Home Teeth Bleaching

Teeth whitening used to be a procedure that was only effective if preformed in a dentist office. However, this procedure can be time consuming and a little on the expensive side. In today's economy, the expensive is something many consumers cannot afford. Over the last several years, companies have started manufacturing home teeth bleaching kits. These kits were developed in hopes of providing consumers with the opportunity to have whiter teeth.

The kits are inexpensive and easy to use. Most of these kits can be purchased over the counter at your local drug or convenience store. However, you can also purchase home teeth bleaching kits from your local dentist. The difference between the kits is in the strength of the bleaching gel.

Manufactures have spent millions on advertising how effective home teeth bleaching system has become. Rightfully so, you can now achieve a brighter smile in the comforts of your home. Some of these systems are thought to be as effective as an in office dental procedure. The overall effectiveness is contingent upon the current condition, or color, of your teeth.

If your teeth only needs moderate lightening, then you will want to look a product that will lighten you teeth over a longer period of time. If you teeth need to be lightened more than several shades, you will want to consider a product that will produce quick and stronger results.

There are four general home teeth bleaching system categories consumers to base their selection. Each method provides a different level of effectiveness and requires a different level of time commitment. As a consumer, the over the counter choices range from of the following:

   1. Teeth whitening toothpaste - contains the lowest amount of the active ingredient and is best for brightening your teeth. Should, you need to whiten your teeth several shades you will want to consider a stronger treatment plan.

   2. Brush on whitening - is a product that lets you brush the whitening agents directly on your teeth. The idea is to allow the formula to dry, and keep it on your teeth over night.

   3. Teeth whitening strips - is simple to apply and does not require any preparation. You simply open the strip package and apply to teeth for a designated amount of time.

   4. Trays with bleaching gels - the most effective of the home teeth bleaching systems. Because you are using a tray to hold the whitening gel, you are providing a whitening treatment for the entire surface of each tooth. This treatment can be obtain from your dentist, online or purchased over the counter.

The active ingredient in most home teeth bleaching kits is carbamide peroxide. This compound is a derivative of hydrogen peroxide. The amount of carbamide peroxide in each product is in direct relation to the length of time the gel is applied to your teeth.

The average compound concentration is between 15% and 30%. Most of the in office dental teeth whitening procedures use a compound that is hydrogen peroxide based.

The whitening agent incorporates a slightly higher percentage of hydrogen peroxide. This slight difference makes their procedures work faster. Though, the procedure works faster the cost differential is substantial. Any consumer on a limited budget may want to start with the one of home treatments first, instead of opting for the far more expensive laser teeth bleaching at the dentist.