Table of Contents
Introduction
Whitening strips have become a popular way to brighten smiles and remove stains from teeth. Brands like Crest and Equate offer easy-to-use disposable strips that gently whiten teeth over time with regular use. When used properly, whitening strips can safely and effectively lighten tooth shade. However, overuse can lead to tooth sensitivity and other side effects. Knowing how often to use whitening strips is important for getting the best results safely.
How Whitening Strips Work
Whitening strips work by using peroxide-based whitening gels to remove deep stains from tooth enamel. The strips are coated with hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide and molded to fit the shape of your teeth. Here’s how they brighten your smile:
- The peroxide gel penetrates the enamel and breaks apart stain molecules.
- Light reflects off the enamel more effectively after stains are removed.
- With regular use, teeth appear whiter and brighter over time as more stains are removed.
Whitening strip results are gradual, meaning they lighten teeth slightly more with each use. For noticeable color change, strips must be used consistently over the recommended treatment timeframe.
Equate Whitening Strip Options
Equate offers a few different whitening strip products with varying levels of active whitening ingredients:
Equate Beauty Whitening + Luminous Mint Strips
These entry-level strips contain 14% hydrogen peroxide as the active whitening agent. The lower peroxide concentration makes them ideal for people with sensitive teeth or first-time strip users.
Equate Beauty Advanced Seal Whitening Strips
With 21% hydrogen peroxide, these strips offer stronger whitening power. They use a special seal technology to help the gel adhere better to teeth.
Equate Beauty Ultra Advanced Seal Whitening Strips
Equate’s most advanced strips have 28% hydrogen peroxide for maximum whitening. The advanced seal locks out air and water for more effective gel contact with teeth.
Equate Beauty 3D White Whitestrips with Light
These strips contain 22% hydrogen peroxide along with a light therapy device to enhance the whitening effect. Blue LED light activates the gel to lift stains faster.
Recommended Usage and Frequency
The package instructions provide guidelines for how often you can safely use Equate whitening strips based on the peroxide percentage. Here are the general recommendations:
14% Peroxide Strips
– Use once daily for 30 minutes for 14 days.
– Take a break from using strips for 14 days between treatments.
– Can repeat cycle for up to 3 months.
21% Peroxide Strips
– Use once daily for 30 minutes for 20 days.
– Take a break for at least 3 months between treatments.
28% Peroxide Strips
– Use once daily for 30 minutes for 20 days.
– Take a break for at least 6 months between treatments.
22% Peroxide Strips with Light
– Use once daily for 30 minutes for 20 days.
– Take a break for at least 3 months between treatments.
Following this recommended usage pattern allows enough time for your teeth to rest between whitening sessions. It helps minimize side effects like sensitivity.
Usage Tips
Here are some tips for using Equate whitening strips effectively and safely:
- Completely dry teeth before applying strips.
- Wrap strips tightly around front teeth, not gums.
- Avoid drinking dark liquids like coffee or red wine right after use.
- Rinse with water after the treatment time ends.
- Use fluoride toothpaste and avoid acidic foods if you experience sensitivity.
- See your dentist if you have gum disease or extensive dental work.
Results to Expect
You can expect to see a 2-3 shade lightening improvement in tooth color when using Equate whitening strips according to directions. Results build gradually over the course of treatment. Dramatic brightening occurs for people with yellowish discoloration. Grayish or tetracycline-stained teeth are more resistant to peroxide whitening. Here is an overview of what to expect:
| Treatment Duration | Shade Improvement |
|---|---|
| 14 days | Up to 2 shades lighter |
| 20 days | Up to 3 shades lighter |
| 25 days | Up to 4 shades lighter |
Your final level of whitening can vary based on your starting shade, determined by your dentist with a shade guide. Maintaining results requires good oral hygiene and avoiding staining foods/drinks.
Risks and Side Effects
When used as directed, whitening strips are safe for most people. However, they can cause some temporary side effects in those with sensitive teeth. Potential issues include:
- Tooth sensitivity -Ranges from mild to severe pain
- Gum irritation – Caused by contact with the peroxide gel
- Increased staining – Due to higher porosity of whitened enamel
- Throat/mouth irritation – From swallowing trace amounts of gel
These side effects generally resolve within 1-3 days after ending treatment. Using a desensitizing toothpaste can help alleviate sensitivity. Prolonged bleaching can also increase the risk of tooth decay. Be sure to continue brushing twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and seeing your dentist regularly after whitening treatments.
Who Should Avoid Whitening Strips?
Check with your dentist before using whitening strips if you:
- Have gum disease, cavities, or exposed roots
- Have extensive dental work like veneers or crowns
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have a history of reaction to peroxide products
- Have damaged enamel or thin enamel
Peroxide can seep underneath dental restorations and irritate the pulp. Damaged enamel is also more prone to sensitivity from whitening. Children under age 18 should not use whitening products.
Professional Whitening vs. Strips
While whitening strips effectively brighten smiles, professional whitening yields superior results. In-office procedures performed by your dentist can lighten teeth up to 8 shades in one visit. At-home trays provided by your dentist allow customized whitening gel contact. Here is a comparison:
| Professional Whitening | Whitening Strips | |
|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | 25-35% hydrogen peroxide | 14-28% hydrogen peroxide |
| Treatment Duration | 30-60 minutes (in-office) 2 weeks (at-home trays) | 30 minutes daily for 1-4 weeks |
| Whitening Power | Up to 8 shades lighter | Up to 3-4 shades lighter |
| Cost | $500+ per treatment | $30-60 per package |
While more expensive, professional whitening better whitens hard-to-reach teeth and minimizes sensitivity. However, touch-up whitening with strips helps maintain brightening between professional treatments.
Maintaining Whitening Results
Preserving your newly whitened smile requires diligent oral care and lifestyle habits. Here are some tips:
- Brush twice daily with whitening or enamel-strengthening toothpaste.
- Floss thoroughly once daily.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash to kill stains bacteria.
- Drink dark liquids through a straw to avoid contact with front teeth.
- Avoid stain-causing foods like coffee, tea, red wine, and curry.
- Don’t smoke or use tobacco products.
- Get regular dental cleanings and exams every 6 months.
Repeat whitening strip treatment or professional whitening every 1-2 years as needed to maintain brightness. Avoid constant whitening, as this can permanently damage enamel over time.
The Takeaway
When used properly, Equate whitening strips can safely provide whiter teeth with minimal side effects. Follow the package directions closely and limit treatment to the recommended duration and frequency. See a dentist if you experience concerning side effects or want maximally white teeth. Maintaining a meticulous oral hygiene routine helps preserve your bright smile between whitening sessions.
