Tooth whitening has become increasingly popular as various over the counter systems have been developed. These tooth whitening systems are very affordable and easy to use. All of the various home-use tooth whitening systems use a peroxide-based substance to whiten teeth. Various tooth whitening systems use different strengths of peroxide solutions. Generally speaking, the stronger or higher the concentration, the more whitening action will happen in a shorter period of time.

While some users experience sensitivity after using these products, such symptoms are generally temporary and the effects will fade after use is discontinued. If tooth sensitivity is a problem for you, simply choosing a lower concentration of peroxide may alleviate your discomfort. The amount of peroxide is stated in terms of percentage on the packaging of tooth whitening systems, and usually range from six to ten percent. There are some systems with peroxide concentrations of up to twenty-two percent. These produce dramatic whitening results, but are somewhat more likely to cause sensitivity.

The first tooth whitening systems available to the general public involved filling plastic trays with the peroxide solution. Many people still prefer these tray tooth whitening systems because the whitening solution effectively covers all tooth surface area and is better able to penetrate into the crevices between teeth than are some other tooth whitening systems.

More recently, consumers have had another option known as tooth whitening strips. These are marketed by various dental care companies. Teeth whitening strips can be more convenient for some users as they do not have to deal with tubes of peroxide solution or teeth trays. Tooth whitening strips are disposable strips that have already been coated with a peroxide solution. Users need only open an individual whitening strip package, peel the strip off of the backing and apply to their teeth.

One disadvantage to using tooth whitening strips is that they’re cut into shapes that will fit the curves of a mouth, but only cover the front-most teeth. Obviously, the front teeth are the ones that people will see, but many people find the whitening strips to be inadequate because of these partial whitening effects.

Tooth whitening strips are the most widely used form of over the counter teeth whitening systems. This is probably, at least partly, due to the current barrage of marketing campaigns for these popular whitening systems. The larger, better known toothpaste manufacturers that did not sell the tray tooth whitening systems have decided to develop this system into strips and market the system that way.

It should be noted that tooth whitening does not work in all situations. First of all, everyone’s teeth are different. Secondly, there are several types of discoloration when it comes to teeth. Staining from coffee and cigarette smoke are more likely to be affected by tooth whitening systems than discoloration caused by fluoride, antibiotics or dental work. Dental work such as bridges and crowns will not respond to whitening. So if you have this type of dental work on the front portion of your teeth you may wish to decide against teeth whitening, as the dental work may become more noticeable if the natural enamel areas surrounding them are whitened significantly.

Most people that try tooth whitening systems are happy with the results. The effects of teeth whitening tend to last for at least several months, and treatments can be reapplied as often as you want to.