How to Whiten Your Teeth With Whiting Strips

Coffee. Tea. Aging. Genetics. There are many reasons why your pearly whites might look dingy. Before the advent of teeth whitening strips, having brilliant white teeth meant a trip to the dentist. Now, with whitening strips and a few minutes each day, in less than 2 weeks, your teeth can be noticeably whiter. Teeth whitening strips are made of thin, flexible plastic with a gel layer of hydrogen peroxide. Using the strips properly will not only increase the whiteness of your teeth, it will help avoid uncomfortable side effects.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Whitening strips
• Timer
• Toothpaste for sensitive teeth (optional)

1. Open the packet for the upper teeth and remove the whitening strip. Remove the protective shield from the strip's gel side and place the edge of gel side against your upper teeth. Adjust it to avoid getting the gel on your gums and smooth the strip against your teeth. Fold the excess edge behind your teeth.

2. Open the packet for the lower teeth, remove the protective shield and place the strip on your lower teeth. Adjust and smooth the strip over the edge and behind your teeth.

3. Set the timer for the amount of time mentioned in the instructions on the box. The average amount is 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes in the evening. If you have the dissolving type of whitening strips, there is no need to set a timer.

4. Remove the strips when the timer goes off. Spit out--don't swallow--the remaining gel. Brush your teeth and rinse thoroughly to remove the remaining hydrogen peroxide.

5. Repeat the use of the whitening strips according to the package's instructions. Each box will contain the amount needed for a complete treatment; this will typically be between 7 to 14 days. The strips with higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide will require fewer days to use. If you have achieved the level of whiteness that you want, you can stop sooner and save the remaining strips for later use.

Tips & Warnings

• Check with your dentist before allowing children to use whitening strips.
• The use of whitening strips can cause gum irritation or teeth sensitivity; brushing and rinsing after using the strips will help reduce the chances of these side effects. If gum irritation still occurs, reduce the amount of time the strips are on your teeth or alter the frequency of use to either once a day or every other day. If you experience increased sensitivity in your teeth, use toothpaste for sensitive teeth. If either of these problems continue, discontinue use of the tooth whitening strips and notify your dentist.

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