RJ Licata is a freelance writer and internet marketer. More on RJ's current projects can be found at RJLicata.com.
Two of the more common home teeth whitening methods are strips and gel trays. Nearly every home kit uses one or the other. But which is better? This article will take a closer look at each method and help determine which one is best for your whitening needs.
Whitening Strips
White strips are soft plastic sheets that have a hydrogen peroxide solution on them. They are placed on the top and bottom teeth and left there for a varying amount of time, usually 20-60 minutes. Each brand kit is different but most treatments call for applications once or twice a day for 7-14 days.
Strips are considered by many to be a very good home teeth whitening treatment and often show moderate results within the first few applications. There have been issues with them in the past because they are sometimes tough to keep on your teeth and are often messy. Drinking and eating should not be done with strips in your mouth and talking can be difficult.
Overall whitening strips are a very good option for home teeth whitening. They are relatively inexpensive and will work on most teeth. Some people won't see a great deal of change, if any. Unfortunately some users just don't respond well. If this happens to you, you may want to try changing brands or move on to a different whitening method.
Gel Trays
Gel trays are form fitted mouthpieces that you fill with a peroxide based solution. The mouthpiece should then be worn for 30 minutes up to four hours depending on the strength of the peroxide gel. Sometimes, if the patient doesn't experience any sensitivity the tray can be worn overnight.
The results achieved from this type of home teeth whitening are usually very good, however it requires a lengthy treatment session. Trays tend to be more intrusive than strips, but are more likely to remain in place, which increases their effectiveness. The design of the tray also makes it easier to apply the gel to the sides of teeth and other difficult to reach areas.
All in all gel trays are a safe, effective home teeth whitening method. They tend to require more work than strips, but will usually provide excellent results more quickly. Which method is best is a personal preference based on sensitivity and how your teeth respond. Some will do better with strips and others gel trays.
The best advice is to pick one and try it. If you're satisfied continue using it. If you are less than pleased, try the other.Pay careful attention to sensitivity and swelling. If you experience too much of either, discontinue use until the side effects go away. Otherwise, don't be afraid to experiment with different methods and brands until you find the best one for you.
To read more about home teeth whitening methods and how teeth whitening peroxide can help, visit Best Teeth Whitening Options today!
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- Simple Home Remedies for Whitening Teeth
- Counting The Tooth Whitening Cost - Which Method Works Best?
- How to Whiten Teeth - Getting Whiter Teeth With the Least Effort
- Dentists Can Also Whiten Teeth
- Teeth Whitening: How Can I Whiten Teeth From Home?
- Teeth Whitening: 5 Reasons For Polishing Your Teeth Through Teeth Whitening Techniques
- How to Whiten Yellow Teeth-tips for Whitening Your Teeth
- The Process Of Whitening Teeth




Snap-On Smiles of Today
By: Dr. Jagmail Basrai | 22/12/2009The Snap-On Smile has actually been around for quite some time, though it was originally developed as a concealing device for patients who were in need of veneers or who were in between procedures. Often in the distant past, the filing and shaving of the teeth had to be done in advance of the making of custom veneers, as bonding agents and technology were not as advanced as they are now.
Lumineers to the Rescue
By: Dr. Jagmail Basrai | 22/12/2009Lumineers are a brand name cosmetic dental product manufactured out of California. This company was the first to offer an ultra thin porcelain veneer for the improvement of the appearance of teeth. Before this revolutionary product was developed and perfected, the average porcelain veneer was, on average, the thickness of a fingernail. With the old veneer process, and with many of the other popular products available today, shaving of the tooth enamel is routine.
Putting Six Month Smiles to the Test
By: Dr. Jagmail Basrai | 22/12/2009Six Month Smiles is a relatively new treatment that allows for the quick and convenient alignment of most minor to moderate orthodontic issues. There are quite a few advantages to this treatment as opposed to veneers, braces, or other transparent alignment devices, the first of which is the patients ability to eat, drink, and cleanse the teeth without having to remove the braces.
