The Cold Truth About Whitening Gels (2024)

FAQs

The Cold Truth About Whitening Gels? ›

All peroxide based whitening gels are unstable chemicals – they're supposed to be. This is why they're able to break down quickly in the mouth, releasing bleaching factor byproducts.

While most whitening products do use a chemical-based gel, there is no actual bleach in the product, so most companies call it “teeth whitening gel” to eliminate this confusion. Gel-based teeth bleaching gel is a safe and effective way to whiten your teeth and can provide dramatic results when used properly.

If your goal is to get a bright white smile, teeth whitening can be a safe option. But it's important to talk to a dentist first about your options and do your research. Research shows that hydrogen peroxide products might damage proteins in your teeth's dentin layer.

The challenge with such instability, however, is that all whitening gels will begin degenerating immediately upon manufacture unless they are kept under constant refrigeration. If left at room temperature or exposed to warmer climates and hot shipping temperatures, the peroxide gel will lose potency.

What are the risks of teeth whitening? No matter what treatment you use, there's a chance your gums will be sensitive to the chemicals used in teeth whitening, particularly if you already have sensitive teeth. There's also a chance of burns to gums and some of the whitening kits used at home can harm tooth enamel.

Brush with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste:

Baking soda has teeth whitening properties; that's why it's prevalent in toothpaste commercials. It helps in rubbing off stains from the tooth surface due to its mildly abrasive nature. Hydrogen peroxide, on the other hand, is a natural bleaching agent.

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. This is typically cause by dehydration of the teeth and should diminish within an hour.

Custom-fitted trays and in-office treatments are the safest and most effective ways to whiten teeth. ADA-approved over-the-counter toothpastes, gels, and strips are more affordable and convenient options.

In-Surgery or Power Whitening

A special plastic resin is applied to the gums and hydrogen peroxide gel is applied to the tooth surface. The gel is left in contact with the tooth for approx. 15minutes, then removed and re-applied.

What happens if you leave teeth whitening gel on too long? ›

Burns and Blisters. In rare cases, the bleaching agents used in teeth whitening can cause burns or blisters on your gums. This usually happens when the gel used is left on your teeth for too long or if it's not applied correctly.

That being said, you should not have a total tooth whitening treatment more than once a year if you are using tooth whitening gels with 10% or higher levels of carbon peroxide (3% or higher of hydrogen peroxide).

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.

Tooth and gum sensitivity and pain

Store-bought products may contain abrasive substances like hydrogen peroxide, which can be effective if used minimally, but in large doses can cause erosion of teeth's enamel and shrinkage of the gums.

In rare cases, the white patches or streaks can remain prominent and don't go away. If this happens, then there could be another issue at play, like thinning tooth enamel, which would mean the streaks were already present in the tooth enamel before the treatment, and whitening has just made them more noticeable.

However, teeth whitening treatments can cause damage to the enamel if not done correctly or overused. Enamel damage can lead to increased sensitivity, pain, and white spots on your teeth. It's essential to consult with a dentist before using any teeth whitening products to ensure they're safe for your teeth.

Overall, the gel is a better option if you're looking for long-term results. It may not be as convenient or inexpensive as the whitening strips but it will brighten your smile.

whitening effect occurs in the first 3-4 hours). Your speech may be affected. You should not eat, drink or smoke while wearing them.

There are two types, two versions of peroxide, hydrogen peroxide, and carbamide peroxide, that are used for whitening. And they are effective. They do work. So if the whitening kit you're using lists that product, you can rest assured that it will be effective.