the teeth, which cannot be cleaned with a brush. The set includes 7 strips. This amount is enough to complete a full whitening course within a week. The strips are made of soft flexible material that completely follows the shape of the teeth and does not cause any discomfort when worn.
Amount in a package | 7 pcs. |
Additional components | Wood bamboo charcoal |
pros
- affordable price;
- visible result after 7 days of use;
- do not thin out the enamel and do not harm the gums;
- do not cause discomfort when wearing;
- can always be found on sale.
Minuses
- the strips are difficult to remove from the teeth;
- You may experience an unpleasant taste in your mouth while wearing it.
Shomi Time White Express
Shomi Time White Express
The cost of these strips is about a thousand rubles. This is higher than many analogues, but such whitening will still cost less than in the dentist’s office. The manufacturer recommends using the strips daily for 7 days to achieve a visible effect. Each of them is individually packaged in foil. Before application, the strip is separated from the protective layer and applied with the sticky side to the teeth, left for 1 hour, and then carefully removed.
Amount in a package | 14 pcs. |
Duration of use | 1 hour for 7 days |
pros
- lightening occurs after the first application;
- each strip is individually packaged;
- high-quality sticky layer ensures reliable fixation;
- do not damage tooth enamel;
- can be easily removed without discomfort or pain.
Minuses
- relatively high cost;
- The strips must be applied precisely along the line of the teeth.
ON WHITE Strips Kit
ON WHITE Strips Kit
These whitening strips will help restore the whiteness of your enamel at home, and the effect will be the same as after visiting the dentist. Already after 2-3 procedures, visible lightening of the surface of the teeth is noticeable, but the maximum effect is achieved after 10 days of use. The manufacturer took into account the anatomical features of the structure of the oral cavity, so the kit includes strips for the upper and lower teeth, each in individual packaging. The whitening composition does not contain hydrogen peroxide, so the procedure does not harm the enamel or thin it. The effect of using the strips lasts for 3 months.
Amount in a package | 10 pieces. |
Duration of use | 30 minutes for 10 days |
pros
- visible effect after the second use;
- eliminates yellowness from drinking coffee, red wine and tobacco;
- easy to use;
- the strips are easy to glue and adhere securely to the teeth;
- There are no substances harmful to enamel in the composition.
Minuses
- difficult to remove;
- An unpleasant taste may appear in the mouth.
Bright Light 3D Bright Professional Effects
Bright Light 3D Bright Professional Effects
Using these strips for a week, you can completely restore the whiteness of your enamel in the comfort of your home. The special composition of the strips not only whitens teeth, but also allows you to remove yellowness and plaque from smoking and frequent coffee drinking. The whitening composition contains hydrogen peroxide, so after the first use there may be a slight increase in tooth sensitivity. It also contains menthol and mint, which guarantee fresh breath after use.
Amount in a package | 28 pcs. |
Duration of use | 30 minutes for 7 days |
pros
- visible effect after the first use;
- menthol and mint in the composition perfectly freshen breath;
- each strip is individually packaged;
- the soft material of the strips makes application easy;
- easy to remove.
Minuses
- high cost in comparison with analogues;
- After the first use, tooth sensitivity increases.
Megami White Xtreme 3D PRO
Megami White Xtreme 3D PRO
If you need to quickly restore the whiteness of your enamel, but don’t want to waste time at the dentist, you should buy whitening strips from this brand. The effect of use is comparable to professional whitening, but the difference is that you can use the strips in the comfort of your own home. The material is very thin and flexible, so the strips will not interfere with everyday activities. The results from a full course of whitening last for 12 months. In addition to lightening the enamel, the strips strengthen it and serve to prevent caries, since their composition is enriched with vitamins A and E.
Amount in a package | 28pcs. |
Duration of use | 30 minutes for 7 days |
pros
- mint and menthol in the composition are pleasant to the taste and freshen the breath;
- visible lightening is noticeable after the first use;
- reliable Japanese manufacturer;
- simple and convenient application;
- prevents the development of caries and the formation of tartar.
Minuses
- Hydrogen peroxide increases tooth sensitivity;
- The standard strip size is not suitable for all teeth.
How to whiten teeth correctly?
