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Gone are the days when the only lucky people who got to flash million dollar white smiles were Hollywood stars. Thanks to teeth whitening strips, the brightest, whitest teeth of our lives are just a trip to the drugstore away. Teeth whitening strips work fast, deliver results that can be seen after just one or two uses and last for months. In order to get the most out of one of our favorite beauty must-haves, Dr. Jeffrey R. Shapiro at iSmile shared 7 tricks that will up your at-home teeth whitening game.
[Photo: Imaxtree]
Use them at night.
"Use white strips in the evening after your last meal," Shapiro says. "They should be used on clean, dry teeth, so brush your teeth with a gel toothpaste. I find that gel toothpaste is more easily removed and works better with electric toothbrushes."
Crest Whitestrips Noticeably White ($16.99)
Dry your teeth first.
"Blot dry your teeth with tissue or gauze to remove saliva that may create a barrier for the whitening solution to make contact with your teeth."
Position your strips carefully.
Don't just apply the white strips and assume they'll do all of the work for you. "Position the strips on your teeth and away from your gums. Adapt them by pressing them with your fingernail in between teeth to get maximum contact."
Don't use them for longer than directed.
Don't take matters into your own hands and make up your own teeth whitening rules. "Follow directions and use for one hour max. Longer use can lead to teeth sensitivity and can damage gums. However, use for the maximum time to get the full whitening effect. If your teeth become sensitive, that is a signal to stop and apply desensitizing agents prior to further use."
Crest 3D White Whitestrips Teeth Whitening Kit, Gentle Routine ($34.99)
You don't have to be so strict about using them.
"Initial use is usually approximately 2 weeks, but it is a cumulative process, so don't worry if you miss a day. Touch-ups can be done every six months to a year to maintain your whitened teeth."
Crest 3D White Whitestrips 1 Hour Express Double Pack ($45.99)
Get on with your life.
"You can apply the white strips and leave them on while doing other activities so as to not feel that you need dedicated time for the process."
Check the expiration date.
Don't wait too long after buying whitening strips to actually use them. "The strips have a limited shelf life so be aware of their expiration date."
Crest 3D White Whitestrips Professional Effects Teeth Whitening Kit ($54.99)
