Whitening strips have become one of the most popular at-home treatments for brightening your smile. You’ll find them in pharmacies, online shops, and influencer recommendations. Promising whiter teeth in just days, they seem like a convenient and affordable solution.
But what many people discover is that whitening strips don’t work for everyone. In fact, for certain types of stains and some types of teeth, these strips can be ineffective or even cause sensitivity and uneven results.
At Perfect Smile Spa in Essex, we regularly see patients who have tried whitening strips and been disappointed. As award-winning cosmetic dentists, we are here to explain why whitening strips don’t work on all teeth and what your better options are.
How Do Whitening Strips Work?
Whitening strips are thin, flexible pieces of plastic coated with a peroxide-based gel. The strips are placed over your teeth and worn for a set amount of time, usually around 30 minutes per day for one to two weeks.
The active ingredient (usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide) penetrates the enamel to break down discoloured molecules inside your teeth. This can lighten their appearance by one or two shades.
Although this process can work for surface stains, there are many reasons why the results can be disappointing.
1. Whitening Strips Only Treat Certain Types of Stains
Whitening strips are designed to treat external stains, also known as extrinsic staining. These are caused by things like:
- Coffee or tea
- Red wine
- Tobacco
- Dark-coloured foods or drinks
However, many people experience discolouration that comes from within the tooth. These internal or intrinsic stains are caused by:
- Trauma to the tooth
- Certain medications such as tetracycline
- Overexposure to fluoride (fluorosis)
- Age-related thinning of enamel
Whitening strips do not reach the inner layers of the tooth, so if your staining is intrinsic, they will have little to no effect.
2. Whitening Strips Do Not Fit Everyone’s Teeth
Whitening strips are manufactured in a one-size-fits-all shape. They are not designed for individual teeth, which means they often do not sit flush against the surface.
This leads to several issues:
- Uneven application of the whitening gel
- Areas missed entirely, such as curved or overlapping teeth
- Poor contact with side teeth or molars
- Gel leaking onto gums, causing irritation
The result is patchy whitening where some teeth lighten and others stay the same. The lack of a custom fit makes it difficult to get uniform results.
3. Dental Work Will Not Whiten
Another important limitation is that whitening strips do not change the colour of dental restorations. If you have:
These materials are resistant to peroxide and will remain the same shade. This can leave your smile looking mismatched if the natural teeth around your dental work become lighter.
Before beginning any whitening treatment, it is essential to consult a cosmetic dentist who can assess your existing restorations and help you plan for even, natural-looking results.
4. Whitening Strips Can Cause Sensitivity and Gum Irritation
Because strips are not custom-moulded, the peroxide gel can easily leak onto your gums or soft tissue. This may cause:
- Soreness
- Irritation or white spots on gums
- A stinging sensation
- Heightened tooth sensitivity
This is especially common for people with thin enamel, receding gums, or existing sensitivity. While discomfort may pass after stopping use, overuse or improper application can result in longer-term irritation.
At Perfect Smile Spa, our teeth whitening in Essex is designed to minimise sensitivity while providing superior results. We tailor every treatment to suit your smile and oral health.
5. Results Are Limited and Short-Lived
Even when whitening strips work, the results tend to be minimal and temporary. You might notice a slightly brighter smile, but the effect usually fades within a few weeks without consistent maintenance.
Many people end up repeating treatments too frequently, which increases the risk of enamel erosion or long-term sensitivity. The desire for quick results can lead to overuse and poor technique.
If you are looking for significant whitening or long-lasting brightness, professional whitening is the most reliable and safest option.
Better Alternatives to Whitening Strips
At Perfect Smile Spa, we offer dentist-approved teeth whitening treatments that deliver noticeable, long-lasting results. Options include:
In-Clinic Zoom Whitening
Performed by our expert team, this powerful treatment uses LED activation and a high-strength whitening gel to deliver visible results in just one appointment. It is ideal for special occasions or a fast transformation.
Custom Home Whitening Kits
We provide bespoke whitening trays that are moulded to fit your teeth exactly. You will also receive professional-grade whitening gel and full instructions on how to use it safely at home. Because the trays are custom made, the gel stays where it needs to be and avoids irritating your gums.
When to Speak to a Dentist
If you’ve tried whitening strips and not seen the results you hoped for, it’s time to book a consultation with our cosmetic dentist. We can determine the cause of your discolouration and create a whitening plan that is tailored to your teeth.
Your dentist will also look at the health of your enamel, any restorations, and whether your gums are healthy enough for whitening. This approach ensures you get results that are safe, comfortable, and long-lasting.
Why Choose Perfect Smile Spa?
Our cosmetic dentist, Dr Jas Sagoo, has over 25 years of experience and has won 28 Aesthetic Dentistry Awards. Located in Hornchurch, Perfect Smile Spa is known throughout Essex and the UK for providing pain-free, high-quality dental care in a relaxing, spa-like environment.
From your first free consultation to your final smile reveal, our team is here to make your whitening journey easy and enjoyable.
Book Your Free Consultation Today
Your smile is unique, and your whitening treatment should be too. Contact Perfect Smile Spa to book a free consultation and discover the safest and most effective way to brighten your smile.
Call 01708 398 058 or email care@perfectsmilespa.co.uk
