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.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
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 can you do next?
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 seek dental care?
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 the dentist?
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.