Over the last decade the peroxide teeth whitener that has been most used in conjunction with at-home tray-based whitening technique is 10% carbamide peroxide. And while other concentrations of carbamide peroxide are available, 10% carbamide peroxide whitener has become the unofficial standard for this technique. One reason for this is because the vast majority of the research into the safety and effectiveness of tray-based teeth whitening has been performed using this compound at this concentration.
More about: Why to choose carbamide peroxide as a teeth whitener.
More about: Using teeth whiteners that have different concentrations of peroxide.
More about: Selecting a suitable over-the-counter teeth whitener.
We have deliberately chosen not to discuss the use of any peroxide-based teeth whiteners (in conjunction with tray-based technique) other than carbamide peroxide at a concentration of 10%. This specifically includes tray-based techniques that utilize:
None of these characteristics are consistent with at-home tray-based teeth whitening technique as we describe on our pages.
As you will see stated repeatedly throughout the content of our pages, the vast majority of the research that has been performed and documented in the dental literature related to the safety and effectiveness of tray-based at-home teeth whitening has involved the study of 10% carbamide peroxide whitener. When used appropriately 10% carbamide peroxide has been demonstrated to be a safe and effective bleaching agent. This leads us to the conclusion that there is little reason to consider the use of less tested peroxide compounds, especially in light of the fact that we are discussing the unsupervised use of an over-the-counter product.
In tray-based technique, the carbamide peroxide whitener is placed into the bleaching tray and then, per the specific instructions of the product, the tray is worn for a defined period of time, over a prescribed number of days or weeks. It is typically best form to perform your bleaching treatments after you have brushed and flossed your teeth. Superficial debris (plaque and food particles) will interfere with the diffusion of the whitener into the tooth.
Please notice that we have specifically been very vague with the instructions we have given here. By their very nature of availability over-the-counter products are usually purchased and used by individuals who have little experience with and little knowledge about them. What may seem to be a minor difference in the name of a peroxide compound to the uninitiated may actually be of paramount importance in regard to the safety of its use.
We only discuss the use of carbamide peroxide tray-based teeth whitening technique on our site but we realize that some people will end up purchasing hydrogen peroxide products. Since different types of peroxide whiteners are used in similar fashion with tray-based teeth whitening technique, but have greatly differing application times, we have chosen to provide no instructions. You absolutely must read and comply with the instruction accompanying the specific product you have purchased.
Current thought is that teeth whitening with carbamide peroxide involves thin-film chemistry. This simply means that the process does not require a large amount of whitener but just enough to cover the front surface of the teeth being whitened.
Placing an excess of whitener into the bleaching tray will cause the gel to express out as the tray is being seated, and as a result whitener will be wasted. Additionally, and especially in the case of the use of stock bleaching trays, the whitener that is expressed from the tray will be held in contact with the user's gums. This can make the likelihood of experiencing side effects greater.