Are You Considering Teeth Whitening Kits? Here’s What You Need To Know
Teeth whitening kits are a great way to quickly and effectively remove stains from your teeth without having to invest in expensive treatments and procedures. Read on for the lowdown on Top 10 best teeth whitening kits and what you need to know, including how tooth whiteners work, whether this method is safe for certain people or lifestyles, and tips for using these kits safely.
What Is Tooth Whitening?
Tooth whitening is a process that helps remove staining from your teeth. It can be done in-office through bleaching agents or at-home with over-the-counter products like toothpaste and mouthwash. There are also fluoride treatments, which come in gel form that users apply directly onto the teeth twice per day.
What Is A Bleaching Agent?
Bleaching agents are chemicals that whiten teeth by removing surface stains and also changing the color of tooth enamel, making it lighter. Dentists use this method in their offices because it’s more powerful than over-the-counter products, but it can sometimes be painful and pricey. This method is typically only used for treating natural discoloration or more extreme cases of staining on the teeth.
What Is An Over-The-Counter Kit?
Over-the-counter whitening kits contain whitening gel or a tray to hold the gel in place while you wear it at home during specified time periods. Kits may also include whitening toothpaste, mouthwash, and sometimes even a mirror. They are easy to use and affordable.
How Do Kits Work?
The bleaching agent in the kits is usually carbamide peroxide in a gel or tray form. It comes in a small container that can be applied directly to the teeth with a brush or through a mouthpiece (tray). Kits are typically worn every night for 30 minutes to an hour, although some gels require staying overnight at the dentist’s office, which is obviously more costly.
Are Kits Safe?
Most kits are safe when used as directed by manufacturers and dentists. For the most part, people can use the kits at home with no harm from the chemicals. The instructions will usually say to take the gel out of direct contact with your teeth for an hour to remove any lingering staining, but there is no evidence that doing so causes damage.
However, a small percentage of people cannot safely use bleaching agents because of a sensitivity to toothpastes or gels. Also, some people are allergic to certain ingredients in whitening medications and gels (such as triclosan) and should avoid using them. Check with your dentist or doctor if you’re not sure which products are safe for you; this will ensure you get a high-quality treatment that works best for your situation.
