Best Home Teeth Whitening Kits

In the past few years, the use of cosmetic dentistry has skyrocketed in the United States. Yellow teeth have become associated with someone who is ugly and unhealthy. A bright, sparkling smile, on the other hard, has the potential to give you more confidence, make you more relaxed about smiling, leave a good first impression, and make you generally more attractive. However, with a dentist, prices for teeth whitening can range anywhere from $300 to $1000 an appointment depending on the procedure you choose and where you go. On top of this, it usually takes about three to four visits to achieve the results you desire. This is an incredibly large expense!

Luckily, cheaper home teeth whitening kits have popped up and blossomed into a booming industry. Some online research into testimonials surrounding these products will show you that many times these products achieve the same results as more costly cosmetic dentistry. They cost a little more than natural teeth whitening methods, but they are exponentially more effective.

The main difference between cosmetic dentistry and at home teeth whitening kits is the compound that is used. Today’s teeth whiteners generally use carbide peroxide to bleach teeth. However, carbide peroxide can be harmful and irritate the stomach if swallowed and can irritate your gums and cause sensitive teeth as well. Because of this, take home kits generally only contain about 10 to 25 percent carbide peroxide, while the compound your dentist uses contains 45% of more of the substance because he is able to supervise you.

What this means is that if your teeth are severely stained from years of smoking or other bad habits you won’t get great results from at home kits. These kits also take longer to achieve the same desired results. However, if you don’t need whiter teeth immediately and your teeth are not very badly stained teeth whitening kits may give you the most bang for your buck. They cost significantly less than procedures with your dentist and can be applied on your own time and fit around your schedule.

Side Effects of Whitening Kits

At home teeth whitening kits are generally safe for use.  The most common side effects are usually gum irritation and toot sensitivity.  Burning and nausea are also a possibility if your grossly misuse the product and do things such as swallow all of the whitening agent. 

If you do have sensitive gums on thing you can do to mitigate the effects of it is to get a tray custom molded to your teeth or use white strips.  White strips and the tray will fit your mouth perfectly and reduce the amount of the bleach that gets on your gums to irritate them.

You have three general choices when it home to home teeth whitening kits. These include strips, trays, and toothpaste. Each has their pros and cons, cost different prices, and brighten your teeth at different speeds and amounts.

The method that gives you the most value for your money is trays. Trays can be one sized fits all things reminiscent of mouthpieces, or custom molded to your mouth. Custom molded trays, especially if you have it made by your dentist, can run up to $300. Other tray systems cost between $40 and $75, but many are cheaper online. Compared to white strips and toothpaste, trays can whiten your teeth more shades and gives them a more even bleaching.

White strips are a good option for people who want to spend less or don’t have much discoloration in their teeth. They cost $15 to $40 and usually can whiten your teeth up to three shades if you use them properly. However, they don’t completely cover your teeth so they can give you an uneven bleaching occasionally.

The last type of home tooth whitener is toothpaste. Toothpastes are the least expensive, only a little more expensive than a tube of regular toothpaste, but also the least effective. With regular use they will whiten your teeth a shade or two, but don’t expect immediate or spectacular results.

Which teeth whitening kit you use depends on many different factors.  These include how much you can afford to pay, how much whiter you want your teeth, and how sensitive your teeth and gums are.  These kits have come down in price in recent years and have become extremely affordable through various internet sites.  Check with your dentist on your next appointment to see his recommendations and I look forward to seeing your newly pearly white smile!