16% Carbamide Peroxide Gel & At-Home Teeth Whitening Kits | What You Need To Know

A go to method for whitening discoloured or yellow teeth in recent years has been using at-home professional teeth whitening kits.

These teeth whitening treatments are popular for a range of reasons including the fact that they tend to be are dentist approved and provide safe and fast teeth whitening results.

One of the reasons they can give you fast teeth whitening results is because of their 16% carbamide peroxide gel.

16% carbamide peroxide has become a regular concentration used in these teeth whitening kits that help you get brighter smile from the comfort of your own home.

Below, we’ll explain what 16% carbamide peroxide is, whether it’s safe and effective for teeth whitening teeth and discuss potential side effects.

What is Carbamide Peroxide?

Carbamide peroxide is most commonly used as an ear wax removal agent, oral rinse, and in home teeth-whitening products.

It is a combination of hydrogen peroxide and urea and at different concentrations, has multiple uses including:

• Ear wax removal (6.5%)
• Oral rinse (10%)
• At home or in-office teeth-whitening products (16–44%).

Carbamide peroxide releases hydrogen peroxide when it comes into contact with water or the surfaces of the ear or tooth.

Is 16% Carbamide Peroxide Safe for Teeth?

A 2013 study on the effectiveness and safety of 16% and 35% carbamide peroxide for tooth whitening found that “carbamide peroxide in 16% is safe and effective for whitening discoloured teeth”.

The same study also found that carbamide peroxide at 35% concentration gave significantly more lightening effect without additional side effects compared to 16% concentration.

If you are concentration higher than 16%, you should have this delivered by a dentist. These are called ’in-office treatments’.

What Do The Different Carbamide Peroxide Concentrations Mean?

Carbamide peroxide is a combination of hydrogen peroxide and urea. When it comes to teeth whitening, a higher percentage of carbamide peroxide is more likely to cause sensitivity issues.

When you visit a dentist office, the whitening gel that they use can reach up to 44% concentration. At this concentration, the gel isn’t used for a long time

The hydrogen peroxide in carbamide peroxide can be toxic in a number of ways but the amounts in your 16% carbamide peroxide teeth whitening gel is completely safe and has been developed specifically with at-home teeth whitening kits in mind.

How Long Should I Wear The Whitening Gel For?

16% carbamide peroxide gel is designed to be worn for at least 4 hours to achieve noticeable teeth whitening results.

For the most dazzling results, you’ll need to keep the trays in overnight, so you can whiten as you sleep.

We recommend wearing the 16% carbamide peroxide gel for 6 hours or more at night if you don't experience major sensitivity when you first apply the gel.

Potential Side Effects

You should follow product directions exactly to avoid any irritation or sensitivity that carbamide peroxide might cause. Tooth sensitivity and gum irritation are both common side effects.

Anyone who chooses to use a home teeth-whitening kit should first consult with a dental healthcare provider.

For the reasons above, all our kits containing 16% carbamide peroxide whitening gel are supplied by a dental professional so as long as you use your teeth whitening kit as instructed, you shouldn’t experience any issues.

Can I Whiten My Teeth For 3 Days in a Row?

We don’t typically recommended that you use whitening trays for multiple days in a row. You should aim to use your whitening trays 2-3 times a week until you get your desired level of teeth whitening.

Remember, you can reuse your whitening trays over time!

• Do not eat, drink or smoke during treatment (when you have your trays and bleaching gel in your mouth).
• Do not smoke immediately after removing yours trays/bleaching gel – wait for at least 2 hours.
• You should avoid foods & drinks containing strong for at least 48 hours after the treatment period.
• Use gel at room temperature.

Conclusion:

16% carbamide peroxide gel is increasingly popular in at-home teeth whitening kits. This gel gives people that want to whiten their teeth with quick and safe results that are also dentist approved.

The gel is safe to use and is created specifically for at-home teeth whitening kits.

For whiter teeth, it is recommend that you use your teeth-whitening kit no more than 2-3 times a week. This is to avoid any sensitivity building up in your teeth resulting from over-use.

Book Your FREE Consultation!

Unlocking a radiant smile isn't just about the gel – it's a holistic process. Consider best practices during treatment, ensuring you get the best out of your kit.

If you buy an at-home teeth whitening kit, we will book you a FREE DENTIST CONSULTATION with a Smile White approved dentist in your area. They will talk you through your treatment and give you all the information you need.

Ready to transform your smile? Get our 16% carbamide peroxide teeth whitening kit and unveil a brighter, more confident you.