Women Skin Care and Beauty

Advances in tooth-whitening technology are making it easier to have a brighter smile. But what’s the best at-home system – tooth whitening strips or custom-made trays?
In a recent study, researchers compared the safety and effectiveness of a strip-based 14 percent hydrogen peroxide gel product (Crest Whitestrips Supreme) with customized tray whitening systems using a 16 percent and 20 percent carbamide peroxide gel (Nite White Excel). Participants wore the strips on their upper front teeth for 30 minutes twice a day for three weeks. Tray users wore customized trays with the whitening solution overnight for nine days to two weeks.

The studies revealed that strips, the less expensive option, whitened teeth better and with fewer side effects than the trays. In fact, strip users experienced a 91 percent improvement in yellowness reduction compared to tray users. Also, the strips produced much less tooth sensitivity and gum irritation over 21 days than the trays did over 14 nights. However, the peroxide concentrations in the study’s strips were higher than in over-the-counter strips, meaning it will take longer to get results. Additionally, the strips are only long enough cover six to eight teeth, while trays cover the full dentition.