- October 17, 2018
- Other drugs
- Gray mouse
One of the irreplaceable attributes of a person’s external attractiveness is his smile. No one will argue that she should be snow-white. But with age, tooth enamel can become darker. Whatever causes the darkening of teeth, this unpleasant change is reversible. According to reviews, 3D-White teeth whitening strips are a simple and relatively inexpensive way to restore a dazzling smile. We will tell you what strips are, how to use them correctly and what precautions should be taken in this article.
Why do teeth darken?
Unfortunately, owners of naturally snow-white and healthy teeth are not so common. There are many factors that negatively affect enamel. Knowing about them, you can prevent the problem and keep your teeth in perfect condition. Let's give an example of the most common causes of yellowing or darkening of enamel:
- Poor or irregular cleaning. Plaque on teeth that is not removed in a timely manner thickens and turns into a hard shell, covering the natural color of the enamel, making it duller.
- Tobacco smoking. Heavy cigarette smokers have a yellow tint to their teeth, but over time it becomes brown due to the accumulation of tars contained in tobacco smoke under the gums and at the base of the teeth.
- Drinking coffee, black tea, herbal infusions, wine and other products containing food coloring. You should not refuse such drinks, but after taking them you should definitely brush your teeth.
- Caries. This disease leads to demineralization of hard tooth tissues and deterioration of the optical density of the tooth, and the appearance of stains on the enamel surface.
- Inadequate dental treatment. Changes in the color of tooth enamel sometimes occur under the influence of certain substances that are part of filling materials.
- Damage to the tooth. This is a common cause of darkening, which occurs due to injury to the neurovascular bundle. The tooth may change immediately after blood enters the cavity, becoming slightly pinkish or darker in color.
- Taking antibiotics. Some antibacterial components can affect the condition of tooth enamel if used for a long time.
- Endemic fluorosis. Judging by the reviews, teeth whitening with 3D-White strips will not bring any effect for this disease. In such cases, complex therapeutic treatment is indicated, and, if necessary, consultation with an orthopedic dentist.
Alternative to Dental Procedure
Despite the high efficiency of the professional whitening procedure, not everyone can afford it due to its impressive cost. However, in addition to dental procedures, there are other solutions available on a limited budget. We are talking about Crest 3D-White strips. Their use allows you to avoid the mind-boggling expenses of teeth whitening in the clinic, but at the same time achieve an equally worthy result.
Anyone can use such a device; you don’t need to have any special skills for this. 3D-White teeth whitening strips are quite easy to use. All that is required from the buyer is to choose the right product.
For many years, Crest Whitestrips products were sold only in the USA, and they could only be purchased through foreign websites at an incredible price. In addition, the delivery itself took at least a month. Today the strips are sold in any pharmacy. The wide range can confuse someone who decides to try teeth whitening at home for the first time. Today, many types of Crest 3D-White dental strips are available, each of which helps to cope with a problem of varying severity. You need to select the product individually. It is important not to make a mistake with your choice - then the product will meet any expectations.
White smile home whitening system
Teeth whitening system White Smile photo-whitening technology. The difference between the method is that active oxygen passes to the dentin of the tooth through the enamel matrix, where it cleans it of dark particles on which the color of the tooth depends. It is considered highly effective and completely safe even for problem teeth.
The teeth whitening process in this system is quite simple. It is necessary to apply the gel to the teeth, turn on the device emitting LED light, and point it at the teeth whitening area.
The White Smile system kit includes an LED light device, gel A, dental tray, gel B, instructions, 2 batteries.
The patented formula of White&Smile products was developed in France, production is carried out in Italy, and the products meet the safety requirements of the European Union.
Working principle of brightening plates
Using 3D-White teeth whitening strips is quite simple. Even a child can understand the instructions. In order for the plates to produce the expected effect, you need to properly attach them to the teeth of the upper or lower jaw and wear them for some time. Enamel lightening occurs due to the action of hydrogen peroxide. This chemical component is present in the solution in which the bleaching strips are soaked. While wearing the plates, hydrogen peroxide is constantly in contact with the surface, due to which stains are eliminated, not only from the outside, but also from the inside of the teeth.
