Does anyone know how teeth whitening kits work?

Question

Like the home whitening ones.

And is it bad for you?

Answer 1

Apparently there are levels of a special peroxide in the strips and gels you apply to your teeth. What this does it create a reaction on your tooth surface which, in time, removes any staining and discolouration. Different products have different levels and strengths of this peroxide.

Be careful if you are going to use them as you may have tooth sensitivity. I have it very bad and have to use Sensodyne or Crest for Sensitive Teeth when I want to use the strips or gels.

Also, don't use them too often as they say it can erode your tooth enamel, which can make your teeth appear a little transparent.

GoWhite doesn't use the same harsh perioxide others use, so it may not be as effective initially and also does not cause sensitivity in those who are sensitivie. I have not yet tried it, but I know you can get it at Sephora - for a hefty price!

There is also laser whitening that can be done in an hour or so under a blue light. This also whitens, but is very expensive and requires you to a dentist's office. You do walk out with bright white teeth though! Might be a good option if you are getting married or want a quick fix for some important photos or event.

Hope that helps.

Answer 2

The home whitening kits that we provide at my surgery at very good and we've had very few complaints.
1st step is to come into the surgery and have impressions taken of your upper/lower jaws, this is to have special bleaching trays made up for you, these are clear in colour and are very soft.
Once the trays have been made up a bleaching kit is then ordered for you, we use polar Night and the concentration is 16%.
You then take the kit home and away you go, you can wear the trays over night or if you find them a bit of a mouthful just wear them for a couple of hours each evening.
You can control how white you want your teeth to be as you will also be supplied with a shade guide, once your happy with the results you simply stop bleaching.
You will have to be careful whilst bleaching, Tea-Coffee-Smoking-Red wine- Curries will stain the teeth so it's best to avoid them while bleaching.
You will notice a difference in the 1st few days, but dont let that fool you, you need to carry on bleaching despite the result, this is almost like a pre whitening stage and will wear off if you dont continue, and remember the bleach will only bleach natural teeth so if there is anything false in the mouth like crowns or dentures they wont bleach.
As for safety, if bleaching damaged the teeth then it wouldn't be allowed, it can cause slight sensitivity but that's about all!

Answer 3

The most popular brand (Crest whitestrips) use a 10% saturated form of Hydrogen Peroxide. When you go to the dentist for whitening treatment, they use about a 15 - 20% form of the same substance. Basically, that is all it is, a bleaching reagent. I used this and trust me, it really does work. Because of this substance, your teeth may become sensitive after a couple of weeks of use, so tolerate it if it is mild, but consult your dentist and discontinue use if it is more than mild. Also, if you have sensitive gums, this may burn them a little bit, but this probably will not be an issue unless you have very unhealthy gums.

Answer 4

Commercial tooth whiteners use hydrogen peroxide and
are expensive and inconvenient. A cheap and natural
tooth whitening home remedy uses few strawberries
but certain precautions have to be followed. details
available at

Answer 5

Never tried the kits !!! but i can recommend a toothpaste:::
its called "salvamed whitening" I started using last week and can see the difference already !!!! (I smoke and drink a lot of coffee) i am most impressed

Answer 6

You can also get a pen type whitener now.
It is done in 2 stages.
One for acceleration.
Another for the whitening.
It is more versatile as you could treat your teeth while on the move.
Like any other treatments, I believe that in moderation it is perfectly safe to use.
In addition to that, they do work.

Answer 7

You need to go to your dentist to get professional strength peroxide gel and a custom fitted teeth tray to see real results. The stuff you get from the dentist is 15 % to 20% peroxide.

The over the counter stuff is like 0.5 % and is basiclly in effective.

Answer 8

There chemicals in them called peroxides that cause oxidation reactions of plaque through oxygen radicals that make them colorless by displacing citric acid and converting your teethe back to the mineral hydroxyapatite. Same applies to laundry bleach it is an oxydizing agent (not a peroxide) and its hypchlorous ions oxidize pigment in stains.

Answer 9

i have baught three bright smile, boots own make whitening gel and the one of the tv advert and i have found that none of them have worked and i used them correctly my teeth just look the same

Answer 10

pearl drops are the best iv tried strip ones an they really made my gums hurt an they bleed a bit ,some are a bit bad if you swallow the stuff can't see it doing any good because it peroxide or bleach in them .