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.
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 strength 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 is the highest level of peroxide for teeth whitening? ›
The concentration of hydrogen peroxide in store-bought teeth whitening kits can be as high as 10%. Dentists may also offer whitening treatments with hydrogen peroxide concentrations of up to 40%. On the other hand, most store-bought hydrogen peroxide has a 3% concentration.
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 wear 20 carbamide peroxide? ›
Wearing Time:
For Carbamide Peroxide Bleaching Gels: 10%, 15% or 16% strength can be used 2 to 4 hours once or twice/day. You can keep it in overnight while sleeping if you don't experience major sensitivity after initial applications. 20-22% bleaching gel: use for 30 minutes to 1 hour once or twice per day.
Is 22% carbamide peroxide strong? ›
22% Carbamide Peroxide (CP) is the right gel to use for home teeth whitening if you have extremely sensitive teeth. The standard concentration is 36% CP, but if you tried 36% CP and found it a bit too strong, then your next step would be to try 22% carbamide peroxide.
What is the best percentage for teeth whitening gel? ›
The gel concentration can range from as little as 6% to as much as 44% (HP or CP); however no more than 22% carbamide peroxide is recommended for at home use. No matter the gel concentration, all stains will be removed over time.
Several studies suggest that using hydrogen peroxide — whether in a commercial product or at home — can cause damage to your teeth. The risk of damage increases when you: use a very strong hydrogen peroxide solution, such as concentrations above 3 percent.
What happens if you use too much hydrogen peroxide on teeth? ›
When used in high concentrations over an extended period of time, hydrogen peroxide can damage the protective enamel on your teeth and lead to problems such as: Teeth sensitivity. Cavities and tooth loss. Irritation and inflammation in the teeth and gums.
What is better than hydrogen peroxide for teeth whitening? ›
The good news is, one doesn't work better than the other. A journal published by American Dental Association showed that while carbamide peroxide shows slightly more dramatic results at first, products containing both ingredients produce exactly the same results.
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.
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.