How long should I leave teeth whitening strips on for optimal results? Is there a universally accepted duration, or does it vary based on individual circumstances? Perhaps one might wonder if the recommended time is the same for everyone, regardless of the concentration of the whitening agent used in the strips. Should I adhere strictly to the guidelines provided by the manufacturer, or is there room for adjustment based on personal sensitivity to the chemicals involved? What happens if I exceed the advised application time? Could this lead to undesirable side effects, such as increased tooth sensitivity or gum irritation? Conversely, could I achieve less effective results if I remove them too soon? Moreover, how do factors such as the initial shade of my teeth or the presence of dental coatings impact the efficacy of the strips? Ultimately, what would be the ideal balance between efficacy and safety in my teeth whitening regimen?