Sheer White is an at-home teeth whitening strip that allows users to whiten teeth and lighten stains in the privacy of their homes. Brought to you by the CAO group, this is one of the many dental hygiene products that are marketed by the group. Since the brand usually caters to dentists and practitioners, the company is not as popular for its strips. The strips themselves claim to provide the best results in a matter of days.
However, there is some doubt left in the minds of potential customers regarding how the strips work and whether the Sheer White strips are the best brand to buy. There are also alternatives like Nubeam Supersmile that are threatening the popularity of Sheer Whiter, and you shall see why.
Why Teeth Whitening Strips?
Of late, at-home teeth whitening products are gaining preference over professional teeth whitening treatments. This is mostly because the at-home procedures do a decent job for a fraction of the cost. Also, the products allow for privacy and flexibility. People can use the products whenever they wish, for as long as they follow the instructions, the results are forthcoming.
The teeth whitening options are several and they all come with pros and cons.
- Whitening toothpastes are for those who are looking for general upkeep and maintenance as the whitening results from most tubes of toothpastes are okay. They can help remove stains that are fairly recent – like your last meal, clean your teeth and freshen your breath at the same time.
- The same is true for whitening mouthwashes or rinses.
- You get a better outcome with whitening trays that are laden with whitening gel. The trays have to be placed over your teeth for a said period and then rinsed. However, the trays are not custom-made to your particular set of pearly whites, and the most common complaints are that of fit – too loose, too tight, or that the trays do not cover the entire surface of the teeth.
- The best at-home whitening products so far are teeth whitening strips. These thin films come in individual applications that can be adjusted to cover the tooth surface as you can mold them according to your teeth. The treatment does not include a visit to the dentist and, at a nominal cost, can remove surface stains on the tooth enamel.
If anything, strip options are many – natural, bleach gel, dissolvable, plastic, or paper. Depending on the results you want and your choice of type, you are spoilt for choice. One such brand is Sheer White, and the question that is often asked is whether this particular brand of teeth whitening strips is safe and effective for teeth brightening. Let’s find out.
CAO’s Sheer White: A Complete Whitening System
First things first, Sheer White, is not an exclusive at-home whitening system. Instead, it is a part of a two-fold system that begins in your dentist’s chair. The Sheer White teeth whitening strips cannot be used without a dentist’s recommendation. This is the first blow to the product. The whole point of teeth whitening strips is that you could eliminate the dentist visit altogether. Sheer White Take-Home is the second phase of CAO’s Sheer White Complete Whitening System.
- Phase 1 has to be administered in the dentist’s office, and
- Phase 2 begins when the dentist ends the in-office session and sends you home with the strips so as to complete the whitening procedure at home.
The dentist places the in-office strip on your teeth and sends you home. The in-office strip can lighten teeth up to 3 shades in just 30 minutes, and you would receive instructions from the practitioner for removal.
Each strip contains 20% carbamide peroxide gel, which is the active whitening or bleaching agent. The strips also use a patented non-slip formula to keep the strip in place and this enables the strips to stay put even if you drink beverages while the strips are on (although hot beverages may compromise the integrity of the strips). The strips must be removed from the enclosed tray, and the gel face is to be placed on the surface of the teeth along the gum line. The strips are broader than the standard at-home products, and the strips have to be folded onto the back of the teeth. This keeps the strips in place for the duration of the treatment. The strips must be kept on for 1 or 2 hours, after which you can take the strips off and wash off any excess or residue. You could also brush.
The brand does use the term ‘clinical strength,’ which usually translates to a higher concentration of the bleaching agent, in this case, carbamide peroxide gel. This may also be the reason why a dentist’s assistance is necessary, as the dose of bleach is quite heavy. However, the brand does say that the results are exemplary owing to the ‘clinical strength.’ The official website is designed for medical practitioners as there is mention of customer retention, keeping the strips in stock, patients, and better revenue. So, you may be disappointed to know that you cannot purchase the strips yourself unless you are a licensed dentist.
Benefits of the Whitening Films
Because the website targets medical personnel, the benefits of use are two-fold – for the patients and the dentists. CAO claims that the use of Sheer White would benefit both the patient and the practitioner.
