A recent study showed that about 25 million Brits don’t brush their teeth daily. Though many are familiar with comments surrounding the myth of bad British teeth, numbers like this certainly don’t do much to disprove it. If you’re feeling self-conscious about your teeth, there’s no reason to hide. Today, there are numerous teeth whitening gel kits and whitening strips you can choose from. Even better? You can easily whiten your teeth from the comfort of your own home, over the course of just a few weeks. But what are the differences between these gel kits and whitening strips? In this post, we’ll make it clear. Understanding At-Home Teeth Whitening Before we begin to discuss the differences between strips and teeth whitening gel trays and kits, let’s make it clear how they work. In general, you’ll need to dedicate an absolute minimum 30 minutes every day to wearing the strips or gels. If you use gel trays, you’ll need to wait to eat after use. If you can avoid eating or drinking anything other than water for an hour after you finish whitening, you’ll see much better results. If you absolutely must drink, it’s best to do it through a straw. Most customers experience anywhere between a 5-7 shade difference in the whiteness of their teeth. So, what are the agents in these gels and strips that actually do the whitening? It’s a combination of hydrogen peroxide and carbamide. Buying reputable at-home whitening kits ensures that you’ll get a product with a safe — but still effective — balance of these chemicals. Additionally, if you have sensitive gums or teeth, these at-home kits may actually be a much more comfortable option for you. This is because the whitening products used at your dentist’s office have an incredibly high concentration of chemicals. So while, yes, an in-office whitening session will give you faster results, it may cause you pain in your gums and teeth for a few days after use if your mouth is especially sensitive. Of course, at-home kits are also much more affordable than the whitening process your dentist offers. What Are Teeth Whitening Gel Kits? Now, let’s take a closer look at teeth whitening gel kits and trays. Essentially, teeth whitening gel packages come with a tray for your teeth that should comfortably fit over them. In some cases, your dentist or the company providing the whitening gel may be able to make an impression of your mouth to create the mold. Other times, the kits will come with a “one-size-fits-all” mouth tray. If needed, you can always trim these teeth trays for a better fit. A good fit for your tray is important. If it’s too loose, you may end up losing a good portion of the gel, rendering the kit less effective. The kit also includes a gel that includes the two bleaching agents we mentioned above, hydrogen peroxide and carbamide. Kits are better suited for those with slightly darker stains or somewhat severe discoloration. As a result, you may find that you’ll be instructed to wear the mouth tray for a bit longer than you would the gels. Keep in mind though, that you’ll need to fill the mouth tray with gel every time, and clean it thoroughly afterward. Finally, always follow the instructions on the package. Leaving your tray in for too long can be dangerous to your health. What Are Teeth Whitening Strips? If you’re looking to get your teeth looking their best before a special occasion (or just because you’re feeling a bit self-conscious) whitening strips are a second option. These kits contain two pre-gelled strips — one for your upper teeth and one for your lower teeth. Especially if you’re concerned about filling the mouth trays with gel yourself, these strips are a much more convenient option. Keep in mind that these strips are entirely safe and will not damage your enamel in any way. Additionally, whitening strips are not designed to work on any dentures, crowns, veneers, or other dental work. In short: they only work on your natural teeth. If you have braces, you should not use whitening strips or gel trays. If you are pregnant, we recommend that you speak with your doctor before using any sort of teeth whitening product. Visit our store to see all Euro White Dental Supplies. What Else Should I Know About Teeth Whitening? Many people want to know how long they can expect the results of their teeth whitening gel kits or strips to last. The answer will vary, based on several factors. First, if you’re a smoker, it’s likely that your results won’t last as long (just one more reason to quit!) The same goes if you’re an avid coffee, wine, or tea drinker. If you’re primarily concerned with lasting results, there are kits available that are geared towards lengthening your result period. Contrary to popular belief, brushing your teeth right before you apply whitening strips or gel trays isn’t required. Instead, you can just apply them directly, no brushing. This is because the chemicals in your toothpaste may impact the effectiveness of the strips. You should never re-use an old strip — yes, even if you note that there is still some gel left after you’ve taken it off. Keep in mind that the whitening agents will have worn off after any initial application. Finally, if you find that, after application, you still have a bit of gel leftover on your teeth, don’t panic. This is entirely normal. All you need to do is simply rinse your mouth with water. You can also simply brush off any excess gel, or let it dissolve on its own. Ready To Whiten Your Teeth? Whiter teeth give you so many reasons to smile. If you’re tired of hiding your teeth, it’s time to make a change. However, you also want to ensure that you’re working with a brand that you can trust. That’s where we come in. Spend some time on our website to learn more about the different whitening products we offer. Make