During the use of Crest 3D-White whitening strips, the solution penetrates into the enamel structure and is partially absorbed into it, which allows you to prolong the effect obtained, but only if the teeth are protected from exposure to strong reagents. Plates that lighten the surface of teeth contain special synthetic substances that aggressively remove even old plaque, but at the same time these substances do not cause any harm. The main thing is not to deviate from the manufacturer’s instructions.
Unlike toothpaste, 3D-White strips are in contact with the enamel for a longer period, so achieving the desired effect and visually assessing the result will be much faster. At the same time, it is undesirable to overuse brightening plates. If you use them too often, tooth sensitivity will increase, causing a painful reaction to hot and cold.
Home teeth whitening using White Kiss trays
White Kiss whitening kit is another comprehensive system for home teeth whitening. The set includes 12 ml of whitening gel, toothpaste to maintain the whitening effect, and two thermoplastic trays.
The main active ingredient of the White Kiss whitening gel is carbamide peroxide 10%, a professional but safe product for teeth. To reduce the risk of developing enamel hypersensitivity after whitening procedures, the gel contains potassium fluoride and xylitol.
White Kiss toothpaste is designed to maintain the whitening effect of the gel. It is low-abrasive and contains sodium fluoride and xylitol, which effectively prevent caries. The paste also contains papain, which copes well with plaque, and pyrophosphates, which protect teeth from further plaque formation.
The set is designed for a one-week course - 7 procedures.
If we compare White Kiss with Global White, the manufacturer of White Kiss speeds up the whitening process by increasing the concentration of the active substance, which means that for sensitive teeth it is preferable to use Global White.
How to prepare properly?
Before starting the whitening procedure, you need to carefully study the instructions. If enamel lightening strips are used incorrectly, they can not only be useless, but also cause real harm to dental health.
The first thing to take care of is preparation for manipulation. Since the procedure will take place at home, it is important to carefully prepare your teeth. First you need to rinse your mouth well, and then make sure that there is nothing left between the teeth. Please keep in mind that before whitening with Crest 3D-White strips, you should not floss, nor should you brush your teeth with a toothbrush. The thing is that even with careful cleaning, microdamage to the blood vessels of the gums occurs. If you start bleaching immediately after this, the active chemicals will enter the bloodstream.
Application diagram
After completing the preparatory cleaning, you can begin the actual whitening procedure. To do this, you need to remove two Crest 3D-White whitening strips from the package. Before fixing them on your teeth, you need to carefully look at what is written on them. On one of the plates there should be an inscription in Latin letters upper, and on the other - lower. In this way, the row of teeth on which the strips need to be fixed is indicated: the first is intended for the upper, and the second for the lower. This distinction was not introduced by the American manufacturer by chance: the plates have a certain shape that corresponds to the characteristics of the jaw for which they are to be used.
After making sure that the plates are selected correctly, you need to attach them to the teeth. It is important to ensure that both 3D-White whitening strips are positioned level. According to patient reviews, if the plate goes beyond the edge of the gum, a burn to the mucous membrane may occur. Following the manufacturer's instructions, the strips are placed on the surface of each row of teeth.
After the whitening plates cover the enamel, you need to carefully press them against the teeth - this will help to evenly distribute the whitening gel over the enamel, which will act for a certain time. The instructions for 3D-White teeth whitening strips recommend keeping the product on your teeth for half an hour. The maximum duration of exposure to the drug is 60 minutes.
Different manufacturers often have special instructions for using this product. However, in most cases, the use of strips does not interfere with daily activities. Those who have used this product claim that they are not felt when talking, singing, or swallowing.
As soon as the allotted time for whitening has expired, the 3D-White strips must be carefully removed and the gel particles removed from the enamel surface using a napkin. Upon completion of the procedure, the oral cavity must be rinsed thoroughly with warm water. Reuse of brightening plates is not possible.
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.
Features of use and warnings
Judging by most reviews, 3D-White whitening strips make your teeth truly snow-white. However, there are other responses in which people write about the uselessness of this remedy. To get the expected effect, it is important to observe a number of points:
- during the period of using the plates, you need to brush your teeth with a special toothpaste;
- after removing the lightening strips, it is necessary to completely eliminate the impact on tooth enamel of coloring pigments contained in black tea, coffee, cocoa, beets and other products;
- give up cigarettes - tobacco tars also contain reagents that can affect the color of teeth.
