FAQs
But when it comes down to it, all you need to know is that they both whiten your teeth, just in different ways. Hydrogen peroxide is more commonly used for day whitening, while carbamide peroxide is used for night whitening. And you can choose which you would prefer when ordering your teeth whitening kits.
Which is more effective, hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide? ›
This ingredient is often found in teeth whitening gels, but must be used in higher concentrations to yield the same results as pure hydrogen peroxide. Carbamide peroxide is effective and widely considered safe, but not as effective or common as hydrogen peroxide.
Is 20% hydrogen peroxide safe for teeth whitening? ›
The American Dental Association gives a thumbs up to whiteners with up to 10% peroxide concentrations. Any higher than 10%, and you're at-risk for destroying your precious enamel.
What level of peroxide do dentists use? ›
Today, most dentists use hydrogen and carbamide peroxide gels between 10-40%, which are chemically activated or by different light sources, such as halogen light, laser or plasma arc [9], See (Table 1).
What strength carbamide peroxide do dentists use? ›
You can have it done at a dentist's office, or do it yourself at home. Tooth whitening is most often done using peroxide-based bleaching agents. At-home systems contain from 3% to 20% peroxide (carbamide or hydrogen peroxides). In-office systems contain from 15% to 43% peroxide.
What are the disadvantages of carbamide peroxide? ›
Carbamide peroxide is commonly used in teeth-whitening kits. These kits are sold for home use or used in dental offices. Home users should follow product directions closely to avoid any irritation of tissues that carbamide peroxide might cause. Tooth sensitivity and gum irritation are both common side effects.
When should you not use carbamide peroxide? ›
Talk to your pharmacist for more details. If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product: other ear problems (such as ear drainage, infection, pain, rash, injury, recent ear surgery, hole/perforation in the eardrum), dizziness.
How long do you leave 20 peroxide on your teeth? ›
Lightly tap tray to adapt tray sides to teeth. Wear Opalescence 20% for 2 to 4 hours.
What is the best hydrogen peroxide concentration for teeth whitening? ›
This suggests that low-concentration treatments of hydrogen peroxide, applied for shorter periods, have the least potential to damage your teeth. According to a 2004 study, scientists found that a 5 percent hydrogen peroxide solution was just as effective as a 25 percent solution at whitening teeth.
Can yellow teeth become white again? ›
What Can Be Done to Whiten Yellow Teeth? If you're looking for a radical change in the coloring of your teeth, you need professional-grade whitening to get the job done. Your cosmetic dentist can provide treatment that penetrates deep into the enamel and removes years of stains with a powerful bleaching agent.
While hydrogen peroxide may help whiten the teeth in certain situations, there are some important safety issues to consider. Hydrogen peroxide can cause damage to the enamel of the teeth if a person uses the solution incorrectly.
How long does carbamide peroxide take to whiten teeth? ›
The gel releases a very mild carbamide peroxide which gently, safely and reliably whitens your teeth. The initial course of whitening usually takes 10-14 days to achieve the brightness you desire and then the trays can be used occasionally for top ups, say, every few months.
What percentage of hydrogen peroxide is in crest whitestrips? ›
Crest Whitestrips Professional has 200 mg of gel with 6.5% hydrogen peroxide per upper strip. Crest Whitestrips Professional Effects (Hong Kong Version) has 200 mg of gel with (14 mg) of sodium hydroxide as active ingredient.
What is the safest form of teeth whitening? ›
Custom-fitted trays and in-office treatments are the safest and most effective ways to whiten teeth. ADA-approved over-the-counter toothpastes, gels, and strips are more affordable and convenient options.
Does carbamide peroxide affect enamel? ›
Overall, when carbamide peroxide comes in contact with the outer enamel surface, it breaks down into water and oxygen, which diffuses through the organic content of enamel.
What is the best strength for teeth whitening? ›
The gel used by dentists can have 35% – 45% peroxide in it. More the peroxide, the faster the whitening. So within an hour-long session, you could have up to three – eight shades brighter teeth. At-home whitening gels have 3% – 20% peroxide.
What is the strongest form of hydrogen peroxide? ›
Concentrated hydrogen peroxide, or "high-test peroxide", decomposes explosively when heated and has been used as both a monopropellant and an oxidizer in rocketry. MX0900000 (>90% soln.)
What is the strongest hydrogen peroxide teeth whitening gel? ›
There are four strengths available: - 6% Hydrogen Peroxide: the strongest EU accepted gel, wear from as little as 30-90 minutes a day - 16% Carbamide Peroxide: high strength gel, wear from as little as 1-2 hours a day - 10% Carbamide Peroxide: the original strength for overnight gels, wear for 2-4 hours a day or ...
How much hydrogen peroxide is in 10% carbamide peroxide? ›
10% Carbamide Peroxide (3.6% Hydrogen Peroxide) = use 1 x 2hours/day to overnight, while sleeping, if no sensitivity arises.