If you have been thinking about your smile and debating teeth whitening, you might wonder if one of the teeth whitening kits on the market is right for you and your whitening needs. If you want a bright white smile, the best place to start is always with your dentist. They can advise you whether you need professional whitening or if a teeth whitening kit might be able to help. Here are a few things to think about as you evaluate those kits.

1. Compare the Whitening Methods

There are several different methods out there for whitening teeth, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Think about what's best for your lifestyle as you consider each of the options. For example, would you prefer to use light treatment and have your whitening treatment done in about 10 minutes each day? Or, do you have longer to devote to your whitening treatments and prefer a tray filled with gel or strips that you place on your teeth?

Take the time to think about which process is the best fit for your lifestyle. Remember that it will likely take multiple treatments over a period of time, so don't settle for something you can make time for just once. Instead, look for the kit that's going to fit into your schedule the easiest.

2. Check the Active Ingredients 

Another important consideration is the active ingredients in the product. Some active ingredients can cause increased teeth sensitivity or gum irritation. Products that rely on hydrogen peroxide or light treatment are less likely to cause these problems. However, you'll also want to be sure that the active ingredients are safe. Take the time to do your research, and talk with your dentist about any ingredients or kits that you should avoid, either based on safety or based on your dental health.

3. Compare Treatment Durations

Getting whiter teeth isn't something that's going to happen in one miracle treatment. Any kit that claims otherwise is inaccurate and should be avoided. However, certain types of treatments will produce results faster than others. The fastest, of course, is in-office professional dental treatment. However, some of the teeth whitening kits on the market today balance the ease of accessibility and the timeframe to produce results. Consider how quickly you need to see results, but remember that these treatments take time. Be prepared to commit that time to get the whitening benefit you want.