Starter kit teeth whitening (2024)

FAQs

Do home teeth whitening kits really work? ›

Although home teeth whitening kits can be effective in whitening teeth, they can only really whiten teeth by a few shades. If you want a drastic change in teeth whiteness (i.e. you have severe teeth staining), home teeth whitening kits may not be enough. You may need multiple tries.

Yellower teeth are often quicker to whiten, and the frequency of usage may also affect how soon the results may show. Most patients find that by the 2-3 week mark, they are usually satisfied with the colour, though some people choose to continue whitening for longer to achieve an even brighter colour.

Dentists typically recommend getting one or two professional whitening treatments per year. At-home whitening kits can be used for up to 14 consecutive days. People who have gotten professional whitening can maintain their results by using these kits a few times a year.

The natural color of teeth can vary due to various factors, including genetics, age, and lifestyle habits. Some individuals naturally have teeth that are darker or have a yellowish tint. These teeth may have a denser enamel layer or more pigmented dentin, making them more resistant to whitening treatments.

Choosing a non-professional teeth whitening treatment can carry a higher risk of adverse effects, including damage to your teeth and gums, and even a worsening of your discoloration. By far, the safest and most effective option is to have your teeth professionally whitened by your dentist.

The potential side effects of teeth whitening include teeth sensitivity, gum irritation, and ineffective results. However, most patients do not experience any notable side effects from professional teeth whitening, as the dentist can monitor the process and perform treatment in a way that minimizes risk.

Teeth can become temporarily dehydrated after using whitening strips. Your teeth may appear more yellow as a result of this dehydration because the enamel may become dry and lack moisture. Dehydrated enamel sometimes has a transparent appearance that makes the naturally yellowish dentin underneath visible.

It's safe to brush your teeth after applying whitening strips. Just be sure to do it gently to avoid irritating your gums. Another option is to brush your teeth before using whitening strips. This is ideal for removing plaque, which can get stuck beneath the strips.

Professional Teeth Whitening

This teeth whitening method involves high-powered bleaching agents such as carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, which can significantly lighten teeth in a single session.

Follow good oral hygiene practices. Brush your teeth at least twice daily, floss at least once daily to remove plaque, and rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash at least once a day to kill bacteria that cause plaque. Use a whitening toothpaste (once or twice a week only) to remove surface stains and prevent yellowing.

How white will my teeth be after whitening? ›

However, 10-15 shades lighter in color is only seen in a small percentage of patients. Most patients have an average result of 7-8 shades lighter when using Zoom® Whitening.

The challenge with such instability, however, is that all whitening gels will begin degenerating immediately upon manufacture unless they are kept under constant refrigeration. If left at room temperature or exposed to warmer climates and hot shipping temperatures, the peroxide gel will lose potency.

Yet, if your teeth stains are underneath the enamel of your teeth, known as intrinsic (internal) discoloration, then the bleaching agent won't be able to remove them.

LED lights speed up the tooth-bleaching process by helping the peroxide to break down faster, forming free radicals that whiten the teeth.

Then, over-the-counter whitening agents can work effectively. But because it's not dentist-monitored, many of them don't do anything. For instance, a mouthwash containing a whitening agent such as hydrogen peroxide probably is not going to be very effective.

Teeth whitening kit pros

Trays provide more coverage than some teeth whitening strips. May contain a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide and other chemicals for near-immediate results. Permanently remove light and tough stains.

Whitening toothpastes remove surface stains only and do not contain bleach; over-the-counter and professional whitening products contain carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide that lightens the color deep in the tooth. Whitening toothpastes can lighten the tooth's color by about one shade.