You should start seeing results from a whitening gel tray in about a week, with maximum results seen in 2 to 4 weeks' time. The amount of whitening you see will vary based on the strength of the peroxide used and length of time worn.
The full effects of tooth whitening can usually be seen after the first 24 hours. If you use at-home whitening kits, it can take longer to see results. Due to the lower concentration of whitening agents, it can take upwards of two to three weeks to achieve the results you are looking for.
Therefore, even though it is safe to use two or more sets of tooth whitening trays in a day, you will have best results if you use them one or two days apart. Using the trays every two, or even every three days will not adversely effect the overall result of your tooth whitening as its effect is cumulative.
The treatment process is around two weeks
Most people only need to wear the trays for about an hour a day for a two-week period. However, this will vary depending on the patient's needs and the type of bleaching product being used.
Are whitening trays effective? Yes, they sure are. Teeth whitening trays have become an accessible and relatively easy way to improve your dental appearance after just weeks in some cases. Always ensure you get a recommendation and confirmation from your dentist before you use any tooth whitening tool.
After Whitening: Remove the tray and rinse off your teeth.
Brush any remaining gel away. Brush, floss and continue routine dental cleaning. You may initially notice white splotches on teeth following removal of tray.
5. After Whitening: Remove the trays and rinse off your teeth. 6. Caring for Your Trays and Gel: Clean whitening trays with a toothbrush or Q-tip and cold water.
If teeth whitening does not work for you, it might be because of the product you are using, the type of tooth stains or spots, or strength of the bleaching gel. Product type – Whitening toothpaste does not remove deeply embedded stains.
When it comes to professional teeth whitening, your dentist will determine how often you should get these based on several factors, like how healthy your teeth are. As far as whitening teeth with an at-home kit, these products have less concentrated bleaching agents, so they are safe to use daily for up to three weeks.
You may wear your trays overnight if you have no sensitivities with 4 hours. General manufacturers recommended wearing times are: For Carbamide Peroxide Bleaching Gels (Pola Night): 10% Carbamide Peroxide (3.6% Hydrogen Peroxide) = use 1 x 2hours/day to overnight, while sleeping, if no sensitivity arises.
Also, if you have poor oral health or an underlying medical condition that affects the teeth, the teeth whitening procedure may make the teeth yellow. This is because the dentin has a yellowish hue under the enamel. So, when the enamel thins, your teeth become translucent and may look yellow.
You should not eat, drink or smoke whilst wearing the trays. The whitening process works at different rates for each individual, but most patients report that a noticeable effect after just four treatments. Sufficient gel is given for the initial process to work.
Remember, next time you wonder should I brush my teeth before whitening trays, the answer is always yes! It removes plaque and allows the whitening treatment to reach the tooth making the treatments more effective and giving you a brighter, whiter smile quicker.
After the 30-60 minutes treatment, your teeth whitening may vary: from 10 to 15 shades whiter, to 2 to 5 shades lighter.
For about two to six weeks, you can use dentist-recommended whitening toothpaste and brush twice a day. You can use a certified whitening mouthwash which usually takes about three months to produce visible results. Whitening strips are the most compelling in-house treatments that last up to six months.
If you undergo a teeth whitening treatment with your dentist, you can expect to whiten your teeth in one day. However, it will usually take a week or two for your best results to show. There are also alternative ways to whiten your teeth through products such as DIY whitening kits and whitening toothpastes.
Using them for longer than the recommended time can increase tooth sensitivity and lead to unsightly blotches on your teeth.
Constant refrigeration virtually stops breakdown of whitening gels. More importantly, refrigeration protects whitening gels against the potency-robbing damage of heat during storage and shipping. Even when stored at room temperature (73.4°F), whitening gels more than double or triple in acidity.
Teeth that have yellowed with age
As we age, the enamel becomes thinner due to wear and tear, revealing the underlying layer of tooth structure called dentin. Dentin is naturally yellowish and cannot be lightened with teeth whitening products.
Tray design is equally as important as the gel, because it must fit securely around the patient's teeth to avoid escape of any gel or dilution of the gel. If there is not a snug fit, the tray can irritate the gums, causing discomfort.
As such, you should use your teeth whitening gel and custom trays at night before you go to bed. This reduces the chance of staining, and it also gives your teeth the whole night to re-hydrate, meaning more effective whitening and healthier teeth.
Wearing Time:
General manufacturers recommended wearing times are: For Carbamide Peroxide Bleaching Gels: 10%, 15% or 16% strength can be used 2 to 4 hours once or twice/day. You can keep it in overnight while sleeping if you don't experience major sensitivity after initial applications.
In our experience, it is completely safe to come back for a touch-up or an entirely new procedure in the four to six-month window of time. However, we recommend that you check the health of your tooth enamel before scheduling the next appointment.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke while your bleaching trays are in your mouth! If you do, you may stain your teeth more. After removing the tray, brush your teeth well to remove the gel from your teeth. Clean the tray by brushing it with a toothbrush and water, then store the tray in its container.