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What is in the Special Gel?
The active ingredient in the gel we usually use is a 6% hydrogen peroxide gel or 5.25% in the oral b 3D white strips. This is applied to the teeth at home by the use of eith a special custom fitting tray or strip. Either is worn for only hour, as relatively rapid formation of free radicals occurs, after which most of the hydrogen peroxide is broken down. This routine can be done daily and results are usually completed by one to two weeks.
Sometimes we use a 10 or 16% carbamide peroxide gel which breaks down into less than 6% hydrogen peroxide which then causes a slower, more sustained, release of free radicals. We use this for people who like to bleach their teeth overnight as it continues to release hydrogen peroxide for several hours, but needs to be used for more than just an hour for optimum effects.
Are there any side effects?
No, there may be some transient sensitivity of the teeth while you are bleaching them, but this can be treated with sensitive toothpaste. The sensitivity is not permanent and normally only lasts for a few days at most.
You no longer do the in surgery tooth whitening with the light anymore?
Since the 31st of October 2012 the EU has determined that the maximum safe concentration should not exceed 6%. Although the in surgery tooth whitening gels did work, the high concentration was well above 6% hydrogen peroxide and under the new EU ruling illegal. As the maximum 6% hydrogen peroxide can be used in the at home kit anyhow, we do not see the point in charging more for the same thing.
Is there anything required after tooth whitening my teeth?
Tooth bleaching will only lighten your natural teeth, and you may want to replace any dental restorations such as crowns and fillings with whiter ones if visible and aesthetically unpleasing. We will be able to advised you about this before your tooth bleaching.
How long does it take?
It takes on average 1-2 weeks to complete depending on the original colour of the teeth and also the desired end result colour. Obviously it is also dependent on frequency of using the kit, using it more will get to the end result quicker. With the 6% hydrogen peroxide it is generally easier to complete as it only requires an hour application at a time. When using the carbamide peroxide, several hours either during the day or wearing overnight is required, which may make it more difficult to complete the course quickly..
How long does it last?
It is a bit like after washing your car and how fast it gets dirty again. It depends what you do with it afterwards, do you just keep it in the garage or go off road in a muddy field with it! It would not be a muddy as had you never washed it in the first place thought. Similarly, after tooth bleaching it would depends on your intake of things like tea, coffee, cola, wine, tobacco, curries, etc, Basically anything that could permanently stain a white T-shirt could also stain you teeth in the long term. On average the tooth bleaching lasts for about 3-4 years after which most people might use one or two applications of gel, or white strips, to get them back to the whiteness they had. You would not need the whole kit again, just a Top-up bleaching gel and strips are available from mount florida dental.
How much does it cost?
It costs £200 for upper and lower arch tooth whitening, which includes the upper and lower custom made trays, 4x3ml bleaching syringes, tray case and a smart carry case to keep it all in. Top-up bleaching gel is available to patients only at £20 per syringe. (Please note these are the larger 3ml version).
I have seen an offer for cheaper tooth whitening, is this safe?
You generally get what you pay for. If it is by another dentist is should be ok (check they are registered at www.gdc-uk.org). If it advertised at beauticians, hairdressers or worse a mobile outfit be very careful, it may be illegal and damage your teeth permanently. Tooth whitening systems from the internet or abroad could use things like Sodium Perborate or Chlorine Dioxide, which can permanently damage the enamel of the teeth.
I bought some “Whitening” tooth paste/mouth wash, why are my teeth not whiter?
Some may just work with abrasive means for superficial stains and not work for internal discolouration. These products cannot legally and safely contain more that 0.1% hydrogen peroxide, which is not high enough to make any realistic change to the tooth colour. Also as a toothpaste or mouthwash, it is unlikely to be in direct tooth contact that for a few minutes at most.
FAQs
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.
How many teeth whitening kits do I need? ›
Dentists typically recommend getting one or two professional whitening treatments per year. At-home whitening kits can be used for up to 14 consecutive days. People who have gotten professional whitening can maintain their results by using these kits a few times a year.
How long does it take to see results from teeth whitening kit? ›
Yellower teeth are often quicker to whiten, and the frequency of usage may also affect how soon the results may show. Most patients find that by the 2-3 week mark, they are usually satisfied with the colour, though some people choose to continue whitening for longer to achieve an even brighter colour.
