Whitening your teeth at home can be an affordable and convenient way to help remove stains and brighten your smile. Home teeth whitening methods have grown in popularity over the years as more products have become available. But how well do over-the-counter whitening kits actually work? Let’s take a look at the different types of home teeth whitening and their effectiveness.
Types of Home Teeth Whitening
There are three main types of home teeth whitening products:
- Whitening toothpastes
- Whitening strips
- Whitening trays with bleaching gel
Whitening Toothpastes
Whitening toothpastes contain mild abrasives and chemical polishers to help remove surface stains and may also contain low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide as bleaching agents. However, the concentration of whitening agents is much lower compared to other at-home methods.
Whitening Strips
Whitening strips are thin, flexible strips coated with a hydrogen peroxide-based whitening gel. The strips mold to your teeth and are worn for 30 minutes to 1 hour at a time. Most kits include 14 or more sets of upper and lower strips to be used over the course of 2 weeks.
Whitening Trays and Gel
Whitening trays are custom fit plastic trays designed to hold the bleaching gel against the teeth. At-home kits include trays and syringes of carbamide or hydrogen peroxide gel to be worn in 30 minute to 1 hour increments over 2-4 weeks. The trays allow the whitening gel to remain in contact with the teeth for longer periods compared to strips.
Effectiveness of Home Whitening Methods
The effectiveness of home teeth whitening depends on the type of product used, concentration of active ingredients, contact time, and your desired level of whitening. Here is an overview of the potential results you can expect:
| Whitening Method | Active Ingredient | Treatment Duration | Shade Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whitening toothpaste | Low concentration hydrogen peroxide or none | 2-4 weeks | 1-2 shades |
| Whitening strips | 5-14% hydrogen peroxide | 30 mins to 1 hour daily for 2 weeks | 3-7 shades |
| Whitening trays with gel | 10-22% carbamide peroxide or 3-6% hydrogen peroxide | 30 mins to 1 hour daily for 2-4 weeks | 4-8 shades |
As you can see, toothpaste alone produces minimal results while whitening strips and custom trays with gel can lighten teeth by several shades when used consistently over 2-4 weeks. However, the level of whitening can vary based on the product concentration and your individual results.
Whitening Toothpaste Effectiveness
Whitening toothpastes may help remove surface stains from coffee, wine, tobacco, and other foods and beverages. They help clean and polish the enamel with mild abrasives. However, whitening toothpaste typically does not change the natural color of teeth significantly.
Without the active bleaching agents found in strips and tray systems, the whitening effects of toothpastes are very mild. On average, you can expect 1-2 shades of lightening over 2-4 weeks of use. Whitening toothpastes may produce more noticeable results if your teeth are only lightly stained to begin with.
Pros of Whitening Toothpastes
- Readily available at grocery stores and pharmacies
- Low cost option
- Easy to add to your regular oral care routine
- Gently polishes away surface stains
Cons of Whitening Toothpastes
- Marginal whitening power compared to other methods
- May take weeks to see a subtle brightness difference
- Not effective at removing intrinsic stains or discoloration within the tooth
- Needs consistent long-term use to maintain effects
Whitening Strips Effectiveness
Whitening strips produce more significant whitening results compared to toothpaste alone. They mold to the shape of your teeth and hold the concentrated bleaching gel in contact with the surface of the enamel.
The average concentration of hydrogen peroxide in strips is 5-14%. Applied daily for 30 minutes to an hour over the course of 2 weeks, you can expect whitening strip kits to lighten teeth by approximately 3-7 shades.
Whitening strips are considered a middle ground treatment between toothpastes and wearable tray systems in regards to their intensity and lightening ability. However, results can vary based on which brand you use.
Pros of Whitening Strips
- Whitens 3-7 shades when used as directed
- Easy to apply and wear for short periods
- Available at affordable prices over-the-counter
- Can see results within first week of use
Cons of Whitening Strips
- May cause temporary tooth sensitivity
- Not as effective for severe stains or discoloration
- Strips only whiten the front surfaces of teeth
- Results require ongoing maintenance
Whitening Trays and Gel Effectiveness
Custom-fitted whitening trays with bleaching gel produce the most dramatic whitening results at home. They hold the whitening solution against all surfaces of the teeth for longer periods of time compared to strips.
Whitening gels are also much higher in concentration, with typical formulations containing 10-22% carbamide peroxide or 3-6% hydrogen peroxide. With consistent use for 2-4 weeks, custom tray whitening can lighten teeth up to 8 shades or more.
For people with severely stained or discolored teeth, trays with prescription-strength whitening gel supervised by a dentist provide the highest level of whitening possible outside a dental office.
Pros of Whitening Trays and Gel
- Achieve significant whitening of 4-8+ shades
- Custom trays whiten front, back, and biting surfaces
- Higher concentrations of active bleach
- Can see results within a few days
Cons of Whitening Trays and Gel
- More expensive than strips or toothpaste
- May irritate sensitive teeth and gums
- Require longer daily wear time
- Results still need maintenance
Is Home Teeth Whitening Permanent?
It’s important to understand that teeth whitening is not a permanent solution for stained or discolored teeth. No matter which home whitening method you use, the results will begin fading over time.
As your teeth are exposed to staining foods, drinks, and habits again, some discoloration will redevelop. How quickly this occurs and how much your teeth regress depends on your diet, oral hygiene, and other lifestyle factors.
On average, the whitening benefits of at-home kits can last from a few months up to a year or two. To maintain bright results, you may need periodic touch-up treatments or ongoing use of maintenance products.
Maintaining a Brighter Smile
While home teeth whitening cannot permanently change the color of your teeth, you can help preserve the results longer with these tips:
- Brush twice daily with a whitening toothpaste
- Floss daily to remove plaque buildup
- Avoid heavily stained foods and beverages after whitening
- Quit smoking and other tobacco habits
- Drink beverages like coffee, tea, and wine through a straw
- Get professional teeth cleanings every 6 months
- Use an at-home whitening touch-up treatment periodically
Is Home Whitening Safe?
When used correctly, home teeth whitening kits are considered safe for most people. However, some temporary side effects can include:
- Tooth sensitivity or gum irritation
- Mild tingling or discomfort while whitening
- Changes in tooth shade if not applied evenly
Sensitivity to cold is the most common complaint, occurring in about two-thirds of users. These symptoms generally fade within 1-3 days after stopping treatment. Using a desensitizing toothpaste can help.
Overusing home whitening products, especially those with hydrogen peroxide, can also damage the tooth enamel and gums. Following the product instructions carefully reduces this risk. Talk to your dentist if you have any questions or concerns before whitening.
Professional Teeth Whitening
While home teeth whitening can provide moderate lightening, professional whitening is still the fastest and most dramatic way to significantly brighten your smile:
- In-office power bleaching can whiten teeth by 8 shades or more in one visit.
- Custom take-home trays provided by your dentist allow prescription-strength whitening gels to safely whiten teeth up to 15 shades lighter.
- Professionally supervised whitening is the safest for your enamel and optimal results.
However, in-office and dentist-dispensed treatments are more expensive, ranging from $500 to over $1,000 in most cases. Home whitening methods provide a more budget-friendly alternative for maintenance between professional treatments.
Conclusion
Home teeth whitening kits can effectively brighten your smile by several shades when used as directed. Whitening strips and custom whitening trays produce the most significant whitening results, while toothpastes give more modest lightening.
For severely discolored teeth, professional whitening remains the gold standard. While home whitening isn’t permanent, you can help extend your bright smile by practicing good oral hygiene and doing periodic touch-up treatments. Talk to your dentist to decide which option is right for you.