For the patient, i.e., you, the product claims to:
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For the dental professionals, the benefits vary.
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These are the claims that are made by the brand, and if reviews are anything to go by, the dentists prefer the product while the customers have mixed feelings.
The Active Ingredients
We did a lot of digging, and the best we could find was carbamide peroxide. There have to be some other ingredients to maintain the integrity of the strip, but we are not privy to that information. Carbamide peroxide, along with hydrogen peroxide, are the two most widely used bleaching agents in the other products, too.
Carbamide peroxide acts on the teeth by breaking up stains on the tooth surface. It then dissolves harmlessly into harmless elements in the mouth. Just 5% of the bleaching agent can produce results in as little as one hour. Sheer White uses a whopping 20% (like most whitening gels), and the brand asks that the strips be worn for an hour or two. Yes, the teeth do brighten under such a heavy concentration of bleach, but there are also some side effects – which we shall get to now.
The Downsides of Sheer White
As effective as the strips may be, there are a few things that just do not sit right.
- The first is the fact that you have to go to a dentist to get the whitening treatment started. The whole point of the at-home whitening procedure is that you can avoid the dentist. With Sheer White, the take-home completes the in-office procedure. Why go to a dentist and just not get a professional cleaning done? A question a lot of users are asking.
- Another concern is the amount of bleaching used. 20% of carbamide peroxide is a lot for whitening strips.
- Also, the brand suggests that the strips be placed for 2 hours or less. Anything less than an hour and the strips would disintegrate on your teeth.
- The main problem with bleaching agents is that they attack the tooth enamel and gums, in addition to the stains.
The extraordinary whitening results are a result of the excess bleach attacking stains. The attack will also take place on the enamel, leaving it porous, soft, and vulnerable. This means that anything you eat, drink, or smoke after the procedure would potentially leave stains on the surface of the tooth or, worse, leave your teeth susceptible to attack from bacteria or breakage. The gums would be affected, too. Gum irritation, bleeding, or blisters are common reactions to high levels of bleach. There is no telling what the strips may do to your teeth, as reactions depend on a number of factors.
An alternative product we would suggest is Nubeam Supersmile. Not only are these teeth whitening strip safer but it is also an effective option that can help you get a brighter smile without dental office visits or gum blisters.
Testimony
Emily from Denver, CO
Sheer White Teeth Whitening Strips were somewhat tricky to keep in place. Noticed some improvement, but less than I expected for the price.
Darren from Philadelphia, PA
The Sheer White strips promised a lot but delivered only modest whitening effects. Plus, they didn’t taste very pleasant.
Lisa from San Diego, CA
I used Sheer White for the full course, and my teeth are a shade lighter, perhaps. They’re not uncomfortable, but I hoped for more noticeable results.
A Better Option: What is the Nubeam Supersmile?
Nubeam Supersmile is exclusively a tooth whitening strip brand – no tubes of toothpaste, gels, or toothbrushes in the plot at all. That is probably what draws most people to the brand – the no-nonsense approach to teeth whitening. After having undergone several clinical trials, Nubeam has emerged as an effective, potent, and safe alternative to many teeth whitening options. It works because it keeps things simple – no frills, no magic, and no marketing, just a great product that works. Unlike Sheer White, which only handles stains, Nubeam features a formula that whitens, kills off harmful germs, and freshens breath, all at the same time. This is quite a bit more than what Sheer white claims to do.
The Nubeam also offers a kit known as the Supersmile Teeth Whitening Kit includes:
- PVP Pro strips
- A mouthguard
- An LED booster device, and
- A shade card to track progress.
The LED booster device is an option that is offered to you, and you can opt not to buy the light; the strips alone work, too. The Nubeam Supersmile Teeth Whitening System can lighten your teeth up to 12 shades over the course of two weeks, and it calls for a daily application of the strips for 60 minutes. To use, you must place the strips across the surface of your teeth along the gum line and press firmly to keep the strips in place. You need to wear them for an hour, and while you can drink water and talk, eating and smoking are strict do-nots.
The manufacturer also advises that you do not exceed the hour as this could possibly cause damage to your teeth (contradictive to what CAO states). For the last 5 minutes of the hour, should you choose to do so, you could use the booster light to increase whitening results. The shade card lets you witness the strips’ attempt at transformation over an agonizingly two weeks’ time.
