A home bleaching kit provides a whitening tray and bleach to use at home. The whitening tray is then to be worn every day or night, usually over a period of 1 - 2 weeks. Home bleaching is cheaper than having it done at a clinic, but less effective.
Generally about the treatment
There are many different systems for home bleaching. Some are can be purchased at the dentist, whereas others are available from high-street stores or on the internet.
Mutual for these systems is that they are far less effective than teeth whitening at the dentist. While bleaching at the dentist only takes about 1 hour, home bleaching usually requires continuous use for 1 - 2 weeks. Home bleaching is, however, far cheaper than having it done at a clinic.
One of the benefits of buying a home bleaching kit at the dentist is, that they will include whitening trays, customised for the individual patient's teeth. This provides a more even result, and reduces the risk of getting the bleaching agent on the gums and lips, which can cause side effects.
Another reason why it is better to buy a home bleaching kit from the dentist than in the shops is, that the dentist will be able to examine the teeth and decide, whether bleaching will be beneficial, and whether it is safe for the patient.
If you choose to buy a product online, it is essential to ensure that the company is based in the UK, making sure it meets with UK regulations. The product needs to be EU approved.
It is very important to follow the instructions that come with the product.
We recommend, that you always consult a dentist before using a home bleaching kit.
Suitability
People over the age of 18, with normal teeth hygiene are suited for this treatment.
Please note that there are several causes for discoloured teeth, and that teeth whitening is not always the right solution. Due to this fact, it is highly recommended to consult a dentist before buying a home whitening kit.
Individual under the age of 18 are not suited for teeth whitening, as young teeth can become very sensitive from the bleach.
If using the bleaching agent in an area with any plastic fillings these will need to be replaced, or they will appear noticeably darker than the whitened teeth.
People with gum diseases, a worn enamel, untreated cavities, or exposed tooth necks are not suited for this treatment.
The procedure
The products used for home teeth whitening are based on different systems. Most of them include whitening trays for applying the bleaching agent. The trays are then placed onto the teeth.
Other whitening products, which are called strips, or whitening strips, work by applying a strip with bleaching agent across the teeth.
The bleaching agent most commonly used in store-bought whitening kits, goes by the chemical name of Carbamide Peroxide. These products come in different solutions, where 10%, 16%, 22%, and 35% are the most common. Carbamide Peroxide releases a smaller solution of the active agent Hydrogen Peroxide. The higher the percentage level, the more powerful the whitening product is. A whitening solution of 10% Carbamide Peroxide releases an approximate of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide.
Bleaching with the use of trays gives the most even result. A whitening kit from the dentist includes individually adjusted trays, which provide the best result, and which offer the best protection from leakage onto the gums or lips.
With whitening trays that are not customised, there is a greater risk of the bleaching agent leaking onto the gums or lips, which may cause irritation.
During the treatment period, which usually takes 1 - 2 weeks, the trays or strips need to be worn every night or every day, whatever is more convenient for the patient.
Anaesthesia
Teeth whitening is not painful and does not require an anaesthetic.
Side-effects
Some patients experience highly sensitive teeth during the first couple of days after the treatment.
Some may experience irritation of the gums, due to the bleach. This usually occurs if the bleaching agent has leaked onto the gums.
Risk of complications
There is no documentation of any long-term complications as a result of teeth whitening.
Healing and recovery
Normal activities can be assumed immediately after a home teeth whitening treatment.
It is recommended to avoid food and beverages that may discolour the teeth for at least 1 week after having a teeth whitening. Smoking should also be avoided.
Duration of the result
Depending on the product used, and the number of applications of the bleach, the results should last for approximately ½ - 1½ years.
The appropriate time for another whitening treatment depends on the intake of discolouring foods and beverages, as well as the patient's own requirements for his or her appearance.
The duration of the result after a teeth whitening is difficult to determine, seeing as the result will fade slowly over time.
A general estimate would be 1-2 years, depending on the use of tea, coffee, cigarettes, red wine, etc.