When trying to choose your teeth whitening kit it is important to do your research and to find out which one would be best suited to your lifestyle.

We all have different demands on our time so it is important to choose a tooth bleaching kit that you can commit your time to so that you can achieve the best results.

To help you in this process when you have reviewed this information please complete our FREE Teeth Whitening Evaluation below to find out which home teeth whitening kit is highly recommended for you.

You can only whiten your teeth back to their natural shade, whatever that was as tooth shade is biological. Before selecting your home teeth whitening kit try to identify (from old pictures) your natural tooth shade.

There are several important factors to take into consideration to help you make an informed choice about which is the best teeth whitening kit for you and which is going to give you the best results.

It is important to review the current condition of your teeth, and indeed their past history, it would also be wise to check with your dentist before under going any tooth bleaching treatment. Area’s of consideration are:-

1. Tooth Stain - How discoloured are your teeth?

Analysing your original / natural tooth shade and comparing it with your current discolouration is key to selecting the “strength” of the whitening kit and the “length of time” required to complete the course. For example if you suffer from mild tooth discolouration you may want to consider a mild teeth whitening kit such as Nite White ACP 16% or if you prefer whitening strips, Crest 3D Whitestrips Vivid. Both are medium strength kits and only take around 10 days to complete.

2. What has caused your tooth stain?

Understanding what has caused the tooth stain is the second most important part of the selection process. Stains caused by lifestyle choices such as red wine, smoking, tea, coffee, curries etc can be “bleached” relatively easily, especially surface stains. Stains caused by antibiotics taken as a child can be harder to remove and a stronger kit and longer whitening period maybe required.

Knowing what type of tooth stain you have is also important. Surface tooth stains can be removed on a daily basis with a good oral care regime (brushing, flossing, rinsing) or if left, those stains can be “whitened or bleached” with a good tooth whitening kit. Internal (intrinsic) tooth stains that have occurred over a period of time have to be “bleached” with a stronger teeth whitening kit.

3. Do you have caps, crowns or veneers?

If you have had a lot of dental work done then even the best teeth whitening kits will not alter or change the shade of caps, crowns, partials, fillings or veneers etc. If you have any of these then a more strategic plan is required and there will be financial implications to consider. Ideally you should whiten your teeth, and when you are satisfied that you have reached your most natural optimum tooth shade, then have your caps, crowns or veneers changed to match your new natural tooth shade. As a follow up you have the knowledge that you can maintain your natural tooth shade.

4. Do you suffer from sensitive teeth?

Sensitivity can be a part of the teeth whitening process, however it is not harmful and not permanent. However it can be an issue for some people, with the affects ranging from a mild tingling sensation to acute pain. In these circumstances it is important that you stop use immediately and consult your dentist. There are several teeth whitening kits that are specifically manufactured for people who suffer from sensitivity such as Nite White ACP Z Turbo a 6% carbamide peroxide treatment or Crest 3D Whitestrips Gentle Routine.

5. How much time can you commit per treatment, per week?

The reality is that whitening your teeth today does not mean a visit to your dentist, although a dentist can give you good advice regarding your teeth and suitability for undergoing a whitening treatment. However points 1-4 will provide you with enough background information to select the best kit in terms of strength and period of whitening. It is now a matter of balancing that with your lifestyle and the available “free time”. The good news is that most whitening kits take from 30 minutes to an hour to complete a whitening treatment.

Often products that require a longer period each treatment often provide the most dramatic results. For example Day White ACP 38% (carbamide peroxide) is a 30 – 40 minute whitening treatment and is ideal for removing tough intrinsic tooth stains. Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects if you prefer a whitening strips for convenience, requires only 25 minutes of time and you can carry on with most daily activities whist obtaining the same results.

6. How much do you want to spend?

Teeth whitening is no longer just available for the rich and famous. Whilst you can pay upwards of £500 most home teeth whitening kits cost as little as £50 depending on which kit is preferred. Everybody’s teeth and tooth stain are different so a little bit of research will go a long way to making sure you choose the right kit for your lifestyle and tooth shade. Once you have found a kit that you are comfortable with and it gives you the desired results then maintaining a beautiful whiter smile can become an affordable part of your overall beauty up keep.