What Are Teeth Whitening Kits?

There are many popular products available to help teeth whitening at Burch Dental Rockford, including in-office whitening procedures, over-the-counter bleaches and polishes, and teeth whitening kits. Your dentist can help you determine which option is the safest and most effective for your specific whitening needs. Regular brushing and flossing, combined with professional cleanings at your regular dental checkups, can help keep the teeth healthy, but the reality is that teeth darken over time. The gradual darkening of the teeth can result from certain medical treatments, the side effects of some medications, smoking and other tobacco use, trauma to the teeth, certain foods and beverages, and, simply, time and aging. As the enamel on the teeth thins and wears away, the darker layers under the enamel become more visible, leading to the dulled appearance of the teeth. Over-the-counter treatments are convenient but may not be as effective as in-office whitening treatments. At-home teeth whitening kits, which are prepared by your dentist expressly for you, are a good compromise for many people, combining much of the convenience of over-the-counter treatments with the efficacy of higher, clinical concentrations of bleaching against.

Teeth whitening kits often include trays and syringes that deliver whitening agents to the teeth. These whitening agents contain hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide that is held in a tray that fits over the teeth, keeping the whitening agents in contact with the teeth for a prescribed period of time. Some whitening kits include moldable trays that can be warmed and then shaped onto the teeth and can be refilled and reused as needed, while others include pre-filled, disposable trays; both of these are convenient options that work relatively well for many patients. Other types of whitening kits use LED lights in combination with whitening gels in moldable or pre-filled trays. The LED light activates the bleaching agent and enhances its effects, though it is believed that the increased effects of LED light whitening may only last for a short while, so the additional cost of LED light whitening may not be worth it.

Many whitening kits are intended to be used for about an hour every day for a week to two weeks, depending on the type of kit and the desired results. Teeth whitening kits can effectively remove some staining and discoloration, though they have their limitations. In-office teeth whitening is the most effective whitening method, as clinicians can use higher concentrations of whitening agents than those that are licensed for home use. However, in-office treatments are less convenient and more expensive, making teeth whitening kits an effective compromise for many people’s tooth whitening goals. Once the desired results are achieved, maintaining the health of the teeth and gums can help reduce future staining; the best way to maintain oral and dental health is with twice-daily brushing and daily flossing, combined with regular professional dental cleanings. Some patients prefer to use a whitening toothpaste to maintain results, so ask your dentist for a recommendation to ensure that it is safe and will be effective at both cleaning the teeth and helping to maintain a bright, white smile.

and periodic use of whitening toothpaste can enhance the effects of a more intensive whitening treatment.

Teeth Whitening Products