Teeth Whitening: Frequently Asked Questions:
Take-Home Whitening Products:
Dental take-home tooth whitening kits allow patients to experience whiter teeth via a simple, safe, fast process.
1. KIT CONTENTS
- Custom-fitted whitening trays (made by your dentist)
- Whitening gel syringes
- Reusable mixing tips
- Tray storage case
- Patient instructions
2. INDICATIONS FOR USE
The enclosed product is a tooth-whitening gel for lightening natural teeth’ colour.
The product should only be dispensed by or on the order of a dental professional. Before any whitening procedure, a consultation with a qualified dentist is recommended to ensure no underlying oral or health issues.
3. CONTRAINDICATIONS
Current research has yet to evaluate the possible effects of whitening procedures on all patient types. Discus Dental recommends the following whitening candidates consult their medical doctor before use:
- Pregnant and lactating mothers
- Those currently treated for a serious illness, e.g. immune compromised, AIDS, etc.
- Children under the age of 16 years
4. FIRST AID INSTRUCTIONS
For advice, contact a Poisons Information Center or a doctor at once.
- If a large quantity (over 25% of the gel in the syringe) is swallowed, immediately drink a glass of water and contact a doctor directly.
- If swallowed, do not induce vomiting.
- If gel gets into the eyes, hold the eyelids apart and flush the eye continuously with running water for at least 15 minutes.
- If clothing, skin or hair contact occurs, remove contaminated clothing and flush skin or hair with running water.
5. SAFETY DIRECTIONS
- Keep out of reach of children.
6. PRECAUTIONS
- Avoid exposure of hypersensitive teeth to the whitening gel.
- Syringes may be under slight pressure, remove cap safely.
- Irritant and risk of serious damage to the eyes.
- Harmful when swallowed.
- Do not use household products to whiten teeth.
7. APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
- Floss and brush your teeth.
- In a counterclockwise motion, twist off the clear plastic cap from the syringe.
- Twist the mixing tip clockwise to lock on the end of the syringe.
- Place a small amount of gel in each tooth compartment in the tray. Important: Overloading trays with a gel may cause temporary gum irritation.
- Place the tray with gel in your mouth. As you insert the tray, be careful not to push the gel out. Bubbling within trays is normal.
- Use extra care to avoid getting gel on your gums.
- Remove excess gel with a cotton swab or a dry toothbrush.
- Once finished placing the gel in trays, remove the mixing tip from the syringe and replace it with a clear plastic cap. This ensures ingredients on each side of the barrel stay separate for
- Maximum effectiveness.
- After whitening, rinse trays with cold water. Use a toothbrush to remove any residual gel—place trays in the storage case and store them in a cool, dry place.
- Rinse and brush teeth to remove excess gel.
Notes:
- Do not eat, drink or smoke while wearing your custom trays.
- It is normal to see dark colours in trays where you have amalgam (silver) fillings.
- The area of the tooth closest to the gums may take longer to lighten than the biting edge. It will also remain the darkest part of the tooth.
8. TREATMENT TIME
Concentration/ Formula Recommended Whitewash Wear Time 1/2 Hours
Optimal results within 1 – 2 weeks
9. EXPECTATIONS AND OPTIMUM RESULTS
Results vary by a patient: anatomy, age, tooth condition, hygiene and starting shade heavily impact results.
- It would help if you had realistic expectations about the final results. Use the shade guide provided to record your starting and ending shades.
- Note that crowns, veneers, fillings, dentures and restorations will not whiten and may require replacement following the whitening procedure.
- Final shade will be achieved about two weeks after your whitening treatment.
- Although most patients will achieve optimal results within two weeks, consult your dentist about continued use if you are unsatisfied.
10. POST-TREATMENT
- Avoid staining foods, drinks and tobacco for 30 minutes after each treatment.
- Continue good oral hygiene; using an electric toothbrush will help keep results longer.
- Store any remaining whitening gel in a cool, dry place for later use. Do not freeze.
- At your regular 6-month check-up, ask your dentist to evaluate your shade.
11. POTENTIAL ADVERSE EFFECTS
Adverse effects that may be associated with the use of a whitening product containing peroxide include, but are not limited to:
- 11.1. Sensitivity
- Some patients may experience increased tooth sensitivity to cold during the treatment. In contrast, others may have non-specific sensitivity in their teeth, gums, tongue, lips, or throat. Symptoms should subside within 1-3 days.
- If the sensitivity is in the teeth, try whitening every other or every third night/day or ask your dentist for a lower-concentration gel.
- Ask your dentist for Discus Dental’s Relief® ACP Oral Care Gel, to be worn in your custom trays for 10 – 30 minutes before and after each treatment.
- For any pain, Aspirin or Ibuprofen may be taken.
- 11.2. Gingival Irritation
- Trays that extend onto the gingiva (gums) may cause soft tissue irritation. If the trays extend over your gums, have your dentist trim them.
- Reduce the amount of gel in your trays. Teeth whiten when HP is absorbed into the tooth and whitens from the inside, so it is not essential to cover the entire tooth. Suppose all of the above options have been exhausted, and you still have gum irritation or tooth sensitivity. In that case, treatment should be ceased until irritation subsides. Resume treatment with shorter, less frequent applications until desired whitening effect has been achieved. If discomfort continues, discontinue the treatment and consult your dental professional.
12. STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS
Store between 15ºC and 25ºC (59ºF and 77ºF) in a dark, dry place. Storage temperature above 25ºC (77ºF) will result in reduced shelf life.
13. DISPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS
Dispose of the device following local waste regulations.
Our treatments include…
- White Fillings
- Root Canal Treatment
- Crowns
- Post Crowns
- Bridges
- Adhesive Bridges
- Veneers
- Teeth Whitening
Smiles@Legacy
Our experienced team is passionate about providing a welcoming environment where you can feel comfortable and confident in the quality of treatment you receive.
