Home tooth whitening kits use a chemical that includes or generates peroxide to whiten your teeth. Common ingredients include hydrogen peroxide, urea peroxide, and carbamide peroxide. The more peroxide the kit contains, the more effectively it will whiten your teeth. Some products are stronger, and therefore are worn for around 30 minutes a couple of times a day, while others with weaker formulations are worn at night while you sleep. Some of these are strips you apply to your teeth, others are liquids that are painted onto your teeth, while others are placed into a tray that sits on your teeth.

Home tooth whitener kits evolved from the professional tooth whitening systems that dentists give to their patients. These professional whitening systems are very similar to those you can purchase at your local drug store. The main difference is that the professional tooth whitening kits have stronger chemicals because the dentist monitors their use. Both are highly effective, and the home kits are significantly cheaper than having the same procedure done by your dentist.

The whitening chemical affects the surface of your teeth and the layer below it. The peroxide does not reach the inner parts of the teeth. The results are not permanent, because these layers can be stained again after using the product, so most kits recommend repeating the usage every six months. Keep in mind that teeth whiteners will not work on any artificial teeth, caps, veneers, fillings, dentures, or crowns.

You might be wondering if home tooth whitener kits are dangerous to use. If you use the product as directed, you are safe. All of the studies that have been done on these products indicate that the chemicals do not harm the structure of the tooth or the strength of the tooth enamel.

If you use the products incorrectly, you may well be exposing your body to too much of the gel. Also you should know that some people may experience tooth sensitivity after using these kits. This is usually temporary, but can be unpleasant. If this happens to you, you can cut down the amount of time you use the whitener product. If this does not help, you might want to talk to your dentist. However, side effects from these products are quite rare, and most consumers can use them no problems, provided they follow the directions on the packet.