Sedation Dentistry
By: Dr. Jagmail Basrai | 22/12/2009Sedation dentistry happens when a patient is offered any type of medication which assists in relaxation or sleep, but does not include those types of procedures which require general anesthetic, for which air support and monitoring are needed. General anesthesia needs to be provided by a licensed anesthesiologist and under the care of a physician, and this is usually the case with oral surgery done through clinics and hospitals.
Stop Gum Disease With Proper Care For Bleeding Gums
By: Karyu Gilbert | 22/12/2009Regardless of what people might say to you, gums shouldn't bleed during brushing, flossing or performing other routine oral hygiene. A lot of people - adults and children alike have had bleeding gums for the majority of their lives and have just regarded this as usual for them. Yet, bleeding gums are a manifestation of more complicated and likely serious problems which is why it's imperative to care for bleeding gums. Generally, the cause of bleeding gums is due to the infection ca...
Provide the right type of dentistry for children with pediatric dentists
By: quinlanmurray | 22/12/2009Children tend to have a weaker immune system and this makes it important for them to have proper dental hygiene. But dental problems do not occur only from failing to clean the teeth. There are a number of reasons that can result in children developing dental problems.
Everbright Smiles Review - Final Score (9.3/10)
By: S. Miller | 22/12/2009Is everbright smiles the real deal or a piece of junk? Come see if its something you should use.
Go White Teeth Whitening Review
By: marryjones777 | 22/12/2009Are you ashamed of smiling your heart out? Are you really down and out on the amount of confidence? The self confidence is always shattered when the smile is yellowish and stained.
10 Best Teeth Whitening Tips EVER
By: RJ Licata | 10/08/2009 | Dental CareIf you're considering teeth whitening treatments there are a some important things you should know to be sure your experience will be safe and effective. They won't guarantee you'll see great results, but following these ten tips will certainly help give your treatments a boost.Continue reading this article for the ten best teeth whitening tips around.
Strips vs. Trays - What is the Best Home Teeth Whitening Method?
By: RJ Licata | 26/06/2009 | Dental CareTwo of the more common home teeth whitening methods are strips and gel trays. Nearly every home kit uses one or the other. But which is better? This article will take a closer look at each method and help determine which one is best for your whitening needs.
Teeth Whitening Peroxide - The Ultimate $3 Stain Remover
By: RJ Licata | 24/06/2009 | Dental CareNot only are stains unattractive, they can be expensive to have whitening treatments remove them. Unless, that is, you know about the $3 stain removal secret. Read this article to learn more about teeth whitening peroxide.
The Best Teeth Whitening Products for a Small Budget
By: RJ Licata | 24/06/2009 | Dental CareNot everyone can afford the big bucks celebrities spend on teeth whitening treatments. And that's ok. There are plenty of less expensive options available. In this article you'll learn about the best teeth whitening products for those of us with smaller budgets.
Teeth Whitening Methods - The Pros and Cons of 3 Common Techniques
By: RJ Licata | 17/06/2009 | Dental CareEach of the three major teeth whitening methods have things that are good and bad about them. This makes it hard to decide which one to use. If you're having trouble deciding which teeth whitening techinque is best for you read this article immediately!
Best Teeth Whitening Options - 3 Easy Steps to a Brighter Smile
By: RJ Licata | 17/06/2009 | Dental CareAre you looking for an easy teeth whitening plan that works? If you'd like to know the simple 3 step secret that can brighten your smile continue reading this article.
The Best Teeth Whitening Advice for a Bright Smile
By: RJ Licata | 12/06/2009 | Dental CareChoosing which teeth whitening method is best is a tough decision. With so many choices available it's sometimes necessary to have some help sorting through them. This article will help you find the best teeth whitening method for a bright, healthy smile.
Natural Teeth Whitening - The Most Underrated Technique
By: RJ Licata | 12/06/2009 | Dental CareNatural teeth whitening is both cost effective and results effective and if done properly is a safe way of brightening your smile. For this reason it is perhaps the most underrated whitening technique.