Question: I have slightly yellowish teeth.  I do not have enough money to get my teeth whiten at my dentist office since my dental insurance does not pay anything for whitening treatment.  Has anyone use teeth whitening strips.  Do they work well?  Are they a pain to use?

Reply: Most teeth whitening  strips contain peroxide, and thus they work to whiten your teeth the same way bleach works to whiten your clothes. The peroxide bleaches color from your teeth in order to restore their natural, white color.  They are fairly easy to use you just apply the strips to your teeth according to the package directions so that the peroxide comes into contact with your enamel. This allows the peroxide to remove stains and discoloration from the surface of your teeth. Some strips need to be removed after a certain period of time, while others do not.

One of the larger benefits of teeth whitening strips is that they are less expensive then having whitening treatment at your dentist.  Another benefit of whitening strips is that they  quick results. Your teeth should begin to look whiter within a few days of using the strips and the results should last at least four months.

There are hazards of whitening strips you should be aware of. Many whitening strips contain chlorine dioxide, which can start to destroy your tooth enamel.   It whitens teeth by eating away at the surface of the enamel. Essentially, you are wearing down the enamel on your teeth and increasing your risk for tooth decay if you use this type of whitening strip.

Even if your whitening strips do not contain chlorine dioxide, it is important to follow the directions on the package. Do not get impatient and apply more whitening strips or use them longer or more often than is recommended. Doing so could be harmful to the enamel on your teeth. Products that dissolve enamel can also harm gum tissue, so if your gums are irritated after using a product for a few days, you may want to discontinue use and see your dentist.