Skip to main content

Do Teeth Whitening Strips Actually Work?

Woman Pointing at Her White Smile

Whitening strips are a popular at-home teeth bleaching technique. But can they get you that glowing smile you’re after?

The Perks of Teeth Bleaching Strips

Whitening strips are convenient and less messy than whitening gel trays. You can easily put them on and take them off on-the-go, they’re lightweight, and easy to pack.

Bleaching strips contain measured doses of peroxide that soak into enamel pores and lift stain. Many people report good results after using these over the counter (OTD) products.

Why OTC Dental Bleaching Products Deliver Limited Results

For one thing, the strips only expose the outer layers of the teeth to a mild peroxide gel. The spots where the sides of teeth touch each other isn’t easy to access with the one-dimensional bleaching surface. You could end up with dark or dull edges around your white teeth.

Additionally, the amount of peroxide in bleaching strips has to be kept to a safe minimum for a product to be sold over-the-counter. This means you’d have to wear the strips almost constantly for a long time to get intense results. Doing that can result in tooth pain and tissue irritation.

Are Dental Whitening Strips Dangerous?

Whitening strips are generally safe for teeth, but they can cause problems if you don’t use them properly. The peroxide can be irritating to your gums and it’s inevitable that a whitening strip will be in contact with your gums.

Using any bleaching product for too long or at the wrong concentration can cause hypersensitivity.

The Best Teeth Bleaching Methods in Philadelphia

To get the smile of your dreams in the safest and most effective method, schedule a consultation with one of the cosmetic providers at Dentists on the Square.

Posted on behalf of Dentists on the Square

Book an appointment

Our patients reviews

Dentists on the Square

4.7 / 5.0

Based on 83 reviews

  • Marianne M.

    Dentists on the Square is great. I’ve had a lot of work done, and they are by far the best practice I’ve been to. They are preventative in mindset, which makes a huge difference to minimize issues before they are large scale problems. The team collaborates and they are very attentive. And now I walk out after a cleaning with much whiter teeth! My hygienist is amazing!

  • Betty H.

    This was my best experience at a dentist office. The staff was AWESOME!!!!. I had some major dental work done and still the experience was wonderful. Thanks, Bonnie for the warm welcome.

  • Jackie E.

    DOTS is fantastic! I’ve been a long time patient and have referred many friends. Their staff and doctors are attentive, caring and always willing to sit down and plan out treatment and talk through your benefits. Thank you!

  • Heidi S.

    They actually have me excited to get implants. The staff is amazing and extremely kind. Very thorough and comprehensible, even with such a detailed process. Thank you!! I’m very happy to have been recommended to come here.

  • Candace V.

    I highly recommend! The staff is really friendly and nice. I had my wisdom teeth removed by Dr. Roberts and Vince and they are great. I was really nervous to have that type of treatment but they reassured me that I would be okay and made it a good experience. It is so worth it!

  • Angela B.

    My first appointment at DOTS was pretty incredible. I had a traumatic experience at my last dentist three years ago that resulted in my 1) developing severe anxiety around going to the dentist and 2) me putting off my dental health for a while. Everyone at DOTS was incredible and super supportive. Shoutout to the hygienist and dentists there that get their patients through the appointments with humor and professionalism. I think I might actually look forward to the dentist now!

  • Jake P.

    Incredibly knowledgeable and professional staff. Really pleased with my experience! This is now my go to dentist office.

  • Harry G.

    Everyone is very friendly, the office is very clean and well organized. I will definitely be returning for my dental work.

(215) 567-0110 Book an appointment