Teeth Whitening Gel

There are numerous teeth whitening gel options available, and they all use different ingredients. The best gel for whitening depends on your exact needs, level of sensitivity, and desired whitening effect.

NatruSmile Teeth Whitening Gel is ideal for those who need their teeth a few shades whiter without the time commitment or sensitivity that may come with other gels.

For a brighter smile, consider using our teeth whitening kits, which come with a stronger carbamide peroxide-based gel.

NatruSmile teeth whitening gel (PAP and peroxide) usually has a shelf life of about 12 months. When stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, it may last longer. If it isn't properly cared for, the gel may expire before then, so it's important to store it correctly.

If you've had your whitening gel for a few months, look for a foggy or cloudy appearance to the syringe and discard it if you find one. Expired gel will not work, so it will be a waste of whitening efforts.

To eliminate the risk of expiration, only purchase NatruSmile Teeth Whitening Gel shortly before you plan to use it for whitening treatment.

Teeth whitening gel is available online, in some stores, and through your dentist. The easiest and most cost-effective way to purchase teeth whitening gel is online through our store (at the top of this page).

In the USA, our whitening gel is carbamide peroxide-based. In the UK, it is PAP-based. No matter which option you choose, you can be sure that it's safe for your teeth and effective for whitening.

Teeth whitening gel is incredibly effective. Numerous international dental organizations have endorsed the use of teeth whitening gels as an effective and safe way to brighten your smile.

NatruSmile products take it a step further—we have our products tested and endorsed by real dentists, and we’re partnered with Dr. Greg Grillo to answer any questions and concerns you have and give you the best customer experience possible.

That said, they are only effective when properly administered. At-home teeth whitening is inherently error-prone, meaning some users might not achieve their desired results.

Sensitivity is the most common side effect of teeth whitening treatments, occurring in nearly all patients to at least some extent. Patients often report feelings of sensitivity and discomfort shortly after bleaching, but this usually subsides quickly.

For those with extreme sensitivity or allergies to certain ingredients, it is best to discuss the product you plan to use with your dentist before starting any whitening treatment.

Read our full guide on Best Ways to Whiten Sensitive Teeth.

According to the most recent data from Dentaly, the average whitening gel package costs between $200 and $400. Patients who work with a dental professional to whiten their teeth often end up paying more than this for their gel, albeit for the added benefit of dental supervision. And some whitening products cost under $15. 

Remember: You get what you pay for (to an extent). The least expensive option is never going to be the most effective and you don’t need to pay several hundred dollars for great results. As a relatively low-cost product with dental endorsement and strong whitening ingredients, NatruSmile offers customers the best possible deal when it comes to whitening gel.

Even though whitening gel ends up making direct contact with your teeth, you should only apply it as directed. Using a tray or LED light is the safest and most effective way to apply teeth whitening gel. Applying it directly on your teeth without a tray can cause uneven bleaching, irritate your gum tissue, and exacerbate any preexisting sensitivity.

To avoid some of the possibility of applying the gel unevenly, complete that step of the whitening process in front of a mirror.

Teeth whitening gel and its byproducts are safe to swallow. Of course, avoiding this as much as possible is a good idea, but any small amounts of gel that get ingested will not be harmful and should pass through your system quickly and without issue.

Still, keep this product out of reach of children (who are at greater risk of a mishap) and avoid ingesting the gel as much as possible. You should also keep it out of the way of your pets (if you have any), as their bodies will react adversely to whitening agents.

If you don't have a custom-fitted or over-the-counter tray, you can still use whitening gel. It is best to apply the gel directly on your teeth using an applicator, such as a cotton swab or brush. This way you can ensure that the gel is evenly distributed and has maximum contact with your teeth. Remember, this is not the best approach and might not yield even results.

NatruSmile Teeth Whitening Gel is designed to whiten your teeth quickly. All you need is 15 to 20 minutes, depending on your chosen method (15 minutes for LED whitening, 20 minutes for trays). Leaving the gel on for longer will not produce a whiter effect.

You should whiten your teeth with the gel every day for at least nine consecutive days to maximize the effectiveness of your results and the time it takes to get there.

