Tooth-Whitening Procedures
Done By | Ingredients | Comments |
|---|---|---|
Dentist | ||
In office | Concentrated hydrogen peroxide is applied to teeth, which is exposed to a light or laserConcentrated hydrogen peroxide is applied to teeth, which is exposed to a light or laser | Very effective Gingiva, skin, and eyes must be protected |
Patient | ||
At home | 10% carbamide peroxide (becomes 3.5% hydrogen peroxide when applied) and a thickening agent containing copolymers of acrylic acid cross-linked with a polyalkenyl polyether are added to a custom-made tray10% carbamide peroxide (becomes 3.5% hydrogen peroxide when applied) and a thickening agent containing copolymers of acrylic acid cross-linked with a polyalkenyl polyether are added to a custom-made tray | Very effective |
Patient (OTC products) | ||
Commercial whitening strips | Composed of carbamide peroxideComposed of carbamide peroxide | Very effective |
Whitening toothpaste | Usually contain carbamide or hydrogen peroxideUsually contain carbamide or hydrogen peroxide | Moderately effective |
Paint-on whitening | Usually composed of titanium dioxide | Not very effective |