Teeth Whitening Products for Home Use

Today, a number of teeth whitening products exist as alternatives to having your teeth professionally whitened. Pros and cons exist for each of them.

One of the most inexpensive options is a whitening toothpaste. Toothpaste contains mild abrasives, so even paste that is not specifically sold as a whitener will be effective in removing some stains and plaque. Whitening toothpastes add a peroxide, typically sodium carbonate peroxide, which will break down and produce hydrogen peroxide. The peroxide bleaches the teeth to whiten them. The benefit of a whitening toothpaste is that because most people are brushing anyway, it doesn't add a cost in terms of time or money. The downside is that it is the least effective of the teeth whitening products, providing little more than a single shade of whitening. But because it is an economical choice, brushing with a whitening toothpaste makes a good companion or follow up to another whitening program.

Whitening mouthwash is similar, in that it is inexpensive and easy to use, and has limited effectiveness. It adds a risk in that prolonged use can cause sensitivity of the teeth and gums.

Companies like Crest and Colgate make teeth whitening products that are painted over the teeth and are left on the teeth for a couple of hours or overnight. Care must be taken to apply the whitener to all surfaces of the front of the teeth for uniform results. The application process can be messy, and the user suffers the inconvenience of wearing the product for an extended period.

Whiteners are also available as disposable strips. Whitening strips are more expensive than the methods listed above, but they are slightly more effective. The strips are worn for a period of a half hour to an hour on a regular basis for a couple of weeks. As with all of the products that must be worn for a considerable period of time, a nuisance factor exists.

The next step in the progression is to whitening trays. These are the most effective of the over the counter teeth whitening products. Unlike the strips, the trays are designed to be used repeatedly. The user fills the tray with a gel containing peroxide, then fits the tray over the teeth in the same manner as a mouth guard used for playing sports. The trays, which are thicker and more obtrusive than the thin strips, are left in place for a couple of hours. This method produces better whitening than all of those above. The effectiveness will vary depending on the quality of the tray purchased and how well it fits the teeth and holds the peroxide to them.

A dentist can also provide a custom version of the trays that are formed from an impression of the individuals teeth. The results are optimal because the peroxide is spread evenly about the surface of the teeth. The peroxide is available in varying strength, a stronger concentration intended to be worn for a couple of hours, or a milder form that can be applied while sleeping. The stronger the concentration, the greater the potential for resulting sensitivity of the gums. The custom-made trays are far more costly than the other options.

If you have questions or concerns about using any of the more advanced forms of home teeth whitening products, consult your dentist.