White strips before and after reddit
Whitening strips use peroxide against the tooth surface; visible change depends on the stain, enamel, fit, and the product instructions.
The short answer
Whitening strips are flexible plastic strips coated with a peroxide gel; the result depends on the original stain, contact with enamel, fit, and correct use rather than a social-media photograph. They lighten some natural tooth colour but do not whiten fillings, crowns, or veneers.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
Peroxide molecules diffuse into enamel and dentine and alter stain molecules. Surface stains from food or tobacco may respond differently from internal discolouration caused by trauma, age-related dentine, fluorosis, or medication.
What can you do next?
Read the product directions, dry the teeth before placement if instructed, keep gel off the gums, and use only the stated wear time. Stop if marked irritation develops and do not use strips over untreated decay, cracked teeth, or inflamed gums without an examination.
When should you seek dental care?
Book an examination before whitening when teeth are painful, translucent, fractured, heavily restored, or unevenly coloured. Seek advice for persistent sensitivity, gum burns, or a patch that does not match the surrounding teeth.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the discolouration is surface or internal and whether cavities, cracks, or old restorations need attention first. Ask which whitening method fits your enamel and how existing restorations will look afterward.
Frequently asked questions
Do online before-and-after photos predict my result?
No. Lighting, camera processing, starting shade, stain type, restorations, and wear time can all differ.
Why do strips make my teeth sensitive?
Peroxide can temporarily irritate dentine pathways or the gum margin, especially when teeth have exposed roots, cracks, decay, or excessive contact with gel.