Teeth whitening gel often comes with an array of side effects, but isn't "bad" for your teeth. According to experts at the Dental Health Society, carbamide peroxide gel is safe when used properly. A 2021 study found the same to be true for PAP, which did not erode enamel or cause damage throughout multiple clinical trials.

There are, however, risks associated with whitening your teeth with any whitening product, including gels. Increased sensitivity is the most common, but some clinical research indicates that overuse of high-concentration chemical-based gels can cause permanent damage to the enamel and underlying dentin. 

Over-whitening is another common risk, regardless of the whitening agent you use. Only use NatruSmile whitening products as directed for as long as directed to eliminate this risk. 

It’s important to note that while sensitivity may be unpleasant, it does not signify that the gel itself is unsafe to use. It may indicate an underlying oral health problem you need to take care of or it may be purely up to chance.

With traditional braces, you should never use teeth whitening agents of any kind (including whitening gels). Traditional braces have brackets and wires, which attach to the surface of your teeth. The whitening gel will not reach the space underneath the brackets and wires, creating a noticeable discoloration once they're removed.

Those straightening their teeth with Invisalign trays and lingual braces are safe to use whitening gels. Since these treatments do not include brackets and wires, they will be able to reach all areas of enamel for an even whitening result.

Read our full guide on whitening teeth with braces.

Once opened, whitening gel begins to lose its effectiveness after about 12 months. When it is exposed to the outside air, it begins to oxidize, which impacts its effectiveness over time.

To maximize the shelf life of NatruSmile Teeth Whitening Gel (and potentially extend it beyond the 12-month mark), users can refrigerate it between uses, which slows the oxidation process.

The short answer is no, teeth whitening gel does not damage your enamel when used properly according to the manufacturer's instructions. The gels contain a bleaching agent that will only affect stained or discolored areas of the tooth surface.

Some clinical research finds extensive damage in some applications while many other studies are inconclusive at best. According to the most trusted sources in modern dentistry, teeth whitening gels do not pose a threat to your enamel.

You should only use teeth whitening treatment packages once every six months (or less). Over-whitening puts your teeth at serious risk of long-term damage, and the ingredients in most teeth whitening agents (including PAP and peroxide) are not meant to be used on a regular basis.

Even though our whitening gels contain xylitol, a plant-based remineralizing compound, there will always be the risk of potential damage to your teeth with overuse.

Some whitening gels are designed to be applied before bed and whiten your teeth as you sleep. NatruSmile Teeth Whitening Gel is not one of them. You can apply our teeth whitening gel in 30-minute intervals (or less) for fast results and convenient whitening.

If you mistakenly leave your whitening gel in your mouth overnight one time, the only side effect you are likely to experience is prolonged sensitivity. If you repeatedly keep your trays in while you sleep, you risk doing significant damage to your teeth.

Putting whitening gel in between removable retainers is a bad idea because it can harm the retainer's material and weaken it. Although our teeth whitening gel formulas are non-abrasive, the whitening agents used in them can still wear away at the metal in your retainer, causing it to become more brittle.

If you want to whiten your teeth while wearing a retainer, it is possible—you just need to remove the retainer before administering your whitening gel and wait until it clears to put it back on.

Keeping your whitening gel in the fridge will prolong its shelf life. Refrigerating whitening gels can prevent them from breaking down and protect them from heat damage that could occur during travel or storage in hot places. If stored at room temperature (73.4°F), whitening gels can become more than twice as acidic over time.

Customers should remember that the refrigerator is cold enough to prevent their whitening gel from expiring too fast.

Although it is safe (and usually recommended) to brush your teeth after using teeth whitening gel, some NatruSmile customers avoid doing so because brushing too soon heightens tooth sensitivity. Whether or not you choose to brush after whitening is entirely up to you—if you don't mind the possible increase in sensitivity, you can go ahead and brush.

NatruSmile Teeth Whitening Gel is not a substitute for brushing your teeth normally—even if you choose not to brush your teeth right after your whitening session, remember to do so twice per day to maintain a healthy (and white) smile.

Some NatruSmile customers see small results after their first whitening session. Most can expect to see nearly full results after 9 consecutive days of whitening (i.e., one 3-pack of syringes).

To achieve true noticeable results, our customers usually require between 2 and 3 weeks of using NatruSmile Teeth Whitening Gel. Depending on your starting shade, you may require more or less time to get the whiteness you're looking for.