Hydrogen Peroxide vs. Carbamide Peroxide – 20/20 Dentistry (2024)

Hydrogen Peroxide vs. Carbamide Peroxide – 20/20 Dentistry (1)

The teeth whitening process includes two active ingredients: hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. Whitening products differ between which active ingredient they contain as the main whitening solution. This poses the question: what’s the difference? The main difference between hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide is that hydrogen peroxide is an effective whitening agent by itself. On the other hand, carbamide peroxide contains hydrogen peroxide in it. For every 30% of carbamide peroxide, there is also 10% of hydrogen peroxide.

The good news is, one doesn’t work better than the other. A journal published by American Dental Association showed that while carbamide peroxide shows slightly more dramatic results at first, products containing both ingredients produce exactly the same results. Hydrogen peroxide breaks down faster than carbamide peroxide and releases most of its whitening agent within 30-60 minutes. Carbamide peroxide releases about 50% of its whitening agent in the first two hours and it remains active for up to six additional hours. This means, products using hydrogen peroxide has shorter wear time but both active ingredients have similar whitening properties. The amount of product used and the time it will take to fully activate applies to each patient’s unique needs.

As far as sensibility goes, there is no noticeable difference. Tooth sensitivity comes naturally with teeth whitening, but both active ingredients produce the same level of sensibility. Rebound is when the teeth appear lighter immediately after whitening, but then lose brightness over a short period of time. Rebound deals more with dehydration than peroxide levels and can be prevented by adding more water to the product. Products with carbamide peroxide have a slightly longer shelf life than those with hydrogen peroxide, but refrigerating peroxide products increases shelf life all-together.

Overall, both hydrogen peroxide and carbamide produce excellent results. You should feel comfortable about using either product to whiten your smile. For questions about whitening, feel free to call us at 215-567-4949.

Hydrogen Peroxide vs. Carbamide Peroxide – 20/20 Dentistry (2024)

FAQs

Is carbamide peroxide more effective than hydrogen peroxide? ›

Carbamide peroxide & hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide produced equally brilliant results. However there is a noticeable difference in sensitivity when using a hydrogen peroxide compared to carbamide peroxide product.

What percentage of peroxide do dentists use to whiten teeth? ›

In-office systems contain from 15% to 43% peroxide. Generally, the stronger the solution and the longer you keep it on your teeth, the whiter your teeth become. But the higher the percentage of peroxide in the whitening solution, the shorter it should stay on your teeth.

What level of peroxide do dentists use? ›

Today, most dentists use hydrogen and carbamide peroxide gels between 10-40%, which are chemically activated or by different light sources, such as halogen light, laser or plasma arc [9], See (Table ​1).

What is the best hydrogen peroxide concentration for teeth whitening? ›

This suggests that low-concentration treatments of hydrogen peroxide, applied for shorter periods, have the least potential to damage your teeth. According to a 2004 study, scientists found that a 5 percent hydrogen peroxide solution was just as effective as a 25 percent solution at whitening teeth.

What are the disadvantages of carbamide peroxide? ›

Carbamide peroxide is commonly used in teeth-whitening kits. These kits are sold for home use or used in dental offices. Home users should follow product directions closely to avoid any irritation of tissues that carbamide peroxide might cause. Tooth sensitivity and gum irritation are both common side effects.

What is the best percentage for teeth whitening gel? ›

The American Dental Association has recommended a maximum of 10 percent for teeth whitening. Gels that are available for at-home trays have a concentration of 22 percent. The maximum that can be used is 35 percent, which is approximately what you will find at the dentist's office.

What is the most effective teeth whitening method? ›

laser teeth whitening is the safest, quickest, and most effective option among the types of teeth-whitening treatments available. However, there are ultimately several ways to whiten teeth, and the most suitable option will depend on your timeline, budget, and priorities, as well as the nature of the discoloration.

How long can I leave carbamide peroxide on my teeth? ›

Recommended wear time is 2 hours-10 hours (overnight). If you have tooth sensitivity*, reduce to 1 hour twice per day or 1 hour once every 3 days.

What is the highest percentage of hydrogen peroxide teeth whitening gel? ›

Beaming White stocks hydrogen peroxide gel in 6%, 16%, 25%, and 36%. We offer most concentrations in a single, pre-mixed syringe. 36% HP is available as a mixing system only. We can make any other concentration you need from 3 percent to 36 percent.

What percentage of hydrogen peroxide is in office teeth whitening? ›

Nowadays, it is possible to apply hydrogen peroxide (HP) for in-office-bleaching in concentrations ranging from 6 to 40% [2,3]. ...

What is the maximum percentage of hydrogen peroxide that can be legally prescribed by a dentist in the UK? ›

The maximum strength of hydrogen peroxide that a dentist can use in providing cosmetic tooth whitening treatment is 6%.

Is 20% hydrogen peroxide safe for teeth whitening? ›

The American Dental Association gives a thumbs up to whiteners with up to 10% peroxide concentrations. Any higher than 10%, and you're at-risk for destroying your precious enamel.

What is the difference between carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide? ›

“Hydrogen peroxide is typically used in higher concentrations and for shorter periods of time, while carbamide peroxide is usually used in lower concentrations and for longer periods of time. “This is because carbamide peroxide breaks down more slowly, so it needs more time to work effectively.

What is better than hydrogen peroxide for teeth whitening? ›

Overall, both hydrogen peroxide and carbamide produce excellent results. You should feel comfortable about using either product to whiten your smile.

Is 10 carbamide peroxide equivalent to hydrogen peroxide? ›

In broad terms, 10% carbamide peroxide content would yield a maximum of 3.6% hydrogen peroxide.

What is the strongest teeth whitening gel percentage? ›

The maximum that can be used is 35 percent, which is approximately what you will find at the dentist's office. A 35 percent concentration comes with a set of complications, making it possible for you to leave it on your teeth for only a certain period, which in most cases is about 30 to 45 minutes.

What works better than hydrogen peroxide? ›

In general, rubbing alcohol is better at killing germs on your hands, as it's gentler on your skin than hydrogen peroxide.

How long does carbamide peroxide take to whiten teeth? ›

The gel releases a very mild carbamide peroxide which gently, safely and reliably whitens your teeth. The initial course of whitening usually takes 10-14 days to achieve the brightness you desire and then the trays can be used occasionally for top ups, say, every few months.

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