Instructions for Crest Whitening 3D Strips

Most people value a white smile, but cosmetic dentists typically charge hundreds of dollars for teeth whitening. Many inexpensive whitening kits, such as Crest Whitening 3D Strips, have entered the market to provide consumers a way to whiten their teeth from home. Crest Whitening 3D Strips use a gel form of hydrogen peroxide, the same ingredient used by cosmetic dentists, and work by bleaching surface enamel. Once the whitening regimen is complete, the whitening effect can last as long as a year, although teeth typically begin to darken before then.

Instructions

• 1

  Avoid eating and make sure your teeth are clean before you apply the strips. Anything on your teeth will block the hydrogen peroxide present in the strip from seeping into the enamel and will lower the strips' efficacy. Avoid brushing your teeth immediately before applying the strips, however, as this will increase the sensitivity of your gums.

• 2

  Remove and open one packet of the whitening strips for the upper teeth and one packet for the lower teeth from the packaging.

• 3

  Apply the upper strip. Peel the backing from the strip. Align the top of the strip with your upper gum line and press firmly against your upper teeth. The strip should easily stick to your teeth. A portion of the strip will extend beyond the bottom of your upper teeth. Fold this under and behind your upper teeth so that it sticks to the back of the upper teeth.

• 4

  Apply the lower strip. Peel the backing from the strip. Again, align the bottom of the strip with your lower gum line and press the strip firmly against your lower teeth. Fold the portion of the strip that extends over the top of your lower teeth over and behind your lower teeth.

• 5

  Keep the strips in place for 30 minutes. Do not eat or drink during this time, and avoid agitating the strips in your mouth.

• 6

  Remove the strips from your teeth and discard them. Wipe or brush away any gel remaining on your teeth.

• 7

  Apply a new pair of strips to your teeth twice a day for 10 days. You should begin to see results from using the strips in three days, though the time it takes to notice the strips' whitening effects will vary from person to person.