Do teeth whitening kits work?

We're always looking for ways to improve our smiles.

If you're going to the dentist for professional teeth whitening, you can expect to pay for an arm and a leg. So, if you want to save some money, you might consider doing it yourself at home.

Good thing, many over-the-counter teeth whitening products are available in the market. You can now inexpensively whiten your teeth to improve the appearance of stained teeth.

However, do these products work, or are we just being duped by heavily edited “before” and “after” photos and utterly useless products?

Is home whitening produce results as dentist whitening?

Unlike dentist whitening, the peroxide level is too low for most people to see any improvement in their teeth. However, if your teeth are stained because of an underlying condition, then the bleaching may help.

An in-office treatment can be helpful because it works very quickly and doesn't require any special equipment. Whitening effects may last longer than just one application. You may only need one hour of treatment or a few visits for your teeth to be whiter because the concentration of hydrogen peroxides in the applied products is higher than in products you use in your home. If you have receding gums, in-office treatments are recommended. You may also be able to speed up the process by using an LED light to help activate the bleaching agent.

However, different types of teeth whitening processes at home also offer various benefits. If you want to keep your teeth whiter than ever before, you can use at-home teeth whiteners that provide professional results from the comfort and convenience of your own home.

Is Teeth Whitening Safe?

Teeth whitening treatments are a standard cosmetic dental procedure that promotes whiter teeth. Whitening teeth can help you achieve an even brighter smile in just several sessions, but not all teeth whitening kits are created equal.

Hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are both active ingredients and effective at removing stains from tooth enamel. However, hydrogen peroxide is more aggressive than carbamide peroxide and may cause tooth sensitivity, so it may be better suited for people who have sensitive teeth.

Pay attention to your teeth, especially to people who have sensitive teeth. Some people experience temporary sensitivity in their gums or teeth when using whitening products. It's not a sign of permanent damage, but it can feel uncomfortable. Consider taking a short break from bleaching or using a milder product if it happens. Talk to your dentist for the best advice.