Whitening your teeth, do the off the shelf teeth whitening systems really work? That mostly depends on the reason your teeth are less than pearly white, and how dark they are. The reason that there is a limit to the amount the off the shelf whitening systems work, is because it depends on the amount of peroxide that is used in the product. The maximum allowed is 6%.

Depending on the darkness and reason your teeth are no longer white, will make the difference in whether you should decide to go with a home teeth whitening kit from the store, or if it would be more effective to go through the dentist.

The products that you purchase off the shelf do tend to have a good result on slightly darker teeth, up to about three shades, and it does last for a few months in most cases. However the process usually has to be reapplied more often than the whitening system at the dentist.

Here are a list of s few of the home teeth whitening kits from off the shelf and what they result is they are getting.

Crest White Strips: Cost $25, convenience and use are easy, simply put the strips on your teeth twice a day for thirty minutes. Then you are on your way to whiter teeth. These seem to have the best result as far as whitening. The biggest downfall to these is that they make you drool, so this is a product that is best used at home and not out and about or at work.

Colgate Simply White Night: Cost $15, whitening happens while you sleep. Simply brush on the whitening product and leave on your teeth through the night. This product does not need to be rinsed off. The brush works well with uneven teeth or hard to reach places.

Aqua Fresh White Trays: Cost $35, with the flexible tray it is easy to apply, there is a clean fresh taste and is safe for enamel. Apply for 30-40 minutes from 5-7 days.

The teeth whitening products that you purchase off the shelves in your drug store, dentist office, or grocery store, will work to some extent. The lightening affect is usually three shades for the home off the shelf lightening systems.

However, it is important to know why your teeth are darker in color then you can know what it is going to take to get them white again.

Teeth become darker in color, for several reasons. Here are a few of those reasons.
To much fluoride in the water
Smoking
Coffee and tea
Age
Tannic acid
Roots in the teeth dying due to impact
Decay and cavities

It is always a good idea to have your checkup done to make sure there is no decay or cavities causing the less white teeth.

The most common methods that are used for whitening teeth are with peroxide. Peroxide based tooth whitening is usually less harmful to your enamel on your teeth. Though, there may be some side effects. Sensitive gums, tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, in extreme cases burns, or sores.

The whitening systems that are used through your dentist are faster, more effective, and last longer. They are also more effective on teeth that are very dark or more that three shades darker. Also, if there is decay or cavities, it is important to make sure you have a dentist fix these problems, because whitening you teeth will not create a healthier smile that will last you for many years.

However, for a beautiful smile that you can make from home, there are many off the shelf products that for a lower price can assist your dentist to create a beautiful smile. Whiter teeth are a boost to your self-esteem, try some tooth whitening and see how it makes you feel.