How Do Whitening Gels Work?

Whitening gels usually contain a whitening ingredient, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. This active ingredient penetrates the tooth’s enamel and reaches discolored molecules that give your teeth their non-white color. The oxygen molecules in the whitening agent react with the discolored molecules and change their chemical structure. This way, whitening gels bleach your teeth effectively and remove surface stains and deep-seated discoloration. A dentist most commonly administers whitening treatments at their clinic. However, you may find these appointments expensive, time-consuming, or cumbersome. In such cases, teeth whitening gels are an easy and affordable solution. However, keep the following precautions in mind before using a tooth whitening gel at home.

How To Safely Use A Tooth Whitening Gel At Home

Applying a whitening gel requires a teeth whitening tray –you put the required dose on the tray and fit it into your mouth. For best results, you can get a custom tray made for your mouth by consulting your dentist. They will also advise you on the best practices for using a tooth whitening gel at home. Remember to brush your teeth properly before applying the gel. Be careful not to put too much product on the tray as it may leak while wearing and burn your gums. Do not exceed the recommended duration for wearing the gel, as it may cause burns, irritation, or sensitivity. If there is any residue on your gums or teeth after application, remove it with a cloth or tissue. Be careful not to swallow the product and rinse your mouth thoroughly after the treatment. Avoid eating or drinking anything that stains for a while after the treatment.

Now that you know how to use a teeth whitening gel at home, here are the 10 best teeth whitening gels to make your smile beautiful.

Top 10 Teeth Whitening Gels Of 2020

1. Best For Stain Removal:Zero Glow Teeth Whitening Gel

The Zero Glow Teeth Whitening Gel is available in a set of 4 large syringes of 3 ml each. These syringes are compatible with teeth whitening trays from most brands, so you do not have to worry about purchasing a separate tray from the same brand. This teeth whitening gel has a strong formula with 44% carbamideperoxide that shows visible results within 10 minutes. Click here to check out a detailed personal review of this product. Pros

Suitable for stain removal Compatible with any whitening tray Contains 44% carbamideperoxide Does not increase sensitivity Value for money No chemical aftertaste Can be used with or without blue light

Cons None

2. Best User-Friendly:SmileActives Power Whitening Gel

The SmileActives Power Whitening Gel does not require teeth whitening trays or strips. You can pair it with your toothpaste, and it will whiten your teeth as you brush them. The formula penetrates the pores of the enamel for effective stain removal without the hassle of extra time or effort. It uses a polyclean technology to create an ultra-fine foam that reaches all surfaces for a thorough whitening. Click here to check out this YouTuber’s unbiased review. Pros

Does not require whitening trays or lights Easy to use No artificial colors Alcohol-free Paraben-free Detergent-free

Cons

Needs time to show visible results.

3. Best pH-Balanced Formula:Whiter Smile Labs Teeth Whitening Gel

The Whiter Smile Labs Teeth Whitening Gel is offered in a set of 5 extra large syringes. The formula is prescription-strength 38% carbamideperoxide gel. The package includes a precision gel dispensing tip for added convenience. The thick gel stays in place on the tray and your teeth.There is no messy leaking that gets on your gums. A single treatment cycle of 7-8 days shows impressive results of 6-10 shades whiter teeth. Pros

Includes precision gel dispensing tip Does not leak over the gums pH-balanced formula Sensitivity-free Gentle on the gums and enamel Visible results in 1 cycle Value for money

Cons

Inconsistent results

4. Best Viscosity:Bleach Pro Whitening Teeth Whitening Gel

The Bleach Pro Whitening Teeth Whitening Gel comes in a hard-to-resist value pack of 10 syringes. It contains a maximum strength formula of 44% carbamideperoxide gel. This concentrated formula ensures quick and effective teeth whitening results. The gel has a high viscosity, which helps to keep it in place on the teeth surfaces for consistent and visible results. It also removes tough stains from coffee, tobacco, red wine, or aging. Pros

Has 44% carbamideperoxide strength Easy to use Quick and effective stain removal High viscosity Mint-flavored Value for money

Cons

High strength may burn sensitive teeth.

5. Best Travel-Friendly:MySmile Teeth Whitening Gel

The My Smile Teeth Whitening Gel Kit has a set of 3 teeth whitening gel refills. It is a safe and effective solution for removing stains from coffee, wine, food, or smoking. It whitens your teeth, making them upto 10 shades whiter with regular use. For best results, this gel is recommended to be used along with the MySmile Teeth Whitening LED Light Accelerator (to be purchased separately). This video will give you a better insight into the qualities of the product. Pros

Safe for sensitive teeth Suitable for stain removal Easy to use Shows results in 10 minutes Lasts upto 9 treatments Travel-friendly

Cons

May irritate sensitive gums.

6. Best Enamel-Safe Ingredients:Ultra White 22% Teeth Whitening Gel

The Ultra White 22% Teeth Whitening Gel is securely packaged in 5 large tubes of 3.8 ml each. The product is gentle and does not damage your gums. It is competent enough to remove coffee stains as old as 20 years. The Ultra-White formula provides professional teeth whitening and visible results within a few days of use. Pros

Gentle formula Enamel-safe ingredients Value for money Easy to use Pleasant taste

Cons

May cause sensitivity

7. Best For Braces:Go SMiLE Teeth Whitening Gel

The Go SMiLE Teeth Whitening Gel fits into your daily oral care routine conveniently. This teeth whitening gel pairs well with your toothpaste to whiten your teeth as you brush them. You can use it with manual or electric toothbrushes. Your teeth can appear several shades whiter in a couple of days and up to 7 shades whiter in a month. Pros

Can be used manual/electric toothbrush Sensitivity-free Safe to use on braces, fillings,and veneers Provides effective stain removal Clinically proven TSA-friendly

Cons

Not strong enough for immediate results.

