This page is focused on providing detailed instructions about AvA Orthodontics’ prescribed at-home teeth whitening for our patients. If you are seeking general information about teeth whitening, please see our treatment page.
Before Starting Your Treatment
Dental caries, normally referred to as cavities, and leaking restorations are among the most common reasons for teeth to look dark. Whitening is not effective against this type of discoloration. Rule out these possibilities by consulting with your family dentist before attempting to whiten your teeth.
Results vary from person to person, depending on the type of the stain, age, treatment time, frequency of use and concentration of the material and the patient expectation. You may not achieve the exact bright color that you have in mind.
Mild to moderate gum or tooth sensitivity is common after whitening and will go away after a few days. This sensitivity is generally related to the peroxide concentration of the material and the overall time in contact with the teeth. If the material is in contact with teeth for too long, it may cause irreversible sensitivity, which requires your family dentist to intervene.
To be on the safe side, do not bleach your teeth during pregnancy or while nursing.
Gel material should never come in contact with your gum, skin, or eyes at any time. Whitening should be done before any cosmetic restoration on your teeth such as veneer or crowns. There is always a risk of existing restorations needing to be changed due to the color difference after treatment.
Your whitening kit contains three syringes of mint-flavored gel containing 22% carbamide peroxide. Only use your custom whitening trays made at AvA Orthodontics. Using generic prefabricated trays are potentially dangerous for your gums and teeth. Do not use your clear retainers or Invisalign aligners as whitening trays. Keep the unused gel in a refrigerator at all times.
Instructions
Below are instructions for at-home whitening prescribed at AvA Orthodontics only. This instruction does not apply to any other whitening treatment.
Take an initial picture to monitor the progress and compare before and after. Brush and floss your teeth before use. The presence of plaque will affect the results.
Only use a very small pearl of gel per tooth. Your custom made trays are designed to contain a tiny amount of gel per tooth, do not overfill the trays.
Remove one of the syringes from your kit and snap the tip of the cover. One-fifth of each syringe is more than enough for both the upper and lower trays per each use. Align your tray with your teeth and seat them all the way.
You should not see any gel overflowing from the trays. If you notice a minor overflow, clean the excess material with a wet finger or tissue. If you notice a major overflow, take the tray out, rinse your mouth thoroughly, clean your gums, and then put the tray back on. Wear your trays overnight, then remove the trays in the morning when you wake up. Rinse your mouth and brush away any remaining gel.
Clean your trays with a soft toothbrush and liquid soap, then rinse with cold water. Keep your trays in their case and keep the case out of reach of your pets. We recommend cleaning it one night a week. Continue for as many weeks as you need until you become happy with the shade of your teeth.
What To Do In Case Of Sensitivity
Mild to moderate sensitivity for a few days is normal. If the sensitivity lasts longer or it is severe, follow the instructions below.
Stop whitening for a few days and start again once the sensitivity is gone. Wear your tray for a shorter time and give your teeth a break; do not bleach your teeth too frequently. Rinse your mouth with fluoridated mouthwash or apply in-office fluoride gel. Use over the counter pain killers such as Advil or Tylenol. Consult with your family dentist if sensitivity persists.
Maintenance
Maintain a good level of oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly. See your dental hygienist for a professional cleaning and fluoride treatment every six months. Avoid pigmented food or drinks, which may stain your teeth. If necessary, use a straw to drink colored beverages such as coffee, tea, or red wine. To maintain the color, do 1 or 2 whitening sessions every 4-6 months.