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Frequently Asked Questions about Tooth Bleaching

Q: Who may benefit from tooth whitening?

A: Almost everyone. However, there are some cases where treatment may not be effective. Tooth lightening is ideal for patients who have healthy, unrestored teeth and would like a whiter, brighter smile. Tetracycline discolorations and artificial dental work are usually not greatly responsive to dental bleaching.

Q: What is the treatment procedure?

A: An impression of your teeth will be made by you at home with our easy-to-use instant moldable mouthpieces or with our ProLab impression kit. You will then apply our whitening gel inside the mouthpiece and place the mouthpiece over your teeth. You may wear the mouthpieces from 30 minutes to 4 hours per day. Most people see quick results after only a few hours of bleaching time.

Q: What is the teeth whitening process?

A: Teeth Whitening is actually a bleaching process that lightens discolorations of tooth enamel. Dental bleaching systems use an effective whitening solution retained in a custom-fitted mouthpiece that is worn over your teeth for 1-4 hours per day, or even overnight. Many people notice an immediate whitening of their teeth just a few hours of bleaching, but it usually takes between 10 - 30 hours of cumulative bleaching time to complete the whitening process (This is true for all at-home dental bleaching systems, no matter who the manufacturer).  You can break your hours into just a few days (for people who are in a hurry) or a few months (for people who are not). Professional strength whitening gel formulated with 16% carbamide peroxide is the most widely used and most desirable active ingredient in effective dental bleaches. Tougher staining may require longer timeframes or stronger gel (like our 22% formula).

Q: How do Teeth Whitening Systems remove stains

A: Teeth Whitening Systems will remove most stains with a gentle action that whitens your teeth.  As the active ingredient in the gel (carbamide peroxide), is broken down, oxygen acts upon the stained organic deposits, which oxidizes them into a white color. This process makes the overall tooth color closer to its natural unstained color. Your tooth structure remains unchanged. Years of clinical tests have demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of this system. Over 95% of people treated achieve an excellent level of tooth whitening. Crowns, bridges, bondings, and fillings do not lighten with dental bleaching systems.

Q: How much whitening gel do I need to whiten my teeth?

A: Each application will take approximately .5 ml per mouthpiece. That’s 1 ml per dual-arch application. If you wear your mouthpiece an average of one hour per application, you will need about 40 ml (or eight 5 ml syringes) to complete the whitening process of 40 cumulative hours. If you have less whitening gel, then you can increase the wear-time per application to make your whitening gel go a little further. 

Q: Is the whitening process permanent?

A: For most people, the treatment will last for many years. Your teeth have become stained in the first place from consuming the foods and beverages. Upon the completion of your initial bleaching process, your teeth are restored to their natural white color. Exposure to foods, drinks (especially coffee, colas and red wines), smoking and other consumables will gradually darken teeth again over time. You may want to periodically bleach your teeth. After an initial treatment, most people do touchups about once every 6-12 months.

Q: How important are moldable bleaching trays?

A: Very Important. Having a moldable bleaching tray is essential to assure proper bleaching results. Non-moldable trays may cause inconsistent bleaching or spotting on the teeth and they are uncomfortable to wear. We offer the do-it-yourself ThermoForm (Boil & Bite) trays.

Q: I already have a set of bleaching trays. Can I buy just the whitening gel?

A: Yes, we sell 16% Carbamide Peroxide whitening gel separately. This refill gel is the same strength that is sold in complete kits and professional dental offices. It can be used with any dental tray in the same way as your previous whitening gel.

Q: How long does the bleaching process take?

A: Results are dependent upon each individual characteristics of each person and the daily wear-time of the mouthpieces, but most people notice an immediate whitening of their teeth just a few hours of bleaching. It usually takes between 20 - 40 hours of cumulative bleaching time to complete the whitening process. You can break your hours into just a few days (for people who are in a hurry) or a few months (for people who are not).

Q: Why are our Systems  better than others?

A: Simply put, other products do not work effectively. Whitening Systems found in mass retail markets do not use Carbamide Peroxide, the exact ingredient used in professional dental offices.  Some over-the-counter trays are not moldable to your teeth and do not hold the gel in the proper position. Many OTC whitening gels are not thick enough to stay in place and will leak out of the tray. Many OTC gels typically have less effective active ingredients or a lower concentration of active ingredients.

Q: Are your systems the same thing dentists sell me for $500 or more?

A: Yes, Our systems use the same active ingredients, percent concentration and methodology as those used in professional dental offices. In fact many dentists sell our whitening gel to their patients. We provide you with moldable mouthpieces and supply you with a high quality, effective whitening gel exactly like the formula used in dental offices.

Q: What causes tooth discoloration?

A: There are many causes. The most common include consumption of foods, coffee, tea, wine, sodas and smoking.  In other words, our teeth naturally get more and more stained as time goes on and we continue to live our lives.  NOTE - Tetracycline discoloration and artificial dental work are usually not greatly responsive to dental bleaching.

Q: Is it safe to bleach my teeth at home?

A: Yes, at-home teeth bleaching is designed to be an easy-to-use system with detailed usage instructions. Over a decade of research indicates that whitening teeth with carbamide peroxide is safe and effective. All of our products comply with FDA regulations.

Q: Are there any side effects?

A: Some people experience temporary tooth sensitivity during treatment. Others have reported discomfort in the gums or in loose fillings. Gum irritation usually disappears within 1-3 days after beginning the procedure and always upon the discontinuation or completion of treatment.  There are no other significant side effects. 

NOTE - Pregnant or nursing women should not engage in dental bleaching.