Polanight 16% At-Home Teeth Whitening Review

If you’ve ever thought about whitening your teeth without costly or invasive laser treatment, you might have heard of Polanight. As people who’ve tried whitening strips and toothpastes to no avail, we decided to give the product a try.

The professional-grade, at-home teeth whitening system comes in different strengths; however, we chose the Polanight 16% Carbamide Peroxide formula. We tested the formulation over a 3-week period, completing 12 total overnight applications using custom dental trays made by our local dentist.

Is it powerful enough to remove years of staining without damage and sensitivity? In our honest review, we discuss the application process and the results.

This article contains opinions and reviews that are entirely our own. We have not been financially compensated by any brands for the products on this list, nor are there any affiliate links. Please consult a healthcare professional or dentist for proper medical advice before using these products.

Product Overview of Polanight 16%

Feature	Product Specifications
Manufacturer	SDI (Strategic Dental Innovations), Australia
Active Ingredient	16% Carbamide Peroxide (~5.3% Hydrogen Peroxide)
Gel Characteristics	High-viscosity, crystal-clear, neutral pH, spearmint flavour
Packaging	4 x 1.3g syringes
Cost	£32.95 (discounted from £49.95)

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Minimal sensitivity due to the formula
• Thick gel that doesn’t escape trays
• Flexible wear time
• Pleasant taste
• Professional results

Cons

• Requires custom trays that must be purchased separately
• Slower results than daytime gels containing hydrogen peroxide

What is Polanight 16%? (Ingredients & Concentration)

PolaNight is an at-home teeth whitening gel that is designed to be used in combination with custom-fitted dental trays. The active ingredient in this specific formula is Carbamide Peroxide. This is a more stable and slower-releasing alternative to Hydrogen Peroxide.

A 16% concentration is roughly the same as 5.3% hydrogen peroxide. It’s a suitable choice for those who still want noticeable results without severe tooth sensitivity.

How Does Polanight Work?

What distinguishes Pola Night from other products on the market is its clinical formulation. The carbamide peroxide breaks down and releases oxygen ions. These ions gently penetrate tooth enamel and dentin, which breaks apart dark stains caused by food, drinks, and ageing.

Since it does this slowly over a few hours, it’s not harsh on the nerves of the teeth. The formulation of the gel also includes a high water content and desensitisers to stop enamel dehydration. This is what typically causes sharp pains from whitening and is a big plus of the product.

Polanight 16% Review: Our First Impressions

Immediately after opening the box, Polanight feels like a premium product rather than something picked up from a beauty retailer. The gels come packaged in syringes that allow you to carefully measure the exact amount needed.

Compared to other gels on the market, it is very viscous, staying in the trays with ease. This makes it simple to add to the trays and also stay in your mouth. Other teeth whitening products we’ve used in the past leaked, which can irritate the gums.

The flavour is mild and pleasant. You can slightly taste the spearmint, but more importantly, there’s no chemical flavour whatsoever.

How to Use Polanight

In order to get the best results and avoid any damage to your teeth and gums, proper application is essential. This is straightforward, though – here is our step-by-step method.

1. Make sure to brush and floss properly before starting. Your custom trays need to be clean and completely dry. If there is water in the tray, the gel will become diluted. We had our trays pre-fitted by a local dentist before ordering the product online.
2. Screw off the white cap and insert the end part of the syringe. Place a small dot of the gel (match head size) into the front compartment of each tooth space in the tray. This ensures it targets the front of the teeth rather than behind. The first time you use the syringe, be prepared for a lot to suddenly come out. You can just transfer this into empty spaces if needed. You only need to add gel to the front 6-8 teeth.
3. Dry your teeth with a clean cloth or tissue. Place the custom tray over your teeth and press gently until secure. If there is any excess gel, wipe it away with your finger or a tissue. Use less next time to reduce waste.
4. Keep in your mouth for 90 minutes if using during the day or keep in throughout the night for maximum absorption. We recommend using it as the final part of your bedtime routine and removing the tray first thing in the morning.
5. Rinse your trays and your mouth with lukewarm water (to avoid sensitivity from cold water). Brush your teeth as normal to remove any leftover gel. Once the trays are dry, store them in their case.

Polanight 16% Results

This isn’t a product that will cause immediate results, although we did start to see a noticeable lifting by the fourth treatment. This is from using the gel throughout the night every other day.

Each syringe lasted three treatments, and that was from just targeting the top layer of teeth. We’ve tried whitening the bottom in the past and found the sensitivity was too much and wasn’t worth it, since these aren’t as visible.

After using the product a total of 12 times across three weeks, the teeth look much whiter. They appear natural still, though, which is a huge benefit if you don’t want them to appear overly bright.

