Do home teeth whitening kits work?

Thanks to modern dentistry, home teeth whitening kits are now available. There are two types of home teeth whitening kits: professional teeth whitening kits, like the ones provided by our dentist, and over-the-counter teeth whitening kits which can be purchased at your local department store. Because there is so much variety in home whitening kits that promise different results, many patients often ask, “do home teeth whitening kits work?” The simple answer is yes. However, results can vary.

Over-the-counter home teeth whitening kits 

According to dentists, trays and strips work best when it comes to home whitening kits purchased at a store. These home kits use a barrier method which allows for the teeth whitening solution to be in contact with your teeth for the longest amount of time. Most brands recommend that you use the strips or trays for 30 minutes a day until you reach the tooth shade you are looking for.

Professional teeth whitening kits 

Professional teeth whitening kits are provided by your dentist. These kits range in application methods, but upon getting the whitening kit, your dentist will let you know how to use it. Generally, professional teeth whitening kits provide more dramatic results because the solution used it greater in strength.

Home teeth whitening kits provide added benefits because the procedure is completed in the comfort of your home. Additionally, they provide convenience and flexibility because you can do it any time of day and week, which is optimal for patients with a busy schedule. Contact our Simi Valley dentist for more information on teeth whitening.

Teeth Whitening – Is it Right for Me?

Teeth Whitening – Is it Right for Me?
Have you considered getting your teeth whitened, but just aren’t sure yet? Having your teeth whitened can be a very effective way of lightening the natural color of your teeth without removing any of the tooth surface or damaging it.
As we get older our teeth get darker, this is partly due to aging, but it is also caused by what we eat and drink and by other habits such as smoking. Tea, coffee, red wine and other foods that have strong colors can have an effect on the overall color of our teeth. Teeth may also darken as a result of some antibiotics. The good news, though, is that you can have these discolorations practically erased with professional teeth whitening.


Types of Whitening:
Professional bleaching is the most common method of tooth whitening. We will assess you first to see whether teeth whitening is suitable for you. Though professional whitening is extremely effective, it is really only used for patients with extrinsic stains. These stains are on the surface of the teeth and have not yet penetrated the enamel. Extrinsic stains are associated with coffee drinkers, smokers and the elderly. Intrinsic stains, on the other hand, develop from the inside of the teeth and are not reversible through whitening alone. After your consultation, our team will tell you about the options you have for teeth whitening and which will be the most suitable for you.

The most common type of whitening is a doctor-monitored, take-home custom tray system. Custom trays are created and made to specially to fit into your mouth. The whitening gel is then put in the trays, and you will be given a routine to follow at home. There are also in-office procedures that can whiten your teeth up to 6-10 shades in less than an hour. There are many different in-office whitening systems, so make sure to speak with us during your consultation to discuss which whitening options are best for you.


Why should I go with a Pro?
While home kits are less expensive, they are not always assessed for safety and tend to be more acidic. There is a chance that these products could damage your teeth and gums. Professional teeth whitening takes out the guess-work you would use standing in the drug store, purchasing a product that may or may not damage your teeth.
The effects of professional whitening are thought to last up to three years, much longer than any over-the-counter products. However, this will vary from person to person and the effect is less likely to last as long if you smoke or eat or drink products that can stain your teeth.


Is it Safe?
Yes! The active ingredient in the whitening product is usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. As the active ingredient is broken down, oxygen gets into the enamel and dentin of the teeth and the tooth color is made lighter. This is all done without damage to the teeth or, more importantly, the enamel of the teeth.

This newsletter/website is not intended to replace the services of a doctor. It does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Information in this newsletter/website is for informational purposes only & is not a substitute for professional advice. Please do not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating any condition.