Millions of people around the world are using bleaching agents to whiten their teeth. Various methods include custom trays with bleaching agents placed inside, strips placed on teeth impregnated with bleaching agents, bleaching agents painted on teeth with custom lights used to activate the process, and multiple whitening toothpastes that have ingredients that are have some whitening properties.
The most frequently used bleaching agents contain peroxide. Typically the agent is carbamide peroxide which comes in various strengths such as 10%, 16% and 22%. An article was recently published by Meireles, Santos, et al that assessed the results of 10% carbamide peroxide vs 16% carbamide peroxide. (1) The different strengths of the bleaching agents were tested using custom trays made by the dentists. The conclusions of the study were that both groups had the same median tooth shade after one year. The higher concentration allowed the teeth whitening process to occur more quickly, but over time the teeth whitening results were the same.
A complication to teeth whitening that sometimes happens is sensitive teeth and/or sensitive gums. It can be postulated that higher concentrations of bleach can increase the risk of sensitivity. It may be prudent to consider using the lower dose bleach for the cosmetic teeth whitening to lessen the chance of this risk.
1.) Meireles SS, Santos, IS, et al, A double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial of 10 percent versus 16 percent carbamide peroxide tooth-bleaching agents, JADA 2009; 140: 1109-1116