In addition, you need to take into account that after removing the lightening plates, tooth sensitivity often increases. It is possible that during the first 24 hours after the procedure the patient will react painfully to cold and hot drinks and dishes. After bleaching, it is advisable to consume moderately warm foods.
You also need to control the process of swallowing saliva while wearing 3D-White teeth whitening strips. According to patients, intestinal upset is a common occurrence. This side effect occurs because the reagents (the active components in the lightening gel) have a laxative property.
Contraindications for use
The teeth whitening procedure with Crest 3D-White strips cannot be called absolutely safe. This dental procedure is not suitable for everyone. First of all, bleaching with hydrogen peroxide is contraindicated:
- pregnant and lactating women;
- children and adolescents under 18 years of age;
- patients suffering from acute gum and periodontal diseases and extensive damage to tooth enamel;
- with a large number of fillings, crowns and implants.
If you have an individual intolerance to at least one of the components in the composition, you cannot use lightening plates. The use of strips for epilepsy, bronchial asthma, high hypertension and other pathologies is strictly prohibited.
If wearing teeth whitening strips has led to a significant deterioration in your health, they should be removed immediately and further use should be discontinued. If you have a history of oral disease, unhealed damage to the mucous membrane or superficial tissues, it is better to postpone the use of plates.
We must not forget that thanks to this product you can only slightly change the shade of natural tooth enamel. As for the use of strips to whiten the surface of crowns or dentures, it is still better to abandon such an idea, since it will not be successful.
Advantages and disadvantages of whitening strips
There are many benefits to using dental plaques for whitening. The positive points are as follows:
- the ability to carry out the procedure at home without any special skills;
- affordable cost of 3D-White whitening strips;
- the result after bleaching becomes noticeable after a few hours;
- lightening the enamel by a maximum of four tones;
- simplicity and ease of use - during manipulation you can do your usual activities, with the exception of eating food and drinks;
- hydrogen peroxide present in the whitening gel does not have an aggressive destructive effect on the tooth surface;
- long-lasting effect – the smile will remain snow-white for 4-8 months;
- The procedure itself is painless and safe.
However, this method of teeth whitening has not only supporters. Despite all the above advantages, this product is credited with several significant disadvantages:
- for several days after whitening, increased tooth sensitivity is observed;
- the plates are not always able to be tightly fixed, so they come off, which ultimately leads to uneven whitening of the teeth;
- if there are infectious or inflammatory foci in the oral cavity, strips cannot be used;
- there is always a risk of developing an allergic reaction;
- the degree of whitening depends on the cause of the darkening of the enamel (for example, stains on the surface caused by fluorosis can be lightened by a maximum of one tone).
Teeth whitening at home Global White
Global White is a comprehensive whitening system that includes:
- Gel. Whitening pencil;
- Retractor to hold teeth open during the procedure;
- Brush for applying bleach.
Whitening gel includes 3 percent or 6 percent hydrogen peroxide. It is its effect that provides the brightening effect. Another component of the gel is potassium nitrate, which is necessary to maintain tooth enamel and reduce its sensitivity. The third element is xylitol, which actively prevents the proliferation of carious bacteria.
In addition to the global white whitening system, a mouthwash and toothpaste have been developed to maintain the effect. Mouthwash, in addition to lightening the enamel in hard-to-reach areas of the teeth, also promotes its remineralization.
Popular product line
Today, several types of Crest strips are in demand. They have no fundamental differences from each other, since they contain almost the same substances. The variety of products allows the consumer to find the most suitable product for themselves. Reviews of 3D-White teeth whitening strips often mention products for sensitive teeth and enamel affected by fluorosis. Next, let's get acquainted with the main products of the series and their differences.
Colgate Simply White Teeth Whitening Gel
Colgate Simply White home whitening system is a teeth whitening gel made in the USA, one of the most effective whitening products in its class. Visibly whitens teeth in just two weeks when used once a day, without damaging tooth enamel. The main whitening ingredient of the gel is 5.9% hydrogen peroxide. The composition also includes stabilizing elements (phosphates) to maintain normal acidity in the oral cavity.
