Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Teeth Whitening Strips
Why do white spots appear when using test strips?
This is probably the most frequently asked question for all teeth whitening brands. While teeth whitening stains may look scary, they are actually completely normal and do no harm. They will disappear after a short while. There can be a variety of reasons for this, such as B. Fluorosis (white spots visible from an early age due to excessive exposure to fluoride before the permanent teeth erupt). If you haven’t seen white spots before, the most common cause is decalcification, which highlights weak areas of the teeth, and plaque buildup. Another cause is enamel hypoplasia, where the enamel doesn’t form properly.
Interestingly, this problem can usually be solved with teeth whitening or bleaching, which removes the stains and the appearance of white spots. You must continue to use the product for the recommended time, as the color adjusts and the stains become less noticeable, until the best results are achieved.
Can teeth strips be used on the back of the teeth?
It is not recommended, as teeth strips are designed to fit your teeth perfectly. It is also relatively pointless because you are trying to whiten the visible part of your teeth, and the strips cannot be used more than once because the gel and formula have already been used.
Can you wear strips while sleeping?
No, each product has an exact expiration date, which is stated on the packaging. They are exposed to your teeth for a long time when you fall asleep.
Can I use dental strips if I have just had dental treatment?
This depends on the treatment, recovery and sensitivity, but you may need to give your mouth a few days to recover.
Can I use mouthwash after using the strips?
Yes, it is absolutely fine to use mouthwash after use.
How much hydrogen peroxide is allowed in the strips?
When you go to the dentist, you may be treated with up to 6% hydrogen peroxide. However, according to EU law, dental care products for home use must not contain more than 0.1%. The reason some brands are discussed negatively in the media is because they offer products that are much higher than this, sometimes up to 35%, and can be purchased online. Fake dental care products have also been launched that offer this service despite not being a registered dentist. If you come in contact with large amounts of the product, and it is not used by a dentist trained in this area, you can burn the lining of your mouth and worsen dental problems.
In fact, we do not use peroxide in our Procoal teeth whitening kits.
Can whitening strips be used during dental treatment?
These strips do not cause any damage to the dental treatment, they only whiten your natural teeth. Therefore, you need to consider how visible the dental treatment will be on the front of your teeth, as this may cause a color difference between the dental treatment and your natural teeth.
How long does it take for teeth whitening strips to work?
All teeth whitening strips work differently, but most require regular use for 14 days to achieve the best results. They are most effective within a few hours of application, but they will disappear if you eat something that will stain your teeth (coffee, wine, curry).
How long do the stripes last?
Most kits include 14 days of effects, but the duration of the effects depends on your habits, genetics, and diet. For example, smoking and drinking coffee will speed up the re-staining process, so this should be taken into account after use. Some people also drink coffee through a straw, which avoids the teeth. This strategy can be used with any beverage to protect tooth enamel.
What are the causes of tooth discoloration?
There are 3 main causes of tooth discoloration, all of which are related to factors that cause discoloration. First, it can be an extrinsic discoloration based on discoloration of the tooth enamel, with diet or smoking being the main causes.
The second cause is intrinsic discoloration, which is darkening of the dentin. However, some causes may be beyond your control, such as: B. Fluorosis or taking antibiotics as a child.
The last main cause is age, as the enamel thins, the yellow dentin underneath becomes more noticeable.
Would dentists recommend your products?
Not only do they recommend our products, but our products are developed and formulated by British dentists. That’s why we are confident that we can ensure high-quality products that meet all legal requirements and provide incredible results.
What foods or drinks should I avoid before and after my whitening treatment?
Although you don’t have to worry directly, we recommend limiting your intake of certain foods and drinks if you want to avoid discoloration. The factors that have the greatest impact are coffee, tea, red wine, curry, soy sauce, and smoking.
How do I use the strips?
After brushing for five minutes, apply the appropriate strip to both upper and lower rows of teeth. After 30 minutes of use, simply remove it and throw it in the bin.
How do teeth whitening strips compare to professional teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening strips do not contain the same amount of hydrogen peroxide as professional teeth whitening, so you will get better results with professional teeth whitening at your dentist. However, the real difference is that while a dentist can whiten your teeth by around 11 shades, it costs around £600, while teeth whitening strips and home kits are much cheaper.
How can I learn more about teeth whitening?
We write about many topics related to dentistry in our blog. However, if you think that a topic area has not been covered, please contact us and we will be happy to help you with your query. Alternatively, we recommend that you check out the NHS website or healthcare e-learning programme.
Can I use whitening strips with braces?
If you have braces, we recommend that you do not use it as the gel will only work on teeth that have been in contact with formula. As this will create an uneven effect on the braces, the results will not be optimal. If you have a retainer, we recommend that you consult your orthodontist.
Should I clean my teeth before or after using it?
You need to remove any plaque that may be stuck on your teeth before using it. So, brush your teeth for a few minutes before applying the strip. This ensures the best results and helps remove any bacteria that may be on your teeth. In addition to this, you should wait about 5 minutes between brushing and using the strip to avoid irritation.
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DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.