Dental Bleaching Product Comparisons

There are a variety of at-home products and methods on the market today that claim to deliver effective dental whitening. Some of these methods and products work better than others and some do not actually work at all. The active ingredient in whitening gel is very important. The most effective systems utilize Carbamide Peroxide in a concentration of 10% - 35%. Non glycerin-based formulas containing concentrations of at least 22% Carbamide Peroxide yield the best result. Listed below are the popular methods for at-home dental whitening.

Dental Whitening Product Comparisons

Type of At-Home Whitening System Effectiveness Comfort Ease of Use Color Change Professional Tray  Bleaching Systems Excellent Excellent Excellent 11 Shades Boil & Bite Tray Bleaching Systems Excellent Good Good 9 Shades Non-moldable Tray Bleaching Systems Poor Moderate Good 3 Shades Whitening Strips Moderate Poor Moderate 2 Shades Whitening Sprays Poor Poor Moderate None Whitening Toothpastes Poor Good Good None

Dental Bleaching Qestions and Answers

What is the teeth whitening process? - Teeth Whitening is actually a bleaching process that lightens discolorations of tooth enamel. This process uses an effective whitening solution retained in a custom-fitted mouthpiece that is worn over your teeth for 1-3 hours per day (or overnight) until you have reached your desired level of whitening. Included in these systems are professional strength whitening gels (10% - 35% carbamide peroxide), moldable mouthpieces, whitening accessories and instructions for use. 

How does dental bleaching remove stains - Dental bleaching systems will remove most stains with a gentle action that whitens your teeth. As the active ingredient in the gel (carbamide peroxide), is broken down, oxygen acts upon the stained organic deposits, which oxidizes them into a white color. This process makes the overall tooth color closer to its natural unstained color. Your tooth structure remains unchanged. Years of clinical tests have demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of this system. Over 95% of people treated achieve some level of tooth whitening. Crowns, bridges, bondings, and fillings do not lighten with dental bleaching.

What is the treatment procedure? - An impression of your teeth will be made by you at home with our easy-to-use instant moldable mouthpieces or with our professional impression kit.  You will then apply our whitening gel inside the mouthpiece and place the mouthpiece over your teeth. You may wear the mouthpieces from 1-3 hours per day.  Most people see quick results within only one week.

Is the whitening process permanent? - For most people, the treatment will last for many years. Your teeth have become stained in the first place from consuming the foods and beverages. Upon the completion of your initial bleaching process, your teeth are restored to their natural white color. Exposure to foods, drinks (especially coffee, colas and red wines), smoking and other consumables will gradually darken teeth again over time. You may want to periodically bleach your teeth. After an initial treatment, most people do touchups about once every 6-12 months.

How much whitening gel do I get when I purchase a dental bleaching kit? - You get enough whitening gel to complete your whitening process. There is no need to purchase more whitening gel to get the job done (as with many other systems). You receive either 3 or 6 dental syringes containing 5ml of whitening gel each.  That's a total of 30ml or 60ml of dental bleaching gel. Each application (per mouthpiece) will use approximately 0.5ml of whitening gel. This means that you will get 30 - 60 applications. Most people complete their whitening process and still have some whitening gel left over to do touch-ups later.

How Important are moldable mouthpieces? - Very Important. Having a moldable mouthpiece is essential to assure proper bleaching results. Non-moldable mouthpieces may cause inconsistent bleaching or spotting on the teeth and they are uncomfortable to wear. dental bleaching offers two types of moldable mouthpieces, do-it-yourself boil & bite mouthpieces and professional dental lab-created mouthpieces. Both types are effective and you may decide which type is best for you. See below for detailed differences between both types of mouthpieces.

I already have a set of moldable mouthpieces. Can I buy just the whitening gel from dental bleaching? - Yes, we sell dental bleaching 22% Carbamide Peroxide whitening gel separately. This refill gel is the same strength that is sold in dental bleaching Kits and professional dental offices. It can be used with any dental tray in the same way as your previous whitening gel.

Why is dental bleaching better than other whiteners? - Simply put, other products do not work effectively. Some over-the-counter trays are not moldable to your teeth and do not hold the gel in the proper position. Many OTC whitening gels are not thick enough to stay in place and will leak out of the tray. Many OTC gels typically have less effective active ingredients or a lower concentration of active ingredients. Many professional dental whitening systems provide so little whitening gel that refills will be required to get the desired result.  In short, the dental bleaching system offers more effective whitening power for your money than any other system.

Is dental bleaching the same thing dentists sell me for $500 or more? - Yes, Our system uses the same active ingredients, percent concentration and methodology as those used in professional dental offices. In fact many dentists sell dental bleaching to their patients. We provide you with moldable mouthpieces and supply you with a high quality, effective whitening gel exactly like the formula used in dental offices.

What causes tooth discoloration? - There are many causes. The most common include consumption of foods, coffee, tea, wine, sodas and smoking. In other words, our teeth naturally get more and more stained as time goes on and we continue to live our lives. NOTE - Tetracycline discoloration and artificial dental work are usually not greatly responsive to dental bleaching.

Who may benefit from tooth whitening? - Almost everyone. However, there are some cases where treatment may not be effective. Tooth lightening is ideal for patients who have healthy, unrestored teeth and would like a whiter, brighter smile. Tetracycline discolorations and artificial dental work are usually not greatly responsive to dental bleaching.

Is it safe to bleach my teeth at home? - Yes, dental bleaching at-home bleaching is specially designed to be an easy-to-use system with detailed usage instructions. Over a decade of research indicates that whitening teeth with carbamide peroxide is safe and effective. All of our products comply with FDA regulations.

How long does the bleaching process take? - Results are dependent upon each individual characteristics of each person and the daily wear-time of the mouthpieces, but most people usually see results within the first week (or first 10 cumulative bleaching hourse). Maximum results occur after 40-50 cumulative bleaching hours.

Are there any side effects? - Some people experience temporary tooth sensitivity during treatment. Others have reported discomfort in the gums or in loose fillings. Gum irritation usually disappears within 1-3 days after beginning the procedure and always upon the discontinuation or completion of treatment. There are no other significant side effects. NOTE - Pregnant or nursing women should not engage in dental bleaching.