Crest professional level whitening strips
Whitening strips use a peroxide gel against the tooth surface; choose them by ingredient, fit, instructions, and your dental condition.
The short answer
Whitening strips use a peroxide gel against the tooth surface; choose them by ingredient, fit, instructions, and your dental condition. They lighten suitable natural teeth, while fillings, crowns, and veneers retain their original shade.
How does a whitening strip contact the enamel?
A strip is a flexible carrier coated with a whitening formulation that contacts enamel for a prescribed time. Peroxide molecules break down some stain compounds, but the result depends on the starting stain, tooth anatomy, contact, and use instructions.
How should you follow whitening strip instructions?
Read the active ingredient and follow the pack directions without extending contact time. Do not apply strips over untreated decay, gum inflammation, exposed roots, or a cracked tooth; resolve those problems first.
When should you have a dental check before whitening?
Ask for an examination before use if you have pain, cavities, gum bleeding, or a dark single tooth. Stop if burning, marked gum whitening, or sensitivity persists and request clinical advice.
Will strips whiten your visible teeth evenly?
Ask whether your discoloration is external or internal and whether strips can reach the visible surfaces evenly. Ask how existing restorations will affect the final shade and what alternative is suitable if strips do not fit.
Frequently asked questions
Can strips whiten crowns?
No. Crowns, veneers, and fillings keep their existing shade while natural teeth may lighten.
Why do strips cause sensitivity?
Peroxide can move through enamel and dentine toward the pulp, and exposed root surfaces can react more readily.
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.