Crest White Strips Don't Cover All Teeth
Everyone wants a bright, white smile. It’s a sign of good health and hygiene, and can improve your confidence and self-esteem. But not everyone has the time or the budget for professional teeth whitening treatments. That’s where at-home whitening products like Crest White Strips come in. They’re affordable, easy to use, and promise great results. But there’s one problem – they don’t cover all teeth.
The Problem with Crest White Strips
Crest White Strips are thin, flexible strips coated with a hydrogen peroxide-based gel. You apply them to your teeth and leave them on for a specified amount of time (usually 30 minutes). The gel penetrates the enamel to remove stains and discoloration, leaving you with a brighter, whiter smile. But here’s the catch – the strips only cover the front teeth. That means the teeth at the back of your mouth, or the ones that are partially hidden by your lips, won’t receive the same level of whitening.
Why Crest White Strips Don’t Cover All Teeth
To understand why Crest White Strips don’t cover all teeth, you need to know a little bit about tooth anatomy. Each tooth has three main parts – the crown (the visible part above the gum line), the root (the part that’s embedded in the jawbone), and the neck (the narrow part that connects the crown and the root). The front teeth have a longer crown and a shorter root, while the back teeth have a shorter crown and a longer root. This means that the back teeth are partially hidden by the gums and the cheeks, making them harder to reach with whitening products.
The Risks of Uneven Whitening
Uneven whitening can be a problem for several reasons. First of all, it can make your smile look unnatural. If only your front teeth are white, it can create a stark contrast with the rest of your teeth, making them look yellow or gray in comparison. Secondly, it can draw attention to the fact that you’ve had your teeth whitened. While there’s nothing wrong with wanting a brighter smile, some people prefer to keep their dental work more discreet. Finally, uneven whitening can be a sign of poor oral hygiene. If your back teeth are significantly darker than your front teeth, it could be a sign of decay or gum disease.
The Alternatives to Crest White Strips
If you’re looking for a more comprehensive teeth whitening solution, there are several alternatives to Crest White Strips. Here are a few:
- Professional Teeth Whitening: This is the most effective and long-lasting option, but it’s also the most expensive. A dentist or dental hygienist will apply a whitening gel to your teeth and use a special light to activate it. The process takes about an hour and can lighten your teeth by several shades.
- At-Home Trays: These are similar to Crest White Strips, but they’re custom-made to fit your teeth. You fill the trays with a whitening gel and wear them for a specified amount of time (usually overnight). They’re more expensive than Crest White Strips, but they cover all teeth.
- Whitening Toothpaste: This is the cheapest and easiest option, but it’s also the least effective. Whitening toothpaste contains abrasive particles that can remove surface stains, but they can’t penetrate the enamel to remove deeper stains.
The Bottom Line
If you’re considering using Crest White Strips to whiten your teeth, it’s important to be aware of their limitations. While they can provide good results for the front teeth, they won’t cover all teeth. If you want a more comprehensive whitening solution, you may need to consider a different product or procedure. Talk to your dentist or dental hygienist to find out what option is best for you.