Comparing Teeth Whitening Products

Teeth whitening products are in demand more than ever. Professional dental whitening can be quite expensive, so many people are turning to at-home whitening products.

Yet, store shelves are filled with many brands of whitening products, and without a little knowledge on your side, it's difficult to decide which one will serve you best.

With that in mind, let's take a closer look at the whitening products out there.

Paint-on Whitening Products

Initially touted as a better alternative to the bulky, plastic trays used with the average gel whitening products, paint-on whitening products are not proving to be as convenient as thought.

Once paint-on whitening products are applied, many do not cling long enough to have the proper bleaching effect. That's because it's difficult to let them dry long enough before closing your mouth.

While paint-on whitening products prove to have challenges, they can still be useful whiteners if users are diligent with their application.

Strip Whitening Products

Whitening strips use thin pieces of plastic coated with a layer of hydrogen peroxide as a bleaching agent. The strips are pressed directly against the teeth, replacing the plastic trays used with gel whitening products.

Strip whitening products seem to remain in contact longer than paint-on whiteners, giving the peroxide more time to penetrate the enamel and begin oxidizing stains on the dentin beneath.

Worn for 30 minutes, twice a day, strip whitening products typically produce noticeable results in seven to ten days, depending on whether a 6% or 10% peroxide solution is used.

Gel Whitening Products

Gel whitening products dominate the over the counter market. Some are available in stronger formulas when overseen by your dentist.

Common gel whitening products use plastic dental trays to deliver a hydrogen peroxide solution to the surface, keeping saliva out and allowing the peroxide to better penetrate into the stains.

Another gel whitener uses a syringe to delver an extra sticky coating of 10%-20% carbamide peroxide bleaching agent to the surface.

Perhaps just as important as the type of delivery system of whitening products is the percentage of peroxide they contain. Higher levels of peroxide solutions deliver quicker whitening results. Something to keep in mind when making your selection.