Step one: read the instructions
Be sure to pay attention to what is written in the instructions, even if this is not your first time doing whitening. Most products have similar methods of use, but due to the difference in composition there may be some differences in use. Therefore, read the instructions to the very end, paying special attention to possible side effects.
- Remember that improper use of any whitening products is dangerous to the health of your teeth. The fact is that the process itself causes weakening of the enamel, so you need to approach it carefully. The active substance applied to the strips may cause soft tissue irritation and other problems.
- Different brands of strips have different instructions, so every time you use a product from a new manufacturer, read the manual carefully.
Step two: brush your teeth
Before you begin whitening, brush your teeth thoroughly, otherwise food debris and plaque will prevent you from achieving good results.
Important:
- Do not whiten your teeth immediately after brushing them; do this at least half an hour after the procedure.
If you want to achieve maximum results, it is better to have the cleaning done by a dentist. There are several procedures that will help restore teeth to their natural color and get rid of hard and soft plaque. The most popular options: ultrasonic cleaning and cleaning using an Air Flow device. The first is necessary if you have tartar. The second is a more gentle procedure; food debris and soft plaque are removed using a special abrasive solution, which is released under pressure.
Step Three: Prepare the Strips
Before you fix the strips, make sure you are using them correctly. Some manufacturers produce strips of various shapes for the upper and lower teeth. In other cases, the products do not differ from each other. Be sure to figure this out when you decide to whiten.
- After you understand how to properly fix the elements, prepare the strips. The composition contains an active substance, most often it is based on hydrogen peroxide. The principle of operation is simple - oxygen is gradually released from peroxide, which penetrates the enamel, discoloring the pigment.
- The smooth side does not contain active gel; its main function is to make it convenient for you to stick the strips to your teeth.
Step Four: Apply the strips to your teeth
- Apply the strip to the front surface of your teeth with the gel side so that it completely covers the teeth, then smooth out any irregularities.
- In order to straighten the strip, it is convenient to use a toothbrush.
- Make sure that the strip actually covers the entire row of teeth, if you, of course, want to get a uniform result.
- Try not to get the gel on your gums, especially during the period of wisdom teeth eruption, otherwise perioronitis may occur; if necessary, remove it with a cotton swab, as long-term presence of the active substance on soft tissues can cause irritation.
Step Five: Wait
After both strips are attached to the teeth, all that remains is to wait a little. Do not touch the strip for the process to proceed correctly. The required time depends on the concentration of the active substance and other factors. Therefore, be sure to read the instructions carefully to correctly determine how long you will need to wait. Usually the session lasts about half an hour, after which you can remove the strips.
Step Six: Remove the Strips
- After the waiting time has passed, you need to carefully remove the strips. Slowly peel them off the enamel surface and discard.
- Carefully watch the clock so as not to overexpose the gel on your teeth. This can lead to damage to the enamel or irritation of the gums, and the delay can also increase tooth sensitivity.
- Remember that if you leave the strips on longer, the effect will not become more noticeable.
- Be sure to rinse your mouth after removing the whitening strips. After this, to completely remove any remaining gel, brush your teeth with a toothbrush.
Seventh step: repeat the procedure
Unlike in-office whitening, home remedies never provide instant results. Therefore, to make your teeth whiter, you will have to undergo several procedures. The gel that is applied to the strips has a small concentration of the active substance, which is why the lightening is not immediately noticeable. But this also has its advantages, since the process becomes less destructive to the enamel. Remember that quality whitening requires patience. To obtain a noticeable effect, you will need to carry out several procedures. They should be repeated in accordance with the rules written in the instructions.
- In most cases, you will need to do the procedure for 30 minutes twice a day.
- The minimum recommended period for using whitening strips is 14 days.
- The results become noticeable approximately four months after you start the procedure.
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
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
Buy on the official website
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.
How long should I keep the dental strips on?
Depending on the manufacturer and composition of the product, whitening strips must be left on for 5 to 30 minutes. At this time, under no circumstances should you smoke, eat, drink, or even sleep with stripes on your teeth. During the entire whitening course, it is not recommended to eat foods that stain the enamel.
If you strictly follow the instructions, the whitening procedure will be high-quality and effective; if not, problems with your gums and teeth are possible. That is why, before choosing and using whitening strips, it is recommended to consult with your doctor!