Everything You Need to Know About Tooth Whitening Kits

What are tooth whitening kits?

These are over-the-counter tooth whitening systems which may be used with or without the aid of your oral health care professional.

What are the options in using tooth whitening kits?

There are in-office and at-home procedures. There are cases when the procedures are done completely in the office. Sometimes, the procedures are just started in the office and completed at. Also, there are kits that can be used without the oral health care professional's supervision.

How long does the tooth whitening procedure take?

Nightguard vital bleaching, or the at-home teeth whitening procedure, involves a tray custom-fitted for your mouth where a tooth whitening solution, usually a mixture including a peroxide substance, is placed. These are worn for at least an hour or throughout the night. It would depend on the preparations potency, the level of tooth discoloration or if you have specific requirements.

Were these proven to work?

Bleaching, using a peroxide would work for most stains, like those due to coffee, tea, and tobacco. These systems, however, are not reliable for discolorations due to tetracyclines and fluorosis (fluoride levels in the teeth is high). This is because the discoloration caused by tetracycline and fluorides is not due to the presence of a stain or residue but due to the alteration of the teeth's physical and chemical components.

Likewise, tooth fillings remain the same color even after the teeth are bleached.

Also, just like most cosmetic procedures, results can vary from individual to individual.

What does these tooth-whitening kits contain?

These tooth-bleaching kits usually contain hydrogen peroxide, which is a powerful antiseptic and bleaching agent. It is popularly used commercially due to its wide margin of effectiveness and safety.

What would be the side effects?

Hydrogen peroxide, at high concentrations can increase the sensitivity of the teeth to temperature. At times, nightguards can also cause gum irritation.

And just like any chemical preparation, the excessive use of tooth bleaching products will not bring about positive effects. There is a possibility of disrupting the enamel of the teeth. This is more likely to be observed in preparations which contain acids.

To minimize side effects, it is still best to seek the supervision or advise of an oral health care professional.

How do these at-home tooth whitening kits appear?

You can use whitening strips and gels or tray-based products. Teeth whitening gels are transparent gels that contain peroxide which can be applied directly to the teeth's surface using a small brush. These are usually applied twice a day over a fourteen-day period. This costs around $15 for the fourteen-day period.

Whitening strips are thin and transparent strips which are coated with the whitening gel. These are used daily for about thirty minutes, also for a fourteen-day period. It may cost up to $55 for the treatment for fourteen days.

Also, there are the tray-based whitening kits, which use a tray which is filled with a whitening gel and worn for a few hours every night for a period of four weeks or longer.

What do I need to consider when choosing over-the-counter teeth whitening kits?

First, select a kit that allows you to customize the mouthpiece. These would be better than those that come with a standard mouthpiece, as the whitening solution or gel will be in good contact with your teeth.

Second, you can ask for the opinion or suggestion of people who have tried the products. Bear in mind, though, that results can still vary from person to person.

At times, you will be notice that there is a change in color of your gums and/or you have increased sensitivity to hot or cold foods. However, this should not stay over a prolonged period. If this happens, discontinue the use of the product and seek your dentist's professional advice.

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