Can you effectively whiten teeth at-home? ›
Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleach that can help to whiten stained teeth . For optimal whitening, a person can try brushing with a mix of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide for 1–2 minutes twice a day for a week. They should only do this occasionally.
Can yellow teeth become white again? ›
Yellow teeth can regain whiteness through various methods, including good oral hygiene, professional dental cleanings, and teeth-whitening treatments. Stains from coffee, tea, or tobacco can be removed with adequate oral care, while professional procedures like bleaching or laser treatments offer quicker results.
Is it better to whiten your teeth at the dentist or DIY? ›
Choosing a non-professional teeth whitening treatment can carry a higher risk of adverse effects, including damage to your teeth and gums, and even a worsening of your discoloration. By far, the safest and most effective option is to have your teeth professionally whitened by your dentist.
What is the disadvantage of teeth whitening kit? ›
One of the most common side effects is tooth sensitivity, which can occur during or after treatment. Overuse or misuse of teeth whitening products can also lead to enamel damage, gum irritation, and discoloration. Additionally, some types of tooth discoloration may not respond well to teeth whitening treatments.
How long does it take to whiten teeth with home kit? ›
How long does whitening take? If you opt for in-practice teeth whitening, it takes about two hours to achieve results, but whitening needs to be maintained with a top-up kit for around a week to ensure the results are permanent. At-home teeth whitening kits take around two to three weeks to take effect.
Can I whiten my teeth 3 times a day? ›
Most dentists recommend that you whiten your teeth no more than once a day, but preferably every other day. Whitening your teeth too often can cause sensitivity and damage the enamel. Additionally, excessive whitening can lead to white spots and blotchy teeth.
Do teeth stain faster after whitening? ›
While whitening treatments can temporarily make teeth more susceptible to staining immediately after the procedure, this effect is typically short-lived.
We recommend the Lumineux Teeth Whitening Strips if you want whiter teeth fast. Although they do not contain peroxide (opting for a mix of natural ingredients), we found these strips to be a quick and easy way to whiten our teeth in just a couple of days.
Should you use teeth whitening kit everyday? ›
Most whitening teeth kits are designed to be used every day for 4 to 14 days straight, depending on the kit. Their bleaching agents should be left in contact with your teeth for at least under an hour to achieve your desired results. Each kit can vary in the number of treatments.
What is the most powerful way to whiten teeth? ›
Professional teeth whitening is usually the most effective option, but it is also more expensive than at-home teeth whitening kits. Over-the-counter teeth whitening products are typically safe and effective, but they may take longer to produce results than professional teeth whitening treatments.
How fast does baking soda whiten teeth? ›
But on average, it can start to remove surface stains within just 2 days. However, it may take as long as two to three weeks to notice small noticeable results. Severity of Stains. The time it takes to see results with baking soda depends on the severity and nature of the stains.
What is the cheapest way to whiten your teeth? ›
Over-the-counter options, like whitening toothpastes, strips, and kits, tend to be the cheapest options. If you feel self-conscious about the brightness of your smile, you are far from alone.
Are there any teeth whitening products that actually work? ›
Crest 3D Whitestrips are currently the only ADA-approved whitening strips — they also won an NBC Select Wellness Award. The Classic Vivid strips come in a pack of 24, which is enough for 12 treatments.
Are teeth whitening kits as good as the dentist? ›
You'll see some difference in the brightness of your teeth with a DIY kit, but not as much as if you had your teeth professionally whitened. After in-office whitening, results are usually much more noticeable.
Do over-the-counter teeth whiteners really work? ›
Then, over-the-counter whitening agents can work effectively. But because it's not dentist-monitored, many of them don't do anything. For instance, a mouthwash containing a whitening agent such as hydrogen peroxide probably is not going to be very effective.
Do home teeth cleaning kits work? ›
Additionally, instead of removing plaque, when these tools are not used correctly, you can push it underneath the gum line, which can cause gumline cavities. Unless you are a trained dental hygienist or dentist, using these tools is highly likely to increase the risk of infections, gum recession and even tooth loss.
What is in the Special Gel?
hitening gels did work, the high concentration was well above 6% hydrogen peroxide and under the new EU ruling illegal. As the maximum 6% hydrogen peroxide can be used in the at home kit anyhow, we do not see the point in charging more for the same thing.