Are Home Whitening Kits Effective?

The pursuit of a bright and sparkling smile has been on the rise. And, because of this many people have resulted in getting whitening powders, gels, pens, and kits. According to a recent report, about 52 percent use the home whitening kits at least once a day. These kits are often cheaper than professional teeth whitening, but are they safe and effective? In this post, we look at how the kits work and their effectiveness.

What are Home Whitening Kits?

At-home whitening kits are available in different versions including gels, pens, powders, and toothpaste that can be found in your local drug store.

You can also get dentist-made home whitening kits that help to whiten the teeth or maintain the results. These kits are often customized to fit your teeth and dental needs. They are usually more effective in removing stains than the cosmetic versions.

Professional Vs. Home Whitening Kits

At-home whitening kits and the professional process differ when it comes to the percentage of the bleaching agent and the process.

• In-office teeth whitening

Professional teeth whitening in North York, ON, is often done at the dental office. The whitening products usually contain higher amounts of bleaching agents, which makes them better at whitening the teeth. The process of professionally bleaching the teeth is done in about 45 minutes using three 15-minute sessions depending on the severity of the discoloration.

The dentist will first apply a protective agent on the gums to protect them from bruising (the bleaching agent can affect the gums causing bruises). Next, the bleaching is applied on the teeth and left for 15 minutes to penetrate through to remove the stains. The teeth are then rinsed and the processed repeated two or three times depending on the results you are looking for and the severity of the discoloration.

• At-home whitening kits

These kits, as mentioned come in different types like gels, powder, and pens. Several brands come in clear adhesive strips often coated with a solution. These strips are applied to the teeth for 30 to 90 minutes once or twice a day depending on the brand you use.

The dentist-designed take-home whitening kits come in form of trays that are applied to the teeth for a couple of minutes once a day. The primary purpose of these whitening kits is to maintain the whitening results after getting your teeth professionally bleached.

Are The Home Kits Effective?

One common complaint of people using the whitening kits is uneven results. The whitening kits contain low levels of the bleaching agent which often delivers less desirable stains. Also, the whitening strips do not cover the crevices of the teeth which does not deliver even results.

Furthermore, some reports suggest that some home whitening products can cause intense pain and also damage the teeth and gums.

What Mistakes Do People Make When Using At-home Whitening Kits?
At times, the ineffective results of these whitening products are influenced by a few mistakes like not following the instructions which can cause damage to the gums and teeth. Overuse of the strips, pens, and gels may also cause sensitivity and gum bruising.

Who Can Use the At-home Whitening Kits?

Teeth whitening in general, whether the home kits or professional procedure, is not recommended for people who have teeth sensitivity. Also, if you have worn-out or thin enamel, you may need other whitening options to remove the stains.

How Can You Prevent Discoloration?

Teeth discoloration is caused by various factors like lifestyle, age, and certain medications. While you cannot stop the age-related discoloration, changing your habits can reduce the severity of the discoloration.

• Avoid or limit your consumption of staining foods like wine, coffee, tea, and soy sauce
• Stop smoking, which not only damages your teeth but also your overall health
• Get regular cleaning to remove the accumulation of the tartar and plaques

Final Thoughts

Getting your teeth whitened professionally is a bit expensive, but it is safe as the dentist will take the necessary steps to protect your gums. You can, however, get the take-home whitening kits from the dentist.

Visit Quad Dental for more information about professional teeth whitening.