Teeth Whitening Products – The key points to remember

On this page, I collected the most important points to remember when looking for teeth whitening products.

You can find detailed information about each of these reminders somewhere on this site.

1. The two key components of all whitening products are
   • whitening gel
   • whitening tray

2. Higher concentration whitening gels provide faster whitening. You can get the same results with less potent gels if you increase the length of application. 22% carbamide peroxide and 6% hydrogen peroxide gels provide the same whitening power.

3. For safety reasons you should not use gels at-home with higher than 22% carbamide peroxide or 6% hydrogen peroxide concentration. You can buy whitening gels with higher concentration but I wouldn’t go there.

4. Whitening trays must be comfortable to wear. Your teeth will only get whiter if you use your bleaching kit. Custom fitted trays are more comfortable and leak less bad tasting gel. Try to pick gels with good flavor.

5. Tray-based at-home teeth whitening products allow you to apply the gel evenly all around your teeth. Including the edges. Custom fitted trays can be used even years later.

6. Sensitivity can occur during and after whitening. Whitening gels with desensitizer (potassium nitrate) reduce sensitivity. Just in case of unexpected sensitivity consider buying desensitizer separately. Another way to deal with sensitivity is to prepare your gums and teeth for each treatment.
7. Whitening gels with pH levels closer to neutral (pH level 7) are better for your enamel (the outer layer of your teeth). Avoid whitening gels with low pH levels (stay above pH level of 6 if possible).

8. Always record the shade of your teeth before beginning the whitening treatment. Most kits come with a shade guide. You can also buy a cheap shade guide at your local supermarket.
   
   

9. Purchase teeth whitening products from reputable companies with good customer service. Most of the cost in whitening kits comes from the whitening trays. Gels are inexpensive and there are many places you can buy from. Stay away from quick and cheap products.

10. Crowns, fillings and bridges do not whiten. Replace these after teeth bleaching.

11. Your teeth will loose some of the initial whiteness shortly after you finish the treatment.
    
    
12. At-home teeth bleaching is not for everyone. If your teeth and gums are not in perfect condition consider visiting your dentist for whitening advice.

Keep these in mind when you are evaluating teeth whitening products. There are many bleaching kits out there. Selecting the best kit becomes much easier if you know what to look for and what to avoid.

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