Whitening gel for Teeth

Teeth whitening is a bleaching process that lightens discolorations of enamel and dentine by using a carbamide peroxide formula which creates an oxidation reaction.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I WHITEN MY TEETH?

Initially we recommend whitening your teeth once a week for four weeks then as-needed according to your lifestyle, but not more than once a month. Lifestyle choices such as smoking drinking caffeine (coffee/tea/coke) and red wine will stain your teeth faster.

IS THERE ANYONE WHO CAN NOT WHITEN THEIR TEETH?

We do not recommend whitening for the following:

Children under the age of 18 as the pulp (nerve of the tooth) is enlarged until this age and whitening will cause irritation and sensitivity.

Pregnant and breastfeeding, however you can seek advice from your obstetrician/paediatrician.

Health related issues – e.g. colitis or chrones as these health issues can cause damage to your enamel. We recommend you seek advice from your GP or dentists before buying if you have:

*Peridontal disease;

*Overly sensitive teeth;

*Have had recent oral surgery;

*Decayed teeth;

*Exposed roots;

*Exposed dentine;

*Jaw problems.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The whitening gel is placed into your custom fitted tray (included in your kit), once inserted over your teeth the active ingredient in the gel starts to break down. Oxygen enters into the enamel and dentine, which in turn breaks down the stain inside the tooth. The structure of the tooth is not changed - it is only the enamel of the tooth that appears whiter. For best and safest results, we recommend you closely follow the instructions provided with your kit.

HOW LONG DO THE RESULTS LAST?

Results will vary from person to person and will depend on your lifestyle choices. We recommend you whiten no more than once a month to maintain your Pearly White smile. Whitening generally has better results on yellow stains versus grey coloured stains, but you will still see an improvement.

WHAT IS THE SHELF LIFE AND WEARING TIME OF BLEACHING GEL?

Store your whitening gel in a cool, dry environment. Unopened, whitening gel has a shelf-life of 2 years. Once opened, whitening gel has a shelf-life of 12 months.

CAN I WHITEN CAPS, CROWNS, FILLINGS, OR VENEERS?

Whitening will NOT whiten your crowns, caps, fillings or veneers. Whitening gel will only whiten natural tooth enamel. However, if there are any external food or drink stains on these restorations they will come off. The actual colour of the filling, cap, veneer or crown will not be altered. Any restorations on your front teeth may need to be replaced after the whitening process is finished. If mould material gets trapped underneath the wire or bridge, it can loosen your bonded retainer/bridge or you might have difficulty removing the mould from your mouth. You may want to get the moulds made at your dentist if you have a bridgework.

DOES TEETH WHITENING CAUSE SENSITIVITY OR ANY SIDE EFFECTS?

Some people experience sensitivity when whitening their teeth and this is normal and an expected side effect. Our professional kits include a desensitisation gel, which will reduce your sensitivity after whitening. If you do experience sensitivity during treatment we recommend:

rinsing your mouth with warm water after whitening;

using a soft bristled toothbrush;

brushing your teeth with a sensitive teeth toothpaste (such as Sensodyne);

avoiding hot, spicy or overly cold food.

Sensitivity will last no more than 24 hours.

DURING BLEACHING MY GUMS WERE BURNING, LEAVING AREAS OF MY GUMS WHITE. IS THIS DUE TO OVERFILLING?

Either the trays are covering your gum area or you have overfilled the trays with whitening gel. Place a smaller droplet in each tooth or bleach line midway across the inner wall of the tray.

Gums will return to normal within a few hours and the whiteness will disappear. Avoid hot, spicy foods until your gums are fully healed and wait at least one week before whitening again. Treat your teeth for only half the recommended time during your next treatment and slowly increase the whitening time with subsequent treatments. Using your desensitisation gel will also help with the burning and help your gums to heal.