Tooth sensitivity can occur, but typically only lasts until the gel is removed. Gum irritation is a common side-effect of whitening gel. [2] X Trustworthy Source Nature Respected Multidisciplinary Scientific Journal Go to source Slight burns may even appear. Some using whitening gels experience lips and throat as well.
Brush using a desensitizing toothpaste for a few weeks prior to starting bleaching treatments. Allow ample time for any inner-mouth cuts to heal. Use plain glycerin or alcohol-free mouthwash if there are any existing mouth ulcers Give your tray a bleach-free test-run for fit and comfort. Check if the margins of the tray go over your gum line for more than 4 mm. If they do, you will need to have it reshaped by your dentist.
Approximately 0. 5 ml of gel is the amount per arch you’d like to apply. Apply firm pressure and try moving the tray from left to right for a better distribution of the gel on your teeth. Do not push so hard that the gel oozes outward. Some recommend bleaching just the front 6-8 teeth since back teeth are rarely seen.
Use the gel for 30–60 minutes the first time. Duration can be increased if there is no sensitivity. Hydrogen Peroxide gels are normally used 30–60 minutes per session, once or twice per day. Carbamide Peroxide bleaching gels are generally broken down into two larger groups of strength: 10%-16% – used for longer periods, 2-4 hours split into two sessions per day 20%-22% – used for 30–60 minutes once or twice per day
Apply a desensitizing gel if there is pain. [7] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source If you do not have a desensitizing gel, try fluoride gel or a desensitizing toothpaste for five minutes.
After cleaning, put the tray in its tray holder and store in a cool, dry location out of the sunlight.
Longer wear times can potentially create faster results, but also increase the possibility of sensitivity. Results also depend on your enamel structure, which may vary from person to person. Using bleaching gel with a higher concentration has the potential to give you quicker results. [10] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Results are maximized in the first few hours, and you can typically expect the whiteness to lift four or five shades over the course of treatment.
If you are using the tray overnight, discontinue using the tray for such long periods. Shorten the length of time your use the tray. Some treatments call for over an hour of use. Try lessening the time by about 10 minutes per treatment, or to around 20 minutes.
Take a two-hour treatment and divide it into two separate one-hour treatments. A one-hour usage could easily be broken down into two 30-minute periods. The obvious downside to breaking up treatments is the usage of more gel than normal, however, you may also be able to maintain the whitening effect for a longer period of time.
Skip a few days. Or, skip a few weeks. Most sensitivity diminishes after the first few days, but some instances have been shown to take weeks to subside. Seek professional advice. Only a dentist can truly determine the cause of specific tooth sensitivity. If you’ve discontinued use of the gel, and you’re still experiencing pain, there may be a larger issue requiring an x-ray and/or dental work.
Drink with a straw. This helps staining fluids to bypass the teeth but it will not prevent staining completely.
