Many people investigate using over-the-counter whitening kits to save the time and expense of visiting a dentist to get their teeth looking whiter. But while they may be cheaper, they rarely work well, says Dr. Kirk Petersen, DMD, who runs Hemet West Dental Office in Hemet, California. Here, he explains why in-office systems are best.
Tons of over-the-counter whitening kits are out there at the moment. They range from toothpastes to rinses to paint-ons to strips. The way these whitening works is all due to the concentration of the whitening agent, which is called carbamite peroxide, and also the amount of time that the material is in contact with the teeth.
The problem with over-the-counter rinses is that they only contact the teeth for a couple of minutes a day. And also the concentration is low, which they have to be by law if they are over the counter.
More Abrasive
Most whitening toothpastes are just more abrasive versions of toothpastes, which makes it easier to get external stains off teeth, but that’s about it. The substance does get actually absorbed into the teeth, like the whitening agents do. And because they are more abrasive, over time they can actually wear the outer enamel layer of the tooth away. That exposes more of the inner dentin layer, which is always darker. And so using those toothpastes over years can actually make your teeth look darker.
Strips Are Better
The strips are a bit better but they’ve also got a lower concentration of the whitening agent. Plus, they don’t fit on the teeth as well as the custom-fitted tray set that we use in a dentist’s office. Therefore, the saliva can wash the whitening agent out before it has time to do its job.
I would recommend only the in-office dentist’s whitening systems because the concentration of the whitening agent is so much higher. Also, the custom-fitted trays are especially made to keep the whitening agents in and saliva out. And if you wear the trays at bedtime, then you are getting a good three to four hours of contact of the teeth to the whitening agent.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
