Most teeth whiteners work to some extent. How well they work for the effort you have to expend is a matter of personal preference. You might not mind working your way through a more complicated process if the results are quicker or more dramatic. When comparing teeth whiteners, the deciding factor should be what is most important to you.
Types
Most over-the-counter teeth-whitening products are strips or trays, but gums, pastes and paint-on liquids are available, as well. The American Dental Association breaks teeth whiteners into two categories: toothpastes and products containing some version of peroxide. However, the website HealthNews indicates that whitening toothpastes do not produce a radical change in tooth color, if any at all.
Ingredients
The peroxide in whiteners is usually the primary ingredient and it comes in two forms: hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. When mixed with water, carbamide peroxide dissolves into hydrogen peroxide and urea, a chemical compound containing nitrogen, according to the American Dental Association. The higher the hydrogen peroxide content in a product, the greater the risk of it irritating sensitive teeth and gums, but the result is usually quicker and more dramatic. For instance, Crest Whitestrips Premium contain 10 percent hydrogen peroxide and can produce improvement in one week. Crest Whitestrips Classic contain 6 percent hydrogen peroxide, but it will take two weeks of regular use to achieve results. Crest Whitestrips Classic cause less gum irritation. Products can more safely contain a higher percentage of carbamide peroxide.
Effectiveness
Crest products generally produce a three-shade improvement for varying time invested and peroxide content. Listerine Whitening Quick Dissolving Strips will lighten your teeth only half a shade, but they are gentler and less time-consuming. Bright Teeth Whitening System guarantees an improvement of three to eight shades, according to the website WhiteTeethSolution.com. This product contains carbamide peroxide and involves use of a plasma laser light. The ProWhite Teeth Titanium Series is a much more complicated system involving trays and an in-home laboratory, but it contains prescription-strength carbamide peroxide and can whiten teeth up to 10 shades with initial results appearing after as little as four to five days.
Ease of Use
Tray-type products involve heating and molding the tray to fit your teeth, and if the fit is not perfect, uneven coloring can result. Some pastes include laser lights to shine on your teeth after the paste is applied. Many commercial brands are strips, applied twice a day for varying times, but you can go about your business while you are wearing them so the disruption of your time is minimal. The website iLikeToSmile.com reports on one product, Idol White, that is applied by a pen to each individual tooth at your convenience.
Drawbacks
Strips can cause drooling, and this can be inconvenient because you must generally apply them twice a day for up to 30 minutes each time. Because Listerine Whitening Quick Dissolving Strips contain less hydrogen peroxide and are applied for shorter periods of time, this drawback is minimal with this brand. WhiteTeethSolution.com warns that you should not use Bright Teeth Whitening system if you are pregnant, nursing or have dental problems more serious than yellow teeth.
