| Online sources we've identified for 'major brand name' carbamide peroxide teeth whitening kits with 'do it yourself' trays. | ||||
| 1% - 9% carbamide peroxide |
10% - 14% carbamide peroxide |
15% - 19% carbamide peroxide |
20% - 29% carbamide peroxide |
30% - 35% carbamide peroxide |
|
Nite White Nite White |
Opalescence |
Opalescence Opalescence |
Opalescence |
Opalescence Opalescence |
The disadvantage of using 'do it yourself' bleaching trays stems from the fact that the edges of self-molded trays will rest on gum tissue. This can lead to gum irritation in two ways. One is by mechanical trauma. When the tray is worn its edges can rub on the user's gum tissue and cause irritation. The other way is by chemical trauma. A self-molded tray will hold the bleaching gel in contact with the gums, which can lead to gum tissue irritation.
If for whatever reason you do choose a DIY kit, we would still recommend that it include a major brand name whitening gel. Additionally, since the user's gum tissue will be in greater contact with the whitener than when custom bleaching trays are used, employing a less concentrated whitening gel should help to decrease the likelihood of developing gum irritation.