Teeth whitening is done with one of two active ingredients: carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. Some whitening products contain hydrogen peroxide and others contain carbamide peroxide. So what’s the difference?What is the difference between hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide?Hydrogen peroxide alone is an effective whitening agent. Carbamide peroxide—also an effective whitening agent—contains hydrogen peroxide at a ratio of 1:3. For example, a product with 30% carbamide peroxide has about 10% hydrogen peroxide.Does one work better than the other?No! The good news is that hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide both produce the same outstanding results. A study published in Journal of the American Dental Association showed that while carbamide peroxide appeared to produce slightly more dramatic results at first, ultimately products containing equivalent amounts of carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide produced exactly the same results. ¹Does one work faster than the other?Yes and no. Hydrogen peroxide breaks down faster than carbamide peroxide, so it releases most of its whitening power within 30–60 minutes. Carbamide peroxide, on the other hand, releases about 50% of its whitening power in the first two hours and can remain active for up to six additional hours.²This means that products using hydrogen peroxide have shorter wear times. However, the number of days a person will need to use either one depends not on hydrogen peroxide vs. carbamide peroxide, but on the individual’s unique needs and rate of tooth color change.Does one cause more sensitivity?No. There is no noticeable difference in sensitivity, regardless of whether you are using a hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide product. This was also noted in the same study that showed hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide produced equally brilliant results.¹Both hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide produce excellent resultsYou can feel great about using either a hydrogen peroxide or a carbamide peroxide product to whiten your smile. Both will produce the same high-quality results, with no difference in sensitivity or rebound. Opalescence has developed a complete line of carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide whitening product to fit every lifestyle.ProductAmount of HP or CPRecommended Daily Wear TimeStorageOpalescence Go, 6%6% Hydrogen Peroxide60-90 minutes/dayRefrigerateOpalescence Go, 15%15% Hydrogen Peroxide15–20 minutes/dayRefrigerateOpalescence PF Gels, 10%10% Carbamide Peroxide8–10 hours or overnightRefrigerateOpalescence PF Gels, 16%16% Carbamide Peroxide4–6 hoursRefrigerateOpalescence PF Gels, 20%20% Carbamide Peroxide2–4 hoursRefrigerateOpalescence PF Gels, 35%35% Carbamide Peroxide30 minutesRefrigerateOpalescence Boost, 40%40% Hydrogen Peroxide2-3, 20–minute treatments performed by the doctor in-office (1 hour total)Refrigerate

1. Mokhlis GR, Matis BA, Cochran MA, and Eckert GJ. A clinical evaluation of carbamide peroxide and hydrogen p eroxide whitening agents during daytime use. JADA. 2000;131(9):1269-1277.
2. Haywood VB. Nightguard vital bleaching: indications and limitations. US Dentistry. 2006;October:2-8.