How do I know if my teeth whitening kit expired? (2024)

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How do I know if my teeth whitening kit expired? (1)My dentist was offering free teeth whitening services, so I decided to give it a try. When I went in for the visit, they did the impressions and created the trays in the office. Then, they sent me home with the whitening liquid.

I’m embarrassed to say that I put all of it in my drawer and eventually forgot all about it. Fast forward six months, and I found the trays and the whitening gel still in my bathroom drawer. Is it safe to use now? I just wanted to make sure it doesn’t expire and that it will still be effective.

-Lanna in Missouri

Lanna,

The take home teeth whitening trays should be fine forever. That is, as long as they haven’t been stored in extreme heat, which may cause them to become warped. The only other issue is if you’ve had any major dental work done that may affect your bite or that the whitening may potentially damage. But, if they’ve been stored in your drawer and not exposed to heat, they should be just fine. Try them on and see how they feel. The trays should fit snugly and not be loose.

As for the whitening agents, it is possible that the gel may have an expiration date on the product. However, many manufacturing companies don’t include that information. So, it would be in your best interest to contact the specific manufacturer to find out more information on your individual product.

Most teeth whitening agents are good for approximately a year after it they have been manufactured. It is possible that your dentist gave it to you very shortly after receiving it from the manufacturer. However, it is possible that it may have been at the dentist office for some time. If the dentist stored it in the refrigerator, then the efficacy of the product may be prolonged. Generally speaking, any exposure to light will affect the whitening agent’s level of potency to whiten your teeth. When you open it, pay attention to the consistency of the gel. If it appears foggy or white, it is too old. It likely is still safe to use. But, it may not be as effective and deliver results that are noticeable.

When dealing with any kind of medical product, it is always best to adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations. There is a strong possibility that they will recommend that you dispose of the gel, but keep the trays.

Try contacting your dentist and let them know what happened. When you take advantage of free teeth whitening offers, many dentists will continue to provide replacement gel to keep your teeth bright and white. They usually will do this as long as you keep up with and are up-to-date on your regular exams and cleanings.

If you do need to purchase the gel again, it isn’t too expensive. The majority of the expense from teeth whitening services is due to the creation of the trays. So, if those are still in good shape, you will be able to use them.

Hamburg Expressions is a cosmetic dentist located in Lexington, KY. Hopefully, this information is helpful as you decide what to do next.

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How do I know if my teeth whitening kit expired? (2024)

FAQs

How do I know if my teeth whitening kit expired? ›

Generally speaking, any exposure to light will affect the whitening agent's level of potency to whiten your teeth. When you open it, pay attention to the consistency of the gel. If it appears foggy or white, it is too old. It likely is still safe to use.

Can teeth whitening kits go out of date? ›

These products are typically marked down when they're close toexpiring. Using expired whitening products means you won't get the results youwant. When they expire, the hydrogen peroxide in them breaks down and leavesonly water and oxygen, which won't brighten your teeth.

How long do teeth whitening kits last? ›

If you opt for an at-home teeth whitening kit, you can generally expect your results to last for about four to six months with touch-ups as needed. However, if you choose to get your teeth professionally whitened at the dentist's office, your results could last up to a year or even longer with proper care.

Does unopened teeth whitening gel expire? ›

Both gel will remain effective for 1 year (if stored at room temperature) and 2 years (if refrigerated).

Can you use expired Crest White? ›

Yes and no. Technically, Crest 3DWhitestrips that have passed their expiration date are still safe to use. However, we don't recommend using them past their expiration date, because the whitening ingredient's efficacy will be weakened, and you may not experience the best results.

How to tell if teeth whitening has expired? ›

Generally speaking, any exposure to light will affect the whitening agent's level of potency to whiten your teeth. When you open it, pay attention to the consistency of the gel. If it appears foggy or white, it is too old.

What is the shelf life of teeth whitening? ›

Yes, teeth whitening strips do have an expiration date. Most manufacturers provide a recommended shelf life for their products, typically ranging from one to two years from the date of manufacture.

Why do my teeth look more yellow after whitening? ›

Teeth can become temporarily dehydrated after using whitening strips. Your teeth may appear more yellow as a result of this dehydration because the enamel may become dry and lack moisture. Dehydrated enamel sometimes has a transparent appearance that makes the naturally yellowish dentin underneath visible.

Should I brush my teeth after using whitening kit? ›

It's safe to brush your teeth after applying whitening strips. Just be sure to do it gently to avoid irritating your gums. Another option is to brush your teeth before using whitening strips. This is ideal for removing plaque, which can get stuck beneath the strips.

What are the cons of teeth whitening kits? ›

However, teeth whitening treatments can cause damage to the enamel if not done correctly or overused. Enamel damage can lead to increased sensitivity, pain, and white spots on your teeth. It's essential to consult with a dentist before using any teeth whitening products to ensure they're safe for your teeth.

What happens if you don't refrigerate teeth whitening? ›

The downside of this chemical instability is that all whitening gels start degenerating immediately after manufacture if not kept under constant refrigeration. The higher the temperature, the greater the degradation process.

Do teeth whitening kits need to be refrigerated? ›

Store trays in the tray holder and gel in cool dry place away from heat and direct sunlight. The gel may be refrigerated to prolong the shelf life, but do not freeze. You may expect some slight gum sensitivity from wearing the trays, and your teeth may feel very slightly sensitive.

Does crest whitening emulsion expire? ›

Our Crest Whitening Emulsions have a shelf life of 2 years.

What is the L in the expiration date? ›

Product labels are also used to sort goods in manufacturing. They use a different system of labelling, but these numbers and letters can also help you understand a product's shelf life. One way is using Letters from “A” to “L” to represent months, January being “A” and December being “L”.

Can I use expired whitening cream? ›

The ingredients and chemical composition of skincare can also spoil over time. If you use expired skincare, both of these factors could lead to harmful outcomes for your skin, such as: Breakouts. Redness/irritation.

Does baking soda whiten teeth? ›

Baking soda can be used with some water to remove the stains on the surface of the teeth. It can also be used with hydrogen peroxide to enhance its whitening effects. Baking soda can be used by individuals with regular toothpastes too. It is also used commercially in some teeth whitening products and toothpastes.

What happens if you use expired whitening toothpaste? ›

Is Expired Toothpaste Safe To Use? While expired toothpaste won't hurt you, it also won't help you. After its expiration date has passed, the fluoride within your toothpaste will be less effective in cleaning your teeth and preventing decay and cavities, so it's best to buy a fresh tube.

How long is teeth whitening bleach good for? ›

Because there is such a wide range of whitening options, the average teeth bleaching results can last anywhere from six months to three years. In most cases, however, people tend to have results that last about one year.

What happens if you don't refrigerate teeth whitening gel? ›

As NON-refrigerated whitening products break down and degrade during storage and shipping, hydrogen ions are produced. Those hydrogen ions are acid (pH = potential of Hydrogen). Whitening gels therefore become more and more acidic as they break down, resulting in an ever increasing possibility of sensitivity and pain.

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