Teeth whitening strips – a gentle way to brighten your smile at home

Teeth whitening strips. A woman is applying a transparent whitening strip to her upper teeth.

Various everyday foods and beverages, such as coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco and even beetroot, soy and blueberries, can cause teeth to become darker over time. Tooth shade is also influenced by age, oral hygiene routines, tartar buildup, enamel structure, and other individual factors.

A simple and popular at-home teeth whitening option is teeth whitening strips. These are thin strips applied to the teeth for a specified period of time to help reduce surface stains and discoloration. Their key advantages are ease of use and visible results, which may be noticeable after just a few applications.

How do whitening strips work?

Various active ingredients are used in teeth whitening products. One modern and increasingly popular option is PAP (phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid), which is used in peroxide-free whitening products. PAP+ helps oxidize tooth discoloration without the use of traditional peroxides, making it a gentler option for enamel and less likely to cause tooth sensitivity.

The PAP+ formula is complemented by oral care ingredients such as hydroxyapatite and xylitol. Hydroxyapatite helps support enamel strength by remineralizing the enamel, while xylitol helps prevent tooth decay, maintains an oral environment that supports dental health and promotes saliva production.

Peroxide-based whitening products

Initially, these products are more expensive because they require custom-made whitening trays, which typically cost between €150 and €230 at dental clinics in Estonia. A custom-fitted tray ensures that the whitening gel works effectively while also protecting the gums.

Peroxide-based whitening products have been on the market for a long time and are considered a traditional and effective whitening method. However, if instructions are not followed, if a gel with an excessively high concentration (prohibited in the European Union) is used or if treatments are performed too frequently, tooth sensitivity and gum irritation may occur. For this reason, many consumers seek gentler and more affordable alternatives.

Why choose peroxide-free PAP+?

Benefits of PAP+ whitening:

  • gentle user experience
  • suitability for regular at home use
  • effective against surface discoloration
  • can be combined with ingredients that support oral health
  • peroxide-free formula

Apteq White teeth whitening strips contain an effective PAP+ formula, as well as hydroxyapatite and xylitol, which help gently brighten teeth, remineralize enamel and support an oral environment that promotes healthy teeth.

Apteq White Whitening Strips in packaging

Who are whitening strips suitable for?

Teeth whitening strips are suitable for adults who wish to refresh their smile and reduce surface stains caused by beverages such as coffee or tea.

Whitening strips are not recommended if:

  • there are ulcers or sores in the mouth
  • the gums have receded
  • the individual has recently undergone oral surgery

It is also important to remember that whitening products do not lighten fillings, crowns, or dentures in the same way they whiten natural teeth.

Regular daily oral hygiene, moderate consumption of staining foods and beverages, and the use of high-quality whitening products can help keep your smile bright and healthy.