Will you please give me an opinion on the Premium Home Teeth Whitening Kit? A few months ago, I passed up a Groupon offer for it, but I see that it’s available on their website. It’s also on Amazon.com, but the cost is significantly lower, and that makes me wonder if the product there is legitimate. Is this whitening kit a worthwhile purchase? – Thanks, Kay from Laurel, MS
Thanks for your inquiry, Kay.
After reviewing the website for Premium Home Teeth Whitening, we can’t endorse the product. We have several observations about the product. They are not all negative, and they can apply to other at-home teeth whitening brands.
Facts About Home Teeth Whitening
- Whitening agent – The gel contains 36% carbamide peroxide, a valid whitening agent with enough power to whiten your teeth. The kit contains an LED accelerator light, which is unlikely to accelerate the bleaching process.
- Cost – A premium kit costs about $150. If our dentist charges more, look for a dentist who offers affordable teeth whitening. Some provide it at a discount if you keep your regular cleaning and exam appointments. Or you can call several dental offices and ask about the cost for teeth whitening if you’ve had a recent hygiene appointment. You can also tell your dentist about the kit and its costs and ask if he or she will match or reduce the cost for you.
- Customization – Premium Home Teeth Whitening isn’t customized to fit your teeth. Your dentist will take an impression of your teeth to mold custom bleaching trays. Custom trays keep the gel in contact with your teeth for maximum absorption. They also seal in the bleach and keep it away from your gums to prevent irritation
- Safety – Is home teeth whitening safe? Some reports show that over-the-counter whitening systems irritate teeth. Irritation can lead to infection and root canal treatment. If you have existing dental work on your teeth, your dentist needs to check it before you start the bleaching process. And your dentist can predict how bleaching gel will affect the stains in your teeth—for better or worse.
It’s best to compare prices at dental offices and receive teeth whitening from a dentist. In most cases, you don’t need an advanced cosmetic dentist to whiten your teeth. A general or family dentist can give you good results. Exercise caution with the dentist you choose of you have fluorosis or tetracycline stains in your teeth, or if the stains are caused by medication or a medical condition. In those cases, see a cosmetic dentist who will determine the best treatment method.
Baton Rouge family dentist, Ryan Perry, DDS, sponsors this post.