this the summer you finally feel more confident about your teeth by using the UK’s Number 1 brand of whitening strips. Answers To Questions Around Whitening Trays and Gels What is the gel that dentists use to whiten teeth? Dentists use a special gel that contains hydrogen peroxide to whiten teeth. Hydrogen peroxide is a bleaching agent that can remove stains and discoloration from teeth. The gel is applied to the teeth and then activated with a special light. This process usually takes place over the course of several sessions in order to achieve the desired results. What strength teeth whitening gel should I use? You mean, what strength should the dentist use on your teeth? Dentists usually use a gel with a hydrogen peroxide concentration of between 6% and 35%. What do whitening trays look like? Whitening trays are usually clear plastic mouthpieces that fit snugly over your teeth. Some whitening kits come with prefabricated trays, while others require you to create your own custom-fit tray using a moldable material. How does the whitening process with a tooth whitening gels or whitening gel refills work? When the gel is applied to your teeth and exposed to light, the hydrogen peroxide breaks down into water and oxygen. The oxygen then penetrates into the tooth enamel and breaks up any stains or discoloration. This process is known as oxidation. Can I put whitening gel in my Invisalign trays? Some people do, but it’s not recommended. The gel can cause the trays to warp and become discoloured. It’s best to leave the whitening to the professionals or use the already designed whitening strips. Can you get teeth whitening trays? Yes, you can. You can either get them from your dentist or buy them online or at a store. Do teeth whitening strips work? Yes, they do. Teeth whitening strips are a popular and effective way to achieve brighter teeth. Are whitening strips or trays better? There is no definitive answer, as both have their pros and cons. Whitening strips are generally more affordable and easier to use, while whitening trays allow for a more customised experience. Can you use Opalescence without trays? Opalescence can be used without trays, but it is not as effective that way. If you do not want to use trays, you can dissolve the whitening agent and brush it onto your teeth. However, this will take longer and is not as effective as using the whitening tray or our very effective whitening strips. Do gel teeth whitening kits work? Yes, gel teeth whitening kits work. However, it is important to use them correctly in order to achieve the best results. Always follow the instructions that come with the kit, and be sure to avoid contact with your gums and lips. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to speak with your dentist. Is whitening gel safe? Teeth whitening gels are composed of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which are both safe and effective ingredients for teeth whitening. However, it is important to follow the instructions carefully in order to avoid damaging your teeth or gums. Be sure to avoid contact with your gums and lips, and never swallow the gel. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to speak with your dentist. How long should you leave whitening trays in? Whitening trays should be worn for 30 minutes to an hour per day, depending on the instructions from your dentist. It is important not to leave the trays in for too long, as this can cause irritation to your gums. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to speak with your dentist. Should I brush my teeth after whitening trays? Yes, you should brush your teeth after whitening trays. Be sure to use a gentle toothbrush and toothpaste, as whitening can make your teeth more sensitive. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to speak with your dentist. Can you put teeth whitening gel directly on teeth? No, you should not put teeth whitening gel directly on teeth. The gel should only be used in whitening trays that are specifically designed for this purpose. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to speak with your dentist. Can I drink water with whitening trays in? Yes, you can drink water with whitening trays in. However, avoid consuming anything else (such as coffee, tea, or soda) as this can stain your teeth. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to speak with your dentist. Is hydrogen peroxide stronger than carbamide peroxide? Hydrogen peroxide is stronger than carbamide peroxide. This means that hydrogen peroxide is more effective at whitening teeth. This is because hydrogen peroxide breaks down into oxygen molecules, which then whiten the teeth unlike carbamide peroxide, which breaks down into urea. Carbamide peroxide is used in whitening teeth because it is less irritating to the teeth and gums than hydrogen peroxide. The chemical action of carbamide peroxide involves the release of oxygen over a period of time, which allows it to penetrate the tooth and break down stains. However, this process takes longer than with hydrogen peroxide. However, it is not as effective at whitening teeth. Are dentist whitening trays worth it? There is no definitive answer to this question as the effectiveness of whitening trays will vary from person to person. Some people find that they are very happy with the results that they achieve with whitening trays, while others find that they are not as effective as they had hoped. It is important to keep in mind that teeth whitening is not a permanent solution and that tooth discoloration may eventually return even if you use whitening trays on a regular basis. If you are interested in trying out whitening trays, it is a good idea to talk to your dentist first to find out if they are the right option for you.