Hydrogen Peroxide vs. Carbamide Peroxide – 20/20 Dentistry (2024)

Hydrogen Peroxide vs. Carbamide Peroxide – 20/20 Dentistry (1)

The teeth whitening process includes two active ingredients: hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. Whitening products differ between which active ingredient they contain as the main whitening solution. This poses the question: what’s the difference? The main difference between hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide is that hydrogen peroxide is an effective whitening agent by itself. On the other hand, carbamide peroxide contains hydrogen peroxide in it. For every 30% of carbamide peroxide, there is also 10% of hydrogen peroxide.

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. Hydrogen peroxide breaks down faster than carbamide peroxide and releases most of its whitening agent within 30-60 minutes. Carbamide peroxide releases about 50% of its whitening agent in the first two hours and it remains active for up to six additional hours. This means, products using hydrogen peroxide has shorter wear time but both active ingredients have similar whitening properties. The amount of product used and the time it will take to fully activate applies to each patient’s unique needs.

As far as sensibility goes, there is no noticeable difference. Tooth sensitivity comes naturally with teeth whitening, but both active ingredients produce the same level of sensibility. Rebound is when the teeth appear lighter immediately after whitening, but then lose brightness over a short period of time. Rebound deals more with dehydration than peroxide levels and can be prevented by adding more water to the product. Products with carbamide peroxide have a slightly longer shelf life than those with hydrogen peroxide, but refrigerating peroxide products increases shelf life all-together.

Overall, both hydrogen peroxide and carbamide produce excellent results. You should feel comfortable about using either product to whiten your smile. For questions about whitening, feel free to call us at 215-567-4949.

Hydrogen Peroxide vs. Carbamide Peroxide – 20/20 Dentistry (2024)

FAQs

Hydrogen Peroxide vs. Carbamide Peroxide – 20/20 Dentistry? ›

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.

Can I use 35% hydrogen peroxide on my teeth? ›

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.

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