In this article, Beauty Space is delighted to welcome general dentist, Greta Skuka, as a contributor to share her assessment of some of the best teeth whitening kits available in the market. Greta is an experienced professional with extensive knowledge in dental care, and her insights can help readers make informed decisions on the right teeth whitening product for their needs. Read on to discover her top recommendations for achieving a bright, confident smile.
Over the past decade, societal changes have influenced the way we view physical appearance. Social media has established a new standard for how we should look, including our teeth and smile. Terms like ‘Hollywood Smile’ have become increasingly popular, leading to more and more young people undergoing invasive procedures like veneers and crowns to achieve the perfect, pearly white teeth
Another easier and faster way to achieve this type of smile is through teeth whitening procedures. A recent study conducted recently by Australian Dental Association (ADA), has found that 22% of Australian adults have whitened their teeth, an 8% increase from the data of 2017.
As a general dentist, teeth whitening procedures, especially at 20-30 years old, constitute the biggest part of my daily dental procedures. Teeth whitening in general is a safe procedure when done by a professional, but I have realised the market is being saturated by over-the-counter teeth whitening kits that often aren’t even approved by dental organisations.
In this article, I am going to cover some of the top-rated at-home teeth whitening treatments and assess the benefits and considerations of each one.
7 Top Teeth Whitening Kits to Buy in Australia
Smilie Teeth Whitening Kit
The Teeth Whitening Kit by Smilie is a product developed by a dentist with 15 years of experience and a member of the Australian Dental Association. The kit includes a dual-light LED device, 3 x gel whitening pens for 30 treatments, a shade guide to track your progress, step-by-step instructions and USB charging cable.
It’s formulated with 6% Hydrogen Peroxide and desensitising ingredients to make it suitable for sensitive teeth. The brand recommends using the light for 16 minutes a day over 1 week.
Many users have found this to be one of the most effective at-home solutions in achieving whiter, brighter teeth and tackling long terms stains. This highly rated teeth whitening kit has the tick of approval from beauty editors to dental hygienists.
I really like whitening kits in a pen form because you have control over where you apply it and you can prevent gingival irritation from product leakage. When it comes to LED lights, the dental community is divided. The few studies that exist offer a vague response to if it works or not. However, the active ingredient in the kit will have its effects with or without the lights.
White Glo ACCELERATOR Teeth Whitening Kit
The White Glo Whitening Kit includes a Blue Light Accelerator Unit, a universal mouth tray, the whitening gel which lasts for 50 applications, an instruction manual and the shade guide. It claims to whiten teeth up to 8 shades for a 7-day period with only 10 minutes a day.
The whitening gel contains 9% Carbamide Peroxide, a pretty low percentage (equal to 3% hydrogen peroxide).
The problem with teeth whitening kits with mouth trays is that one size does NOT fit all. This may result in gingival damage and irritation since the trays may not fit all mouth sizes. I like that it includes a low concentration of the whitening ingredient and I think this is very important when it comes to at-home whitening kits, in order to avoid tooth sensitivity.
SmilePro Advanced Teeth Whitening Kit
This whitening kit includes 3 whitening pens (equal to 15 treatments) and Rechargeable & water-resistant LED accelerator light.
Unlike most whitening kits, this one uses Phthalimidoperoxycaproic Acid (PAP) as an active ingredient. PAP is a whitening agent that doesn’t release free oxygen radicals while it works, unlike Hydrogen Peroxide or Carbamide Peroxide. Therefore, it makes it more suitable for sensitive teeth. Many studies show great results in PAP effectiveness and safety compared to traditional whitening agents.
This whitening kit seems to be safe to use at home and gentle on the teeth.
Bondi Smile Teeth Whitening Kit
Bondi Smile whitening kit is another product that comes with a mouth tray. It includes 3 whitening gel syringes and a LED light accelerator. The active ingredient is 18% Carbamide Peroxide, the highest percentage allowed for an at-home whitening kit.Â
It is advised to leave the gel for 10-40 minutes, three times a week the first week and then every 3-6 weeks for maintenance. I would recommend starting slow and not overdoing it.
Millionaire Smile Teeth Whitening Kit
Millionaire Smile is another teeth whitening kit designed by dentists. The kit includes 3 gel syringes, a LED light and a mouth guard. Unlike other teeth whitening kits, this one uses papaya enzyme PDP to lift the stains off the teeth. In vitro studies show that papaya enzymes can whiten the teeth without causing sensitivity or eroding enamel, but there are not as effective as traditional teeth whitening agents.
However, I think this is a good option for anyone who likes a more gentle and natural approach to teeth whitening.
Advanced Whitening Teeth Whitening Kit
The Advanced Whitening Teeth Whitening Kit includes 3 whitening pens, an LED light and a silicone mouthguard. It is formulated with 6% Hydrogen Peroxide and claims to whiten teeth up to 12 shades in less than a week.Â
This is one of those claims that sound too good to be true. I am not saying it doesn’t work, all I am saying is that not to this extent, at least without damaging the teeth. The kit seems good, just be careful and start slow.
I wouldn’t trust the reviews on their website only. There are more reviews about the product here.
Hismile VIO405 Teeth Whitening Kit PAP+ Formula
The hismile whitening kit includes VIO405 LED light, that’s designed by the brand, a mouth tray and 6 whitening pods that make for 6 applications. The active whitening agent is PAP+, which differs from PAP because it includes nano-hydroxyapatite, a remineralising ingredient.
This whitening kit seems to be formulated around protecting the teeth, but it has very mixed reviews when it comes to its effectiveness.Â
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dentist teeth whitening better than home?
In-office teeth whitening is performed by professionals and follows a strict protocol. Teeth whitening agents are at a much higher percentage compared to at-home treatments therefore the results are guaranteed.Â
The dentist will evaluate each patient and decide if he/she is a good candidate for a teeth whitening procedure and will make sure to protect soft and hard tissues during the procedure. Such things can’t be done with at-home treatments because anyone can have access to them, but not everyone is a suitable candidate for teeth whitening and a lot of things can go wrong.
There isn’t much change when it comes to the results, but in-office treatments are more powerful and you can see results faster, however, the chance of hypersensitivity is higher.
Cost-wise, at-home treatments are cheaper, but a dental consultation is always recommended.
What is the most effective way to whiten teeth at home?
There are different ways to whiten teeth at home, from DIY methods to whitening kits.
DIY whitening products are strictly prohibited because they can contain unsafe amounts of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide which can damage soft and hard tissues of the mouth and can be dangerous if swallowed.
Charcoal toothpaste can be very abrasive on the enamel and result in wear off, while coconut pulling doesn’t have any effects on teeth whitening.
Strips and whitening kits seem to be a handy solution to whitening teeth at home and are quite effective. When choosing the right product for you, make sure to choose one from a trustworthy brand and if it promises a lot, it’s probably not safe to use.
Are home teeth whitening kits worth it?
If we calculate the advantages of home teeth whitening kits such as cost and effectiveness, I would say that yes they are worth it. It’s worth mentioning that it’s important to buy a whitening kit that’s ADA-approved and always read the instructions.Â
All in all, I believe that there are a lot of great home whitening kits to buy in Australia such as Smilie, SmilePro, Bondi Teeth etc. It’s important to talk to your dentist beforehand and be aware of limitations, because this may not be suitable for every case.
