Teeth whitening kit FAQs
What are the main types of teeth whitening kits?
Teeth whitening kits can include whitening pens, powders, gels and classic teeth whitening strips. Strips are applied straight onto your teeth after you’ve finished brushing them, while powders can beapplied with a toothbrush. Alternatively, pens contain a teeth-whitening formula while also boasting portability and the benefit of being easy to use when you’re on the go. Some whitening treatments will come with a mouth tray and an LED light, which work to break down the peroxide, helping to speed up the whitening effect.
What ingredients should you look for in a teeth whitening kit?
This will mostly depend on your preferences, but common active ingredients to look for are hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, used for their bleaching effect on the teeth. While at-home kits contain lower concentrations of peroxide than teeth whitening treatments carried out by dentists, some people may be wary of the risks of using peroxide at home. These can include issues around sensitivity, which are caused by damage to the tooth enamel. If you want to go peroxide-free, look at using formulas with other active ingredients, such as PAP (phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid), pentasodium triphosphate, sodium chlorite or coconut oil among others.
Does whitening damage teeth?
To make sure your at-home teeth whitening is safe, follow the directions carefully. Don’t leave the solution – be that gel or strips – on longer than the brand advises, as this may irritate gums. If the latter does happen at any stage of the process, it’s recommended you stop the treatment.
After whitening, avoid acidic drinks, dark or strongly coloured liquids, such as tea, coffee or red wine, and food with natural or added colourings. To be on the safe side, it’s recommended pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding should not use teeth whitening kits.
How does LED teeth whitening work?
Light emitting diode (LED) is a type of light that works to activate teeth-whitening agents – gels, for example – and is said to make them work faster.
How long will it take to whiten my teeth?
The amount of time it will take to whiten teeth will depend on the product and the amount of stain on your teeth. But, generally speaking, if you apply the solution regularly for a specified period of time, you’ll likely notice a difference after two weeks.
Are there any natural alternatives to teeth whitening?
Yes, there are more natural alternatives to using hydrogen peroxide, such as activated charcoal, for example. However, we opted to not review a teeth whitening product using the ingredient, as some sources say charcoal’s abrasive texture could wear down tooth enamel, therefore harming rather than improving the aesthetic of your teeth.
How often can you whiten your teeth?
It’s always wise to ask your dentist what kit they’d recommend. Most at-home kits will whiten your teeth within seven to 14 days of daily use. After this, you can opt for touch-ups when you feel the effect has started to fade. How long this will take depends on your diet and dental care. Do always check the instructions on the package, as each kit is different, and overuse of whitening kits can cause tooth sensitivity, inflamed gums and teeth enamel erosion.
The verdict: Teeth whitening kits
For a visible transformation, we recommend the My Sweet Smile teeth whitening powder as it was an easy addition to our night-time oral hygiene routine and left us with minimal irritation and sensitivity issues. If money is no object, we were thoroughly impressed with the results of CurrentBody’s skin teeth whitening kit, too.
Want to add extra oomph to your smile? These are the best teeth whitening toothpastes
FAQs
The Crest Whitening Emulsion with LED Light stands out as the best overall teeth whitening product due to its ease of use, effectiveness, and comfort. Its simple, straightforward process, coupled with the ability to carry on with normal activities during treatment, makes it highly convenient and user-friendly.
What is the best teeth whitening product that actually works? ›
The Crest Whitening Emulsion with LED Light stands out as the best overall teeth whitening product due to its ease of use, effectiveness, and comfort. Its simple, straightforward process, coupled with the ability to carry on with normal activities during treatment, makes it highly convenient and user-friendly.
What type of teeth whitening strips work the best? ›
After testing 23 options, we found that the Crest 3DWhitestrips 1-Hour Express are the best at-home teeth whitening strips. These whitening strips are formulated with hydrogen peroxide and are designed as a quick solution to brighten teeth in just a single one-hour session.
What whitens teeth really fast? ›
Use Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
This may be a more complex way to whiten your teeth, but it works incredibly well! Baking soda can help get rid of plaque that's on your teeth while hydrogen peroxide is an antibacterial agent that can whiten your teeth and keep them free of germs.
What are the highest level whitening strips? ›
Crest 3D Whitestrips are our pick as the best overall teeth-whitening strips because our tests determined that they had the best results with the most effective active ingredients. If you have stains from years and years of tea, coffee and wine, Crest 3D Whitestrips can effectively whiten teeth by as much as 23 levels.
What do professionals use to whiten teeth? ›
Carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide are commonly used in whitening interventions and can readily permeate dental hard tissues.
Are strips or pens better for teeth whitening? ›
Let's start with teeth whitening pens. These products offer more precise application than strips because they allow users to target specific areas of their mouths more easily due to their small brush-tip applicators. They also typically contain stronger whitening agents than strips, making them more effective.
What toothpaste actually whitens teeth? ›
Colgate Optic White
This toothpaste is commonly recommended as the best whitening toothpaste due to its unique formulation. It contains 2% hydrogen peroxide, an active ingredient known for its bleaching ability. This makes it highly effective at removing surface stains on teeth, resulting in brighter and whiter teeth.
Are teeth whitening strips or kits better? ›
Whitening trays are less well-known compared to strips, but they are a much more effective option. Using custom-molded trays and a peroxide-based whitening gel, they allow for more even, extensive coverage of the teeth. This translates into shorter whitening times and much brighter smiles.
Are strips or gel better for teeth whitening? ›
Overall, the gel is a better option if you're looking for long-term results. It may not be as convenient or inexpensive as the whitening strips but it will brighten your smile.
Studies have shown that toothpaste that contains 1% hydrogen peroxide and baking soda which can whiten teeth significantly. Further studies also show that brushing with toothpaste that contains hydrogen peroxide and baking soda twice in a day can whiten your teeth by 62% in just six weeks.
What permanently whitens teeth? ›
While teeth whitening is the most popular treatment in the field of cosmetic dentistry, it may not be the best option for everyone. Luckily, permanent, whiter teeth can be achieved by receiving porcelain veneers in Scotts Valley.
What is the most effective professional teeth whitening? ›
laser teeth whitening treatment. While this procedure is not the cheapest fix for yellowing, it is the most effective, quickest, and long-lasting procedure.
Can yellow teeth become white again? ›
What Can Be Done to Whiten Yellow Teeth? If you're looking for a radical change in the coloring of your teeth, you need professional-grade whitening to get the job done. Your cosmetic dentist can provide treatment that penetrates deep into the enamel and removes years of stains with a powerful bleaching agent.
What do most dentists use for teeth whitening? ›
Carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide are commonly used in whitening interventions and can readily permeate dental hard tissues. Temporary tooth sensitivity and gingival inflammation are the most common adverse effects of vital tooth whitening.
Do any teeth whiteners actually work? ›
There are two types, two versions of peroxide, hydrogen peroxide, and carbamide peroxide, that are used for whitening. And they are effective. They do work. So if the whitening kit you're using lists that product, you can rest assured that it will be effective.