8. Best For Veneers:ProDental Teeth Whitening Gel

The ProDental Teeth Whitening Gel uses a potent formula of 35% carbamideperoxide strength. It leaves you with a dazzlingly bright smile in 7-10 days of use. The package includes 8 syringes of 3 ml each, which will last for 48 treatments. The formula is potent to bleach your teeth and remove stubborn stains of coffee, wine, or smoking. This gel has a neutral pH that is safe to use on veneers and caps. Pros

Contains 35% carbamideperoxide Lasts for 48 treatments High viscosity Easy to use pH neutral gel No sensitivity

Cons

Unpleasant aftertaste Inconsistent results

9. Best Sensitivity-Relief Formula:Philips Zoom DayWhite Teeth Whitening Gel

The Philips Zoom DayWhite Teeth Whitening Gel has a maximum sensitivity-relief formula and is available in 3 gel syringes of 2.4 ml each. The 14% hydrogen peroxide achieves visible results with minimum wearing time. If you are looking for dramatic whitening and do not want to wear your tray for a long time, the Zoom Daywhite gel is what you need. Pros

Contains 14% hydrogen peroxide Reduced sensitivity Quick results Mint-flavored

Cons

Expensive Contains alcohol

10. Best In Budget:Expert Whitening Maximum Strength Teeth Whitening Gel

This teeth whitening gel from Expert Whitening comes in a value pack of 6 syringes. It promises extreme whitening results with its maximum strength formula.It is made of 35% carbamideperoxide and glycerine, without fillers, and is one of the strongest teeth whitening gels available on the market. Each syringe delivers up to 3 whitening treatments, and the whole pack will last for 18 treatments. Pros

Contains 35% carbamideperoxide Does not contain fillers Metal tip for easy application 2-year shelf life

Cons

Trays need to be purchased separately. High strength may burn sensitive teeth.

Unfortunately keeping your teeth shining bright white is not as easy as one would think. So many seemingly harmless foods stain the teeth, from tomato ketchup to even blueberries. Fortunately at-home teeth-whitening products can come to your rescue and deliver extremely satisfactory results. Read on to know what to look for in the best teeth whitening gels for a bright smile.

How To Select The Best Teeth Whitening Gels

Application Method

Typically teeth whitening gels are applied on the teeth with the help of a tray that fits on to your teeth. The tray needs to be kept in the mouth for a few hours and it is advisable to get a custom-made tray to fit your teeth comfortably. Though there are a few that can be paired with your toothbrush which makes them much more convenient. You are able to whiten your teeth as you brush them. Choose according to the time you have to devote to the process.

Concentration

Carbamide peroxide is the main ingredient most often used in dental whitening gels. It is a common bleaching agent and is a source of hydrogen peroxide. Look for products with these active agents and in concentrations from 3% to 20% peroxide ideally. Though in-office systems contain from 15% to 44% peroxide, so if you want quicker results choose a stronger concentration. Generally, the longer you keep a stronger solution on your teeth, the whiter your teeth become. Remember the higher the percentage of peroxide, the shorter duration it should be left on the teeth.

Ingredients To Look For

For extremely sensitive teeth choose gels that do not contain peroxide and are made using gentle ingredients like coconut oil and aloe vera. These have a natural whitening effect that helps pull the stains from discolored teeth. They may not be as effective as peroxide but work as a natural option.

Time

Consider the time your whitening gel will take to show results. Some work in three to five days and some may take weeks. Depending on your schedule and time at hand, choose your product.

Ingredients To Avoid

At-home teeth whitening gels can contain harsh or potentially irritating ingredients. Since these will be coming in contact with the skin inside of your mouth, it is extremely important to ensure your gel is free of alcohol and chlorine dioxide, which is a chemical oxidizer that can erode tooth enamel and damage teeth. While teeth whitening treatments are generally safe, there may be a couple of side effects that you should be aware of

Side Effects Of Teeth Whitening Gels

Sensitivity– Your teeth might become more sensitive after a whitening treatment. This usually happens during the first or second treatment but reduces gradually with time. If needed, your dentist will recommend sodium fluoride gel or potassium nitrate to treat the sensitivity. Irritated Gums–  Gingival irritation is another common side effect of teeth whitening. It happens when your gums come in contact with the gel. Although unpleasant, the irritation generally subsides after the treatment is over. But be careful with the amount of product you apply to avoid it contacting your gums.

How Long Do Whitening Effects Last?

Depending on the care and maintenance, and your oral hygiene habits, the effects of teeth whitening can last up to 3 years. But if you smoke, eat, and drink coffee, wine, or foods that may stain your teeth, the effect might not be the same. Otherwise, with regular brushing and flossing, your teeth can remain healthy and white for a long time. What is the best percentage of peroxide for teeth whitening gel? If you are getting treated at a dental office, 30-40% peroxide concentrations will clean the teeth quickly. At home, whitening gels come in 5-20% concentrations only. How often can I use teeth whitening gel? You can use a teeth whitening gel for around 7-15 days until you get the desired results. Overusing the gel can cause gum problems. Is teeth whitening gel safe during pregnancy? Yes, a teeth whitening gel is usually safe during pregnancy and nursing. Are teeth whitening gels suitable for everyone? Teeth whitening gels are for people with healthy teeth only. If you have fillings, cavities, or swollen gums, consult your dentist for the best course of treatment. Can teeth whitening gel cause headaches? Yes, it can cause mild headaches. These gels can make the gum aches which will undoubtedly lead to slight headaches.

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