Review of Popular Teeth Whitening Products
Our teeth are exposed to many food and drinks that can stain and make them look dull. As we age, teeth get moreopaque and hence can look more yellow. Due to the increased awareness and aesthetic reasons, teeth whitening is getting very popular.
There are many products that available over the counter that claim to work very well. However, the safest and reliable way to whiten your teeth is professional whitening done by a dental professional.
Professional approach to Teeth Whitening
There are different products available for professional teeth whitening. They are either hydrogen peroxide based or carbamide peroxide based. This is the safest method as it is done by dental professionals and gives a longer lasting result than any other home DIY kits.
There are two ways to get professional whitening done. First is in surgery/ in office procedure, where the activator and bleach are applied to teeth in controlled manor and activated by blue light. Second is by home whitening method, in which the custom-made trays are made by the dental professionals and the bleaching gel is of optimal concentration. Your dental professional can recommend the right option for you.
Home based teeth whitening
If you decide to take a DIY approach, you can still achieve good results. But, ensure you are using the appropriate products. There are five potential options:
- Home whitening kits
These are cheaper variety of professional whitening kits. There is essentially a whitening tray and some bleaching gel. Though it looks complicated, they are usually fool proof. First, the trays are made by dipping the moulds into boiling water before fitting them onto your teeth. You then add the whitening gel into the tray, which you insert against your teeth. Most products have user manual to make the steps clearer. Some of them can give you quick results.
Product examples: iWhite Instant Teeth Whitening Kit; Rapid White 1 Week Tooth Whitening System
- Whitening Strips
Using whitening strip has been the most popular method of home whitening system. This is mainly because it is very easy to use and many people find it more convenient. Some may find that the end result is not as effective as home whitening kits with trays.
Product examples: Orax Peroxide Free Teeth Whitening Strips
- Whitening toothpastes and mouthwashes
There are multiple toothpastes and mouthwashes list in this category. Some of the toothpaste have lot of abrasive and hence can damage your enamel. Always check with your dentist before using any abrasive toothpastes.
The most recent trend that is catching up worldwide is using activated charcoal for teeth whitening. There are lots of positive reviews for this in internet, however scientifically there is lack of evidence that activated charcoal has whitening effect on the teeth. So, beware!
Product examples: Curaprox Black is White Toothpaste and Toothbrush; Activated Charcoal teeth whitening powder; Janina Ultrawhite Whitening Toothpaste
- Whitening pens:
This contains a thin, plastic tube containing whitening gel. This is mainly for instant result or for touch-ups on the go. These are handy and easily carried in handbags/ pockets.
Product examples: Just Pure Hut Dentist Teeth Whitening Pen Kit
- LED lights
On its own LED lights have no evidence to lighten the teeth. However, when used along with Bleaching agent and if the light has the favourable wavelength, they are more effective. You apply the whitening solution to the teeth, then brush with the gel, then apply the light for two minutes.
Product examples: Luster Pro Light Teeth Whitening System; Briyte Home Teeth Whitening Kit
Easy comparison of the options
| Home whitening kits | Whitening strips | Whitening toothpaste | Whitening pens |
LED lights |
|
| Ease of use | Low | Moderate | High | High | Moderate |
| Quick results | Yes | Yes | Unproven | Yes | Yes |
| Effectiveness | High | Moderate | Unproven | Moderate | High |