What Types of Crest Whitening Strips Are There?

Overview

Factors such as aging, smoking and drinking red wine, tea, coffee and dark sodas can stain teeth. Whitening toothpaste can produce some improvements in tooth color, but tooth-whitening treatments are needed for more noticeable results. Dentists provide professional tooth-whitening services, but at-home treatments are now widely available. Crest is one popular manufacturer of at-home whiteners, and its first Whitestrips debuted in 2001. Now, users can choose from six types of Whitestrips based on their needs and preferences.

Function

Crest Whitestrips whiten teeth using a formula containing 5 percent to 10 percent hydrogen peroxide gel, depending on the product. Whitening toothpastes only remove surface stains, but Whitestrips are designed to hold the gel against teeth long enough to remove stains below the surface enamel. Users can gradually whiten teeth at home or maintain whitening that has been achieved from previous use.

Types

Crest manufactures six types of Whitestrips: four Intensive Teeth Whitening and two Five Minute a Day Teeth Whitening options. Crest Whitestrips Classic was the first available product, and it is advertised as the most affordable as well as most appropriate for first-time whiteners. The Classic strips are worn twice a day for 30 minutes and achieve full results in 14 days. Whitestrips Premium is a more intense version of the Classic, with strips being worn twice a day for 30 minutes and achieving full results in seven days. Pro Effects are advertised to deliver professional-level whitening at home after wearing the strips twice a day for 30 minutes for 10 days. Whitestrips Advanced Seal, the newest product, whitens in the same time as Classic strips but contains an adhesive formula. Users can continue with activity as normal, and even drink while whitening. Five Minute a Day strips are promoted for users who have tooth sensitivity, seek color maintenance or only have a short time to whiten. Both the Daily Whitening Multicare and the Daily Whitening + Tartar Protection are used once a day for five minutes. Teeth are whitened gradually, and the Tartar Protection strips also reduce tartar buildup and staining.

Time Frame

Time spent whitening depends on the type of Whitestrips used, the desired level of whitening and tolerance to the product. As little as five minutes once or twice a day will lighten teeth, and no more than 30 minutes once or twice a day is required. Changes become noticeable within three to five days, and the full effects are achieved within seven to 14 days. Users can alter the time based on desired color changes, and the product can also be used sparingly for maintenance.

Benefits

Using Crest Whitestrips is more affordable than professional bleaching, which can cost $300 to $2,000 depending on the type of procedure. Convenience is another plus. Users do not have to visit a dentist or take the time to be fitted for trays since the strips mold to the teeth. Products such as the Five Minute strips and the Advanced Seal are formulated specially so users experience little to no disruption in their daily activities while whitening. Using Whitestrips daily creates more subtle and natural-looking lightening over time, instead of the dramatic change that occurs after a professional whitening session.

Considerations

Tooth and gum sensitivity can occur, as well as discoloration of the gums. Only use the strips as recommended. Do not try to wear strips longer or more often then suggested in an attempt to enhance bleaching effects. Eating, drinking, smoking or sleeping are not recommended while using strips, and best results occur if brushing does not occur prior to application. Whitestrips only lighten natural teeth and are not intended for use on caps, crowns, fillings or dentures. Although Whitestrips should not harm most dental work, they should not be used with braces. Children under the age of 12 should not use Crest Whitestrips. Consider professional tooth-whitening procedures for severe discoloration if desired results are not achieved with Crest Whitestrips.