IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS
Please read before using tooth-whitening gel. These are general recommendations and may vary between manufacturers. Please read the manufacturer’s instructions and use this as an additional guide.
DENTAL WORK
Tooth Whitening (bleaching) gel will only whiten natural teeth. It will not bleach (whiten) or harm bonding, caps, crowns, bridges, fillings, or any other artificial dental work. You may have to have the dentistry redone to match your new white teeth. Tetracycline (an antibiotic)-stained or grayish teeth are more difficult to bleach and have a varied prognosis. The exposed root portion of teeth, which occurs with gum recession, will also not bleach. If you have amalgam (silver) fillings in, near, or behind the front teeth, long-term bleaching can cause the surrounding tooth to have a greenish tinge. Bleaching teeth that are see-through can cause the teeth to become even more translucent and may give the tooth a darker appearance. It is essential to consult a dentist if you have any of the above concerns.
SENSITIVITY
Your teeth or gums will most likely become sensitive. It is common when using all products containing peroxide-based gels, and it is not harmful. In cases of increased sensitivity, reduce usage time or frequency until the sensitivity subsides. Due to the high prevalence of sensitivity, you may wish to use sensitive toothpaste before and after using bleaching products.
GENERAL MANUFACTURER’S RECOMMENEDED TREATMENT GUIDELINES
For carbamide peroxide whitening gels of 10%, 15%, or 16% strength, they can be used for 2 to 4 hours once or twice a day. You can keep it in overnight while sleeping if you do not experience major sensitivity after initial applications. If you haven’t used whitening products before, use them for 30 minutes to 1 hour the first time. You may increase the treatment time if there is little or no tooth sensitivity. If you have sensitive teeth, it will require a day or two of breaks between treatments. Shortening treatment time is also suggested.
STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE
Dental whitening gel should be stored in a cool place out of direct sunlight at temperatures between 2°C and 25°C and 35°F and 77°F. The whitening gel may be refrigerated to prolong its shelf life, but do not freeze it. Do not use the whitening gel after the expiration date.
PRECAUTIONS
to be used under the supervision of a dentist. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets. not to be used by pregnant or lactating women or children under 14 years old. Patients with a history of chemical allergies are advised to undergo allergy testing by a specialist before using these products. Discontinue use if any unusual sensitivity or reactions occur, and consult your dentist.
PLACEMENT PROCEDURE OF DENTAL WHITENING GEL AND TRAYS
It is important that you apply the teeth-whitening gel properly in order not to waste any of the gel and so that you experience the least amount of sensitivity while using the gel.
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IMMEDIATELY BEFORE TREATMENT:
Brush and floss right before bleaching your teeth. Whitening products are most effective with clean teeth. Try the trays in first without any beach to check the fit and comfort. Make sure that the bleaching trays are clean and dry before applying the whitening gel. Moisture reduces the efficiency of the whitening gel and slows down the whitening process.
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APPLYING THE BLEACHING GEL:
When you apply the gel, make sure not to fill the trays. Place a small drop (the size of a matchstick head) of tooth whitening gel halfway inside on the front surface of the tray for the teeth undergoing treatment. Do not spread the bleach around. It should just be in front of each tooth in the tray. Recap the syringe for the next treatment until it is empty. The average treatment per arch requires approximately 0.5 ml of whitening gel. We recommend that you only bleach the front 6–8 teeth since no one sees the back teeth.
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INSERTING THE BLEACHING TRAYS:
Insert the whitening tray in your mouth over your teeth. Seat the tray, with the gel, firmly against your teeth. Wipe any excess gel that seeps onto your gums with your finger, a tissue, or a dry, soft brush. Wear the tray with the gel as directed below.
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AFTER WHITENING:
After treatment, remove the tray. Rinse your teeth and mouth with lukewarm water. Clean the whitening trays with a toothbrush or cotton bud and cold water. Store trays in the tray holder.
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BRUSH TEETH
Brush your teeth to remove any remaining gel. Brush, floss, and continue routine dental cleaning. Apply desensitizing gel if your teeth become too sensitive. Repeat steps 1 to 4 again using the desensitizing gel.
