Of all the different types of teeth whitening products, teeth whitening strips, brush-on teeth whitening, and teeth whitening gels available, most dentists agree that teeth whitening gel ( Carbamide Peroxide) is the safest and most effective type of system.  Here’s why:

The problem with Brush-on tooth whitening

Generally speaking, brush-on tooth whiteners are a great idea (in theory).  You simply brush on the product, which is slightly more viscous than tooth whitening gel, then allow it to dry on the surface of your teeth.  Then you go to sleep and wake up with whiter teeth!  Unfortunately, something about the words “dry” and “mouth” don’t really work too well together.  Any saliva contacting the teeth before the product dries can mess the whole process up.  You can end up with blotchy bleaching!

The problem with Teeth Whitening Strips

Whitening strips have become very popular in the last few years.  Most likely due to an aggressive ad campaign by the major manufactures.  It definitely isn’t because they work so well.  In a nut shell, teeth are curved and teeth whitening strips are flat!  By following the manufactures directions and placing the strips on your teeth, you are actually only contacting the outside surfaces of the teeth.  Having the surfaces of your teeth whiter than the interproximal (grooves) of your teeth, is probably not the desired result you are looking for.  I know it isn’t mine.

So what does work???

Trays (form fitting molds) combined with a good quality Tooth whitening gel is by far the most effective type of system.   Almost all dentists use the “tray and gel” type of system for their “in house” tooth whitening.  If you go to a dentist to have this procedure done, you better bring your pocket book.  I know this because my wife is a Dentist!  The going rate in our area is about $350 to $500. Ouch!

Luckily, you don’t have to go to a dental office any longer to have this procedure done.  There is now the same type of tooth whitening gel available for home use.  Be aware however that there can be a big difference in the quality of material.

The active ingredient in most tooth whitening gel is “Carbamide Peroxide”.  The basic OTC (over the counter) kits that are not as effective contain lower concentrations of the active ingredient in their gel.  Make sure you use a bleaching gel with a concentration of at least 21% Carbamide Peroxide.  This means a whiter result in a shorter period of time!  Also remember to check the expiration date .  Bleaching kits that have been sitting on the shelf for several months will not work as well as fresh kits.

Also, I would try to avoid using a tooth whitening gel that contains glycerin.  It is not harmful in any way, but its mechanism of action can cause tooth sensitivity.  You see, the glycerin pulls moisture out of the tooth enamel to speed up the bleaching process.  The unfortunate side effect is sensitivity.  Personally, I would rather keep the bleaching trays on my teeth for a while longer, than have sore teeth!

Because my wife is a Dentist, and I have worked in a dental office for years, I have had the opportunity to evaluate and review many different products.  I can honestly say that the most effective home whitening kit available is the TheraBrite Deluxe Home Whitening Kit.  It comes with good quality “pre-bleaching” oxygenating toothpaste to reduce sensitivity,  Form fitting mouth tray, “glycerin free” 21% tooth whitening gel, and an oxygenating oral rinse.

The deluxe kit is only about $75 and the regular kit is about $55.

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