How Temperature and Handling Methods Affect Whitening Gels (2024)

FAQs

Why does whitening gel need to be refrigerated? ›

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. Constant refrigeration virtually stops breakdown of whitening gels.

In-Office Teeth Whitening

The bleaching solution is usually much stronger than that in at-home kits. Also, your dentist can use heat, light, or a combination of the two to speed and intensify the whitening process.

The whitening gel is the most effective with clean teeth. Try the trays in first without any beach to check the fit and comfort. Make sure that the bleaching trays are clean and dry before applying the whitening gel. Moisture reduces the efficiency of the whitening gel and slows down the whitening process.

Oxygen molecules released from the whitening agents react with the discoloured molecules in your teeth, breaking the bonds that hold them together, transforming them into a colourless material. The oxygen molecules spread, whitening the entire tooth. As a result, you are left with a brighter, whiter smile.

The challenge with such instability, however, is that all whitening gels will begin degenerating immediately upon manufacture unless they are kept under constant refrigeration. If left at room temperature or exposed to warmer climates and hot shipping temperatures, the peroxide gel will lose potency.

Don't Store Whitening Strips in Hot Temperatures

Heat can inactivate the peroxide in whitening strips,so leaving them in a hot car while you run errands is a bad idea. On the flip side, if you don't plan to use your whitening products right away, storing them in the refrigerator can help to extend their shelf life.

Refrigeration can prolong the gel's effectiveness for up to two years, compared to about one year if stored at room temperature. However, it's crucial not to freeze the gel, as this can alter its properties.

With increase in temperature, the teeth progressively became fragile and difficult to handle. At the temperature of 600°C, teeth from all the three groups were disintegrated completely as soon as they were put in 10% formal formic acid for decalcification.

Extreme temperature changes cause teeth to expand and contract. Over time, microscopic cracks may develop, allowing hot or cold sensations to seep through to the nerves beneath the tooth enamel.

Vicks VapoRub is toxic to consume and should not be used for teeth whitening.

How to get super white teeth? ›

Also, if you have poor oral health or an underlying medical condition that affects the teeth, the teeth whitening procedure may make the teeth yellow. This is because the dentin has a yellowish hue under the enamel. So, when the enamel thins, your teeth become translucent and may look yellow.

The gel used by dentists can have 35% – 45% peroxide in it. More the peroxide, the faster the whitening. So within an hour-long session, you could have up to three – eight shades brighter teeth. At-home whitening gels have 3% – 20% peroxide.

With whitening several times a week, you should begin to see a difference after one week and reach your optimum whiteness after two to three weeks, depending on your level of staining.

While most whitening products do use a chemical-based gel, there is no actual bleach in the product, so most companies call it “teeth whitening gel” to eliminate this confusion. Gel-based teeth bleaching gel is a safe and effective way to whiten your teeth and can provide dramatic results when used properly.

When not in use, please keep your kit in the fridge, or in a cool, dark cupboard. Keep the syringes in the box, as exposing them to light will activate the gel. Do not expose the syringes to heat and light except when placing the gel in the trays. 1 Ensure you have a full dental examination prior to whitening.

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.

Burns and Blisters. In rare cases, the bleaching agents used in teeth whitening can cause burns or blisters on your gums. This usually happens when the gel used is left on your teeth for too long or if it's not applied correctly.

Place a small amount of teeth whitening gel into the tray(s). Place the whitening tray(s) in your mouth carefully, making sure that it is seated all the way. Remove any excess gel from the gum tissue with your finger or dry toothbrush. Keep the tray in your mouth for 30-60 minutes.