Online teeth whitening kits- here’s what you need to know

There’s a whole range of teeth whitening products being advertised on social media these days.  Famous people showcase these sponsored products and results that are shown may or may not be actual. DIY Kits and home whitening gels bought online all contain chemicals that you use in your body and you need to be really aware of what you are purchasing. Teeth whitening should be all about safety with the best results possible and most online products do not ensure these.

Here’s what you should learn and know about before buying any online whitening gels and DIY kits.

Are the ingredients safe and what are they?

Just because products are being sold it does not mean that it might suit you! Some people have teeth that are not able to be whitened or are more prone to having sensitivity and other issues.  Most online whitening kits use a basis combination of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and sodium chlorite. Dentists use hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, both of which are well researched, are safe and clinically proven to remove stains and discolouration form teeth.

How much of the active ingredient is there?

Generally online kits contain very little ( around 8%) active ingredient whereas at Parklands Dental our kits contain a much stronger ingredient. This means the results are better and last longer. ( Teeth whitening toothpastes contain around 2% of the active ingredient.)Most online teeth whitening kits only contain 8-9% of the active ingredient. As a comparison, whitening toothpastes contain 2%. Our Parklands Dental  home kits are stronger. In Australia, only dentists can use higher concentrated bleaching solutions for in chair treatments which contain around 30- 40% of the active ingredient.

 Whitening Trays- Should they fit my teeth properly?

Custom made whitening trays that are made by taking exact impressions of your teeth are made at Parklands Dental. With trays that you buy online the hsape is not exact and even the “boil and mold” type trays always leave gaps and voids around your teeth which decreases the action of the whitening gels.

What’s the light used for?

Some dentist may use a UV lamp in the clinic to help activate the solution treatment, reducing your time spent in their chair, but they will use special guards to protect other parts of your mouth, like your tongue & gums from the excessive UV exposure. Online kits don’t come with those safety measures. Online UV lights (or usually just blue coloured LED lights) also dry out your teeth, which will give you a false result. As your teeth rehydrate, they will lose their ‘dry shine’.

How long does it last for?

The results from teeth whitening do not last for ever! At Parklands Dental our home kits are used for about 1 hour per day for 10-14 days and we give you enough gel to be able to complete this process. The results from  at home teeth whitening can last from a few months to a year or so depending on every day habits ( eating dark foods, drinking red wine, black coffee and also general oral hygiene). We stock gels which you are able to purchase rather than having to wait for online purchases and furthermore we are consistent with the products we use.

Book now for a FREE teeth whitening consultation or contact us if you have any questions and our team will be happy to help you out.