As we’ve used Polanight in the past (the 10% alternative), we expect the results to last a few years before considering treatment again.

Is it Worth It?

Yes, if you’re looking for a tooth whitening product that doesn’t cause pain and appears natural, the Polanight 16% is more than worth it. The cost is reasonable, especially when compared to other products that contain no worthwhile ingredients.

Yes, you do need to go to the effort of having custom trays made, but this is simple and cost-effective. We’ve had trays in the past that have lasted more than five years. The process of applying the gel to the teeth is incredibly straightforward, and the results surpass anything we’ve ever tried before.

FAQs

Do I Need to Use the Poladay/Polanight Trays?

While you don’t need to use the brand’s specific trays, properly fitted ones from a local dentist or a high-quality at-home impression lab kit are a must. It’s worth noting that the product doesn’t come with trays.

What Other Products Does the Brand Offer?

The Pola Night 16% Carbamide Peroxide is the product we recommend. However, Pola also offers a range of teeth whitening products:

• Pola Day (3%, 6%, 7.5%, 9.5%) – A faster-acting gel of hydrogen peroxide. It is used for 30–45-minute sessions for those who want quick results. There’s also a 35% Carbamide Peroxide gel that is worn for 15 minutes a day.
• Pola Night (10%, 18%, 22%) – Different concentrations of the slow-releasing alternative. The 18% must only be worn for a maximum of 90 minutes, and the 22% for 45 minutes during the day. The 10% can be worn overnight and causes less sensitivity.
• Pola Light – A kit that pairs the gels with a rechargeable LED mouthpiece. It doesn’t require custom dental trays.
• Pola For Aligners – A thicker gel that is designed to fit into clear orthodontic aligners like Invisalign. It doesn’t alter their fit or cause leakage.
• Pola Luminate – A whitening pen containing 6% hydrogen peroxide for touch-ups.
• Pola Whitening Toothpaste – A low-abrasive toothpaste that cleans surface stains and maintains results after a full whitening cycle.

Does the Product Cause Sensitivity?

Yes, the product can potentially cause some sensitivity, but this is relatively mild and only noticeable when consuming cold food and drinks. We recommend brushing your teeth with Sensodyne or another similar toothpaste to reduce the effects.

If you decide to whiten your teeth with the product each day, this will be worse. We recommend leaving a day or two in between uses to prevent significant sensitivity.

Can I Use the Custom Tray as a Retainer?

No, you cannot and should not use a whitening tray as a retainer. It can be tempting if you don’t want to invest in another custom tray, but retainers are made from high-density plastics. These are designed to withstand the pressure of teeth grinding and prevent movement. Whitening trays are much softer and flexible, and offer next to no resistance.

While some people may claim retainers can be used for teeth whitening, it’s worth noting they don’t have intentional reservoir gaps on the front to create pockets for the gel to sit on the teeth. This means you may not get as effective results.

If you do want to use a retainer, just make sure to use less gel and wash the retainer thoroughly with cold water afterwards.

Can I Use the Product with a Fixed Wire Retainer?

It’s advised that you don’t use the product if you have a fixed wire behind your front teeth. Be sure to consult your dentist before moving forward. The gel can seep behind the bonding material, weakening the area or causing uneven whitening.

What Happens if I Swallow the Gel?

Yes, swallowing tiny amounts of Polanight gel during overnight use is safe, as the clinical formula is designed to account for natural salivation. If you overloaded the trays and swallowed a large amount, you may feel a burning sensation in your throat or stomach.

If you experience any serious issues, including allergic reactions, you must seek emergency help immediately. Stop the treatment until you know it is safe to continue. If you do use the gel again, reduce the amount to a small blob for each tooth.

How Should I Store the Syringes?

The gels typically last around two years from manufacture. To prevent the bleaching agents from breaking down and becoming less powerful, store them in the fridge or in a cool, dark cupboard away from food. Allow them to reach room temperature before applying (15-20 minutes or so) to prevent unnecessary sensitivity.

Expired gels will likely produce next to no effective results or may cause irritation. Check the stamp on the side of the syringe first before using it.

What Can I Eat and Drink When Using Polanight?

Polanight 16% causes tooth enamel to be porous and vulnerable 24 to 48 hours after each session. It’s essentially like a dry sponge, so the enamel will absorb anything that is dark in colour. Avoid staining food and drinks like coffee, black tea, red wine, tomato pasta sauce, and dark chocolate. Anything plain or beige should be your go-to.

We’d also recommend avoiding ice-cold drinks or food items, as this can heighten sensitivity. Hot drinks and meals didn’t affect us much, but this can differ between individuals.