Crest professional white strips with light
Whitening strips with an attached light use a peroxide gel on natural tooth surfaces, but the light does not make every smile suitable and sensitivity...
The short answer
Whitening strips with an attached light use a peroxide gel on natural tooth surfaces, but the light does not make every smile suitable and sensitivity remains possible.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
The strip holds a peroxide-containing gel against the facial enamel of the teeth. Whitening can lighten natural enamel and dentin, while fillings, crowns, veneers, and bonding keep their original shade, which can create mismatched color.
What can you do next?
Follow the product directions exactly, keep gel off the gums, and do not extend wear time to speed the result. Stop if there is marked pain or gum irritation, and have existing decay, cracks, or gum recession addressed first.
When should you seek dental care?
Ask for an examination when sensitivity lingers, gums turn white or sore, a tooth is much darker than its neighbors, or whitening produces an uneven result. Severe pain is not a normal reason to continue.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask for the peroxide strength, contact time, suitability for restorations, and a plan for sensitivity. Ask whether a dental cleaning or custom tray would be a better option for your staining pattern.
Frequently asked questions
Does the light whiten fillings?
No. It cannot change the intrinsic shade of a filling or crown.
Can strips whiten teeth with cavities?
A dentist should assess and treat active decay before whitening because gel exposure may aggravate sensitivity.