Crest whitestrips professional white
Professional-strength whitening strips use a peroxide gel to lighten natural tooth colour, but they do not whiten fillings, crowns, veneers, or dentures.
The short answer
Whitening strips contain peroxide that can lighten some natural enamel, while professional whitening uses controlled gel application after checking the teeth and gums.
How does peroxide in a strip affect tooth colour?
A strip holds peroxide against the front surfaces of teeth so it can oxidise some colour compounds within enamel and dentine. Results vary with stains, enamel condition, restorations, and the product instructions.
What should a dentist check before you whiten your teeth?
A dentist can check for cavities, gum inflammation, cracks, exposed roots, and existing restorations before whitening. Use a product exactly as directed, stop if significant sensitivity or gum irritation develops, and do not place strips over dental work expecting it to change colour.
When should you delay whitening and see a dentist first?
Seek dental care before whitening if you have pain, untreated decay, gum disease, enamel defects, or uneven darkening. A dentist should assess a single dark tooth or staining that does not match the other teeth.
What should you ask about staining, sensitivity, and restorations?
Ask whether the discoloration is intrinsic or surface staining, whether whitening will worsen sensitivity, and how existing fillings or crowns will match afterward. Ask about supervised alternatives if strips are unsuitable.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main thing to avoid?
Use a product exactly as directed, stop if significant sensitivity or gum irritation develops, and do not place strips over dental work expecting it to change colour
What will a dentist check?
Ask whether the discoloration is intrinsic or surface staining, whether whitening will worsen sensitivity, and how existing fillings or crowns will match afterward.
Who wrote this page
This library is published by Dental Nation, a licensed dental group practising in the United Arab Emirates. Pages are written and overseen by the same clinical team that treats patients in our clinics, and are held to a fixed editorial standard for safety and accuracy.
This page is patient education, not medical advice, and cannot replace an examination. Anything urgent — facial swelling, trauma, uncontrolled bleeding or severe pain — needs a dentist or emergency care now.