Tooth Whitening Gel

There’s many advantages (and disadvantages) to teeth whitening  products. Products over the counter make a lot of claims about how they can make your teeth 10 shades or more whiter. But are they true?

Here’s the real deal behind teeth whitening products. Yes – you get what you pay for. That doesn’t mean that generic brands of teeth bleaching products are cheaper, what it does mean is that they usually use weaker bleaching agents. The main ingredient in over the counter products that gets your teeth white is Carbamide Peroxide. Most products use anywhere between 10% – 16% in strength. The ones that have a higher amount, are usually more expensive. Ones with a less amount are usually less expensive.

The other reason that there’s such a difference in cost for over the counter teeth whitening products is what’s in the “kit” that comes with the whitening gel or teeth bleach. Some companies use what’s called a strip. For instance Crest has there own product called Crest Whitening Strips. This product is similar to a flat piece of tape that you press against your teeth. The only issue with this type of product is that your teeth have to be consistent and in line with each other in order for the strip to work properly. If your teeth are uneven, it’s much harder for the strip to work properly. That’s why the strip approach usually cost less.

Products that have kits that include “teeth trays” are usually more expensive, but they’re more effective. Thus the reason for paying more for them. The way teeth trays work is that you inject the whitener in the trays. Then you wear the trays once a day for forty-five minutes for about a week. Usually you can expect your teeth to brighten 5 – 8 shades lighter than what they currently are.

Doing a little homework can pay off in a big way. Knowing the difference between products and their cost will help you be relaxed in your decision in the long run.