What is the direct answer?
Whitening strips use peroxide gel against the tooth surface over repeated applications, with results depending on the starting shade and stain type.
What does this question mean?
The strip holds peroxide against enamel. It cannot whiten fillings, crowns, veneers, or bonding, and tartar must be removed by a dental professional rather than bleached.
What can you do next?
Check the label instructions, keep gel off the gums, stop if marked irritation or pain develops, and have a dental examination before using strips on a painful tooth.
When should you seek dental care?
See a dentist for toothache, gum burns that persist, a cracked tooth, decay, or a single dark tooth because whitening is not a diagnosis.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the discolouration is suitable for strips and how existing dental work will appear afterward.
Frequently asked questions
Can this be managed at home?
Check the label instructions, keep gel off the gums, stop if marked irritation or pain develops, and have a dental examination before using strips on a painful tooth.
What should prompt an appointment?
See a dentist for toothache, gum burns that persist, a cracked tooth, decay, or a single dark tooth because whitening is not a diagnosis.

