Now that you are armed with these facts, let’s take a look at the various whitening options available in the market today. Professional whitening procedures provide the most efficacious results, especially when followed up by an at-home regimen to stabilize the whitening (think, high frequency, low intensity). For those who don’t have the extra money to spend on professional treatments, let’s take a look at the four categories currently available in over-the-counter today and which one to use based on how much time you have to commit to a whitening regimen.
The four categories are:
1. Over-the-Counter Tray and Gels
Over-the-counter tray and gels have been around the longest. Known as a “boil and bite” system, they require you to heat a tray, fill it with gel, and place the formed tray in your mouth. This whitening method takes weeks to deliver results, and 80 percent of users report sensitivity due to the breakdown of the carbamide peroxide gel. While the tray helps prevent oxygen from escaping, there are other options that can lead to efficacious whitening without the soft tissue irritation and pain.
2. Whitening Strips
Whitening strips revolutionized the industry 10 years ago, as researchers figured out how to impregnate hydrogen peroxide on a polyethylene strip that the user places directly on the teeth. This product has existed in several iterations over the years. The various types of strips have differed in terms of the level of hydrogen peroxide in the gel to modifications in the shape and thicknesses of the strip. The efficacy is excellent for an OTC product, but you must be cautious not to burn your fingers or rest the strip on the gums, as this will cause irritation over time. If you are patient and compliant, you’ll see results in a few weeks. This method is best if you have two weeks to whiten.
3. Paint-Ons
4. Whitening Devices
Whitening devices appeared on store shelves approximately two years ago, bringing elements of professional lightening to the user at home. Heat works to accelerate the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide, creating more whitening oxygens. High-intensity lights are required to accelerate the reaction rate of the hydrogen peroxide, meaning users and those in the immediate vicinity must wear protective eyewear. By combining the professional elements of light and heat in a closed system mouthpiece, along with a non-migrating gel, the device calls upon the professional whitening experience. If you are short on time, this device may whiten your teeth in two days.