After applying the gel to the teeth, it is immediately absorbed into the enamel, and the process of removing stains and yellowness begins immediately. Colgate Simply White can also be used to whiten deeper areas of enamel. To obtain the desired effect, you should refrain from eating and drinking water for only 15 minutes after applying the product to your teeth - this amount of time is more than enough for the whitening gel to adhere to the teeth and the whitening process to begin.
Professional Effects
These products are used regardless of the reasons for the darkening of the enamel. They are popular with most buyers. The strips owe their effectiveness to a special formula. In most cases, after whitening with 3D-White Professional Effects plates, it is possible to achieve a result that is not much different from whitening in a professional clinic.
The peculiarity of these strips is their ability to change not only the surface shade of the teeth, but also to penetrate into visible, hard-to-reach areas. According to reviews, 3D-White Professional Effects strips return a healthy, natural and fresh look to your smile. During the manufacturing process, the manufacturer adheres to a number of requirements that any dental product must meet:
- absence of harmful components in the gel;
- affordable price;
- gentle effect on gums and enamel.
The method of using these strips is no different from the method of using similar products: the plates are fixed on the tooth surface and are removed after 30-60 minutes. After removal, it is important to remove not only the strip itself, but also the remaining whitening gel. To achieve the maximum possible effect, the plates should be used for 2-3 weeks. During this period, it is important to give up cigarettes, coffee and black tea.
If you follow all the recommendations specified in the instructions, your teeth will become 3-4 shades lighter after a full course of whitening. Most reviews of 3D-White Professional Effects strips note that noticeable results are achieved after 3-4 procedures. The effect is long-lasting – teeth remain snow-white for a year or more. The price of a product for lightening enamel is about 3800 rubles.
Home whitening Zoom Day White and Night White
Day White ACP is a daytime whitening system that contains an active gel based on 7.5% or 9.5% hydrogen peroxide. The composition of the Day White ACP gel also includes: amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) - adds shine to the enamel, reduces its permeability, and potassium nitrate - to reduce the sensitivity of the enamel. The recommended course of whitening is up to 2 weeks, 2 times a day for 30 minutes.
Night White is a night whitening system that contains an active gel based on 16% carbamide peroxide. The gel also includes amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) to restore damaged enamel. For effectiveness, the Night White system uses custom trays made using a vacuum former. The recommended course of use of Night White is from 9 to 27 days for 5-7 hours.
Luxe Whitestrips Supreme Flexfit
These strips are recommended for use by people with hypersensitive teeth. According to reviews, whitening with Crest 3D-White Luxe Whitestrips does not cause any discomfort. While wearing the plates, it is not prohibited to drink water and other drinks that do not contain coloring pigments.
Those who have repeatedly undergone the procedure of lightening tooth enamel at home leave mostly positive feedback about this product. Dentists consider it one of the optimal solutions for home whitening. The plates are made using the latest technologies, thanks to which they adhere securely to the teeth. Wearing stripes is not noticeable during a conversation.
When you first open a box of whitening plates, you cannot help but notice their elongated shape, which allows you to immediately cover all areas of the dentition. You need to wear the strips for an hour, and the whitening session is repeated for 14 days. The first results can be noticed immediately. According to reviews, Crest 3D-White Luxe strips lighten teeth by six shades. In Russian pharmacies this product can be purchased at a price of about 4,000 rubles.
Operating principle
The active substance of the plates begins to act upon contact with oxygen after opening the protective film .
By reacting with oxygen, the gel located on the surface of the tooth enamel begins to actively oxidize .
Its action extends not only outside, but also inside, including the mineral matrix of the tooth.
This ensures reliable removal of age spots and teeth whitening due to the breakdown of pigments into water and carbon dioxide.
The reaction speed varies - from five minutes to half an hour. Usually the procedure is carried out twice a day.
You can whiten your teeth with a laser at your dentist's office. Read how they do it here.
Gentle Routine
This is another product for those with hypersensitive teeth. The purpose of creating these strips was to offer a unique whitening system for patients suffering from a painful reaction to cold or hot foods. If not so long ago people with tooth sensitivity did not even dream of a whitening procedure, today this remedy is one of the most effective for this problem.
