11/07/22
Teeth whitening gel is a popular product within the world of teeth whitening. It’s an effective method that can be purchased over the counter or from your dentist for at-home use. While popular, there are many different types of teeth whitening gel on the market and each has its own use. Below, we cover the basics of how to use teeth whitening gel for an at-home solution to a whiter smile, as well as some of the most common questions that surround this solution.
Teeth whitening gel works well on natural, permanent teeth that are discolored due to normal staining. A tooth that has suffered injury and is now discolored, or any restorative dental repair (like a bonded filler added to repair a tooth), will not whiten with whitening gel. Other over the counter whitening products will also not whiten these teeth. With that being said, normal tooth enamel typically responds very well to whitening gels. Depending on the strength of the whitening gel and application method, you could notice whiter teeth within a week. No matter which product you purchase, read the instructions to know how often and for how long to use. The guidelines are there for a reason.
While we can’t speak for other brands, clinical studies with Smileactives products have shown great results with teeth whitening gel. Our Advanced Teeth Whitening Pen provided patients with teeth an average of 6 shades whiter in a 7 day period when used two to four times a day.
Whitening gel doesn’t come in a one-fits-all format. Gel could be put in generic trays which you place over your teeth, or you could buy custom fit trays from your dentist. There are also teeth whitening gel options that you add to your toothpaste, whitening strips, and there are products that allow you to brush whitening gel on your teeth with a small applicator brush. Regardless of the method, the same basic rules apply: whitening gel is applied to your teeth per manufacturer’s instructions and left to sit there for a recommended amount of time to remove stains from your teeth. Each product will require a different wear time, so make sure to read the instructions that come with your specific product.
Determining the best way to apply or use teeth whitening gel is likely a personal preference. Let’s cover some of the basics with trays, no trays, and whitening gel that you add to toothpaste to help you determine what the best fit for you is.
There are typically two methods for using teeth whitening gel with trays:
Whitening your teeth with gel trays can get a little messy so you might want to experiment with other options to find your best match.
One of the easiest methods for using teeth whitening gel surrounds products that you add to your toothpaste. These products can be used as your only whitening method or to maintain whiter teeth following whitening sessions. This method for teeth whitening gel tends to take longer to see results, but may be the best fit if you have a busy schedule since it works with your current routine and doesn’t require you to add any additional steps.
Now while we are aiming to educate with this information, Smileactives does carry a teeth whitening gel that you add to your toothpaste. Our Power Whitening Gel uses Polyclean® technology which boosts stain removal while generating an ultra-fine textured foam designed to whiten the whole tooth, even those dreaded nooks and crannies that are so hard to reach. In an average of 30 days, you could see whiter teeth up to six shades. You’re already going to brush your teeth twice daily, so add equal parts of toothpaste and whitening gel on your toothbrush, brush for two minutes, rinse, and done.
Fortunately, swallowing small amounts of the whitening gel solution won’t cause adverse effects. However, if large amounts are accidentally swallowed, you may experience stomach upset, vomiting, or throat irritation. If an excessive amount is consumed, you risk burning your mouth, esophagus, or stomach, as explained by Poison Control. All in all, if small amounts are swallowed while using teeth whitening gel, you’ll be ok; however, be mindful not to consume in excess.
If you suffer from sensitive teeth, you will want to use teeth whitening products less often. If you use the product too much, your tooth sensitivity could escalate. Depending on the product and type of application, some gel whiteners are used for 14 consecutive days while others are safe to use daily, like whitening gel that’s added to toothpaste. Each product has different instructions so follow the directions closely.
Most typically, hydrogen peroxide has been the whitening agent used in teeth whitening products. However, carbamide peroxide and phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid (PAP) are also being used.
This varies greatly depending on the product and your teeth.