Whitening done at home
Teeth whitening
We offer at-home teeth whitening using trays custom-made for your teeth. Treatment lasts about 10 days, and results are often visible after the first few applications. A visit to the dentist is essential before any whitening treatment to check the general condition of your mouth and to ensure that it has been cleaned before treatment. It’s important to know that aesthetic restorations (composite and porcelain) will not whiten. These fillings often need to be replaced after a whitening treatment. All precautions are carefully explained when you receive your whitening kit.
Getting Started
- Before whitening, brush and floss your teeth.
- Place a small drop of gel on the front of the tray.
- Place the tray over your teeth. Remove air bubbles by pressing gently on the tray. Remove excess gel from gums. DO NOT APPLY SUCTION TO THE TRAY.
- Wear the tray for at least 30 minutes. Do not eat, drink or smoke while wearing the tray.
- When finished, gently remove the tray. Rinse and brush your teeth.
- Wash the tray with a toothbrush, dry it and store it in its case.
- On treatment days, avoid coffee, tea, soft drinks, red wine, smoking and staining foods such as blueberries, beet, tomatoes, etc.
Temporary inconvenients that might occur and solutions
White and sensitive gums
(too much product in the tray and the excess wasn’t removed). Apply vitamin E on the affected area and wait for it to heal before proceeding.
Sore throat
(Too much product in the tray): Maintain a light, non-spicy diet for 24-48 hours.
Teeth sensitivity (cold, hot or to touch)
Use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth like Sensodyne or Colgate Pro-Relief. Avoid acidic foods.
Electric shock like feeling
In the absence of medical restraint, take ibuprofen (Motrin, advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).
More information
In all cases, if symptoms are too bothersome, you can stop treatment for a day or two. If the symptoms are too disturbing, please contact us directly.
The whitening treatment takes between 15 and 21 days. Some patients may require a longer period of time to whiten their teeth (1 to 3 months). For more information, contact the dental office.
Remember: The whitening gel will not change the color of fillings, veneers or crowns (porcelain). Additional charges may apply if these fillings need to be replaced. A delay of one to two weeks is necessary between the treatment and the replacement of the fillings.