The whitening films are formulated to keep sensitivity at bay and also care for the tooth enamel. The formula Nubeam uses backs these claims. Unlike most whitening strips that pointedly stuff interesting-sounding ingredients into their product, Nubeam adds only what is necessary and in safer but effective doses. Whitening is not the only goal here; so besides the whitening ingredients, Nubeam takes into account fresh breath and good oral hygiene.
- It adds Glycerin to ensure that there is no sticky residue left on the teeth after the treatment.
- Hydroxyethyl Cellulose forms a protective layer over the surface of the teeth, protecting it from germs and bleach.
- Ethanol kills off any harmful bacteria, while Menthol leaves you with a fresher smile. For a complete list of the ingredients, you can visit the Nubeam Official Website.
A Comparison: Sheer White vs. Nubeam Supersmile
It is only fair that we draw a comparison between the two treatments to make the stark difference between them clearer.
Similarities
The similarities, first.
- Both strips are effective.
- They work efficiently and can lighten teeth by several shades for an extended length of time.
- You can drink water while you have the strips on, but eating, drinking hot beverages, and smoking are not advisable.
- Both teeth whitening strips include the use of plastic films that must be removed after use.
And that is where the similarities end. The differences are a bit more stark.
Differences
- While Sheer White needs to be administered by a dentist, Nubeam can be used all by yourself in the privacy of your home and is also recommended by dentists.
- Nubeam adds a facet of privacy to your whitening procedure, and you also have the freedom to administer the treatment whenever and wherever you wish, even at work. Sheer white has to be first administered by a dentist and only then can you take the strips supplied to your home. This restricts your choice of treatment time and place.
- The bleaching concentration is another factor of difference. Sheer White uses 20% carbamide peroxide, while Nubeam uses 5% hydrogen peroxide. We needn’t further clarify which strip is safer.
- While Sheer White claims to have reduced sensitivity, we see no provision for the claim. How the strips plan to do this is a mystery. On the other hand, Nubeam uses ingredients that protect the tooth enamel and gums from irritation and can also be used if you already suffer from sensitive teeth.
- There are also reviews to consider. The CAO website for Sheer White is suspiciously quiet in terms of reviews. What we found, we got from other avenues on the web. On the contrary, Nubeam has made it a point to post reviews from verified buyers.
- That isn’t all. Nubeam has a number of reviews online, most of them positive. Sheer White, comparatively, have fewer.
- The price is always a deciding factor. While the official CAO website caters to dental professionals, you cannot get a box there – only a set of 6 Sheer White strips are sold for a price of $226.59. There are offers on other merchant websites, but the prices vary, starting from $54.99.
Nubeam caters to all – dentists and patients alike. If you wish to buy the Nubeam kit without the light, you pay $49 and $79 with the light. The purchase also comes with a 30-day return window in case you are unhappy with the results. - Nubeam actively discourages the formation of stains on the teeth. The protective layer ensures it. While Sheer White simply states ‘long-lasting results’ we see no attempt made to curb staining. In fact, a heavy helping of bleach would leave the tooth enamel weak and susceptible to further staining at a faster rate. This means you would have to go back for cleanings more often, which cost a lot more than one effective and definitive treatment – like the one Nubeam provides.
Summary & Verdict
In a nutshell, Sheer White is a two-part tooth whitening system, the first phase of which has to be administered by a dentist, and the second begins when you are sent home with a box of strips and instructions. Promoted by the CAO group, Sheer White uses 20% carbamide peroxide and a non-slip patented formula to provide superior whitening results in just 5 days. On the face of it, the product does sound pretty good, however, a little digging did reveal some flaws. 20% of bleaching agent is quite strong and keeping them on the teeth for 60 to 120 minutes can be potentially damaging to the teeth and gums. The first part of administration by the dentist takes away the freedom and choice of use that most users prefer from an at-home whitening treatment.
An alternative product for whiter teeth is Nubeam Supersmile.
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This does seem like a better product and is what we would recommend. For more product details, feel free to visit the Nubeam Supersmile Official Website.