Do online teeth whitening kits actually work?

What to think about before you click ‘buy’

If you’re looking for a safe way to whiten and brighten your smile, you may have thought about buying a teeth whitening kit available online. But do such whitening systems actually work?

The answer is… maybe!

Some of the teeth whitening kits available online do a good job, and can leave your smile looking brighter than before. Other systems are not so effective! But of course, when you’re buying anything online, you really can’t be sure of the quality until you get your purchase in your hand.

That’s why it pays to do your research before you commit to purchasing a teeth whitening system online.

Can you be sure an online teeth whitening kit is effective?

One of the biggest differences between teeth whitening systems is the quality of fit with the trays.

Teeth whitening chemicals work most effectively when they’re in intimate contact with your teeth. Yet at the same time it’s important not to let these materials come into contact with your delicate gum tissue.

That’s why it’s so important to ensure that the whitening system you choose uses good quality trays that will keep the whitening gel where it’s meant to be – and not where it can cause irritation or even damage.

Many cheap whitening kits available online come from overseas, and may not have trays that fit closely to your teeth. That means they’re not only less effective in whitening your smile, they may also not be completely safe to use.

What’s the best and safest way to get your teeth whitened?

Instead of rolling the dice with an online kit, you could be better off with teeth whitening from your dentist.

The custom trays or retainers your dentist supplies will have a much better contact with your teeth. This means a safer experience, since the whitening gel won’t be able to move around and irritate your sensitive gums.

There are three basic types of teeth whitening available from your dentist:

In-chair teeth whitening

One of the fastest ways to whiten your teeth, an in-chair whitening treatment takes only about 90 minutes at your dentist. The powerful whitening gel is completely safe and comfortable to use – and as an added bonus, contains potassium nitrate and fluoride. These materials help to minimise tooth sensitivity, reduce cavities, increase the hardness of your tooth enamel, and improve your overall oral health.

Take-home teeth whitening

If you’d prefer to whiten your teeth at home, you can visit your dentist to have detailed impressions of your teeth taken. The dentist then uses the impressions to custom-make whitening trays that precisely fit your mouth.

You can then use your custom whitening trays at home to whiten and maintain your smile when it suits you, with extra whitening gel readily available.

Convenient pre-filled disposable trays

Lastly, you might prefer to choose pre-filled disposable teeth whitening trays that fit snugly on to your teeth and securely hold the tooth whitening gel away from your sensitive gums. There are no impressions or custom trays needed.

This completely safe tooth whitening option can give you a brighter smile in the comfort of your own home, in about five to 10 days.

Whichever option you choose, you can rest assured your dentist will supply only safe and effective teeth whitening systems.

To find out more about the right tooth whitening system for your needs, simply make an appointment to visit Wickham Terrace Dental or chat to our friendly team on (07) 3831 3031.