The composition of the Crest 3D-White Gentle Routine plates is developed using a new formula that has a gentle effect on plaque and tartar deposits. Whitening strips effectively eliminate local darkening of the enamel, evening out the color of the entire dentition. Among the components contained in the gel are only natural substances and a safe amount of hydrogen peroxide, which do not harm the enamel and lighten teeth by 2-3 tones. The duration of one whitening course is 28 days, and each session of wearing the plates should not last more than 5-10 minutes. Many people see positive changes after just a week of use. Judging by the responses, the effect lasts about a year. The average cost of Crest 3D-White Gentle Routine strips does not exceed 3,000 rubles.
Home teeth whitening White Light
White Light system is a universal and affordable product for high-quality home teeth whitening. The active gel is applied in a thin layer from the inside of the mouth guard. The mouth guard is inserted into the mouth and clamped with the upper and lower teeth; a device with a light source is fixed on the mouth guard - it is covered and held by the lips. To obtain a visible result, 10 minutes are enough; if your teeth are very yellow, you can increase the time to 30 minutes. The procedure is recommended to be carried out after breakfast, lunch and dinner for 10 minutes, or 30 minutes at a time - whichever is more convenient for you.
Whitestrips Vivid
This is the latest variety of 3D-White whitening strips. These plates are suitable for people with any type of teeth. The gel with which the strips are impregnated contains only 10% of the active substance, which explains the gentle effect on the tooth surface. In addition, Whitestrips Vivid contains water to prevent dehydration.
Many who have tried to lighten their teeth with this product are satisfied. It is often emphasized that after a full course of whitening, the enamel remains intact and does not even have the smallest microcracks. Thanks to the use of natural ingredients in the composition, the use of whitening plates does not harm the microflora of the oral cavity.
With the help of such strips, you can whiten your teeth by no more than two shades. The plates must be worn for at least 30 minutes for 10-12 days. The manufacturer recommends taking several courses with weekly breaks. The product from the Crest 3D-White series is the most budget-friendly - its cost in pharmacies is about 2,600 rubles.
With Light
In professional dental clinics, teeth whitening is performed using light. The purpose of the light flux in this case is to have a more powerful effect on hydrogen peroxide. Under the influence of light, this substance breaks down much faster, and its free radicals penetrate the structure of tooth enamel. Moreover, the light must be used not during the procedure, but after it.
The Crest 3D-White With Light kit includes a special portable lamp that is used to activate the brightening components. This device itself does not have whitening properties, but is only a source of blue light waves in the ultraviolet range. Some dental professionals believe that the use of light along with strips is nothing more than a marketing ploy by the manufacturer, used to make the procedure as similar as possible to an in-office whitening procedure. For this reason, the cost of the Crest 3D White With Light kit is considered by many to be unreasonable, since it exceeds 5,500 rubles.
Home whitening Beyond
Beyond Home Edition home whitening system is based on the Beyond Power Whitening Accelerator professional whitening system. The technology involves the use of cold light with a wavelength of 480 nanometers, which is comfortable for the patient. Using 18 high intensity light emitting diodes, this light triggers a special film and a specially formulated whitening gel. The system replicates the accelerated whitening used in the Beyond Power Whitening Accelerator system in dental offices.
Consumer Reviews
Determining which of the listed products is the best is quite difficult. In their reviews of teeth whitening with Crest 3D-White strips, most users express satisfaction. Summarizing people's opinions, it is easy to draw a conclusion about the effectiveness of each of the teeth whitening products described in the article.
The least popular product among consumers is Whitestrips Vivid. There are quite often negative reviews about these plates. Mostly, users cite the fact that the strips do not stick to the surface and slide. It is especially difficult to attach them to the teeth during intense salivation, since in this case there is no full contact with the surface.
The leaders in sales can be safely called Professional Effects and Luxe Whitestrips. These products are easily fixed to the surface and adapt perfectly even in hard-to-reach areas and uneven areas. However, these types of strips are not suitable for people with particularly sensitive teeth. In some cases, users experienced burns to their gums and a burning sensation in the throat. Side effects usually go away on their own without any intervention.
Before using brightening plates, it is recommended to pay attention to the concentration of hydrogen peroxide contained in the whitening gel. The time of wearing the strips will depend on it.