When it comes to whitening your teeth at home, it's important to choose a well-known brand to ensure you get a high-quality product that won't damage your enamel. Acidic, high-concentration bleaches are more likely to cause damage, so it's best to opt for a neutral whitening gel. Studies have shown that using a neutral whitening gel in the office produces the same degree of whitening as an acid whitening gel, but with a reduction in the risk and intensity of dental sensitivity and a lower risk of creating structural defects in enamel. Some of the best brands for teeth whitening are Opalescence Go, Zoom by Philips and White Dental Beauty.
All of them offer different bleaching options, ranging from 5 to 18% carbamide peroxide (which is equivalent to 1.6— 6.0% hydrogen peroxide) or 6% hydrogen peroxide. Generally speaking, it is recommended to use carbamide peroxide 5 to 10% 8 hours a day and 15 to 18% carbamide peroxide 3 to 4 hours a day. Hydrogen peroxide at 6% should be used for 30 minutes to 1 hour per day. White Dental Beauty teeth whitening gels with 16% carbamide peroxide can be used every 2 to 4 hours a day with 1 mm whitening soft trays.
Whitening at home with peroxide gel and whitening trays is the most cost-effective method of whitening teeth. It's also the only take-home bleach that combines ACP (amorphous calcium phosphate) with potassium nitrate and fluoride, improving whitening results and minimizing sensitivity. Crest 3D Whitestris is one example of this type of product; the whitening gel comes in ready-to-use trays that fit the teeth up to the molars.
