Have you been thinking about using teeth whitening gel to brighten your smile? It’s a great option for anyone who wants whiter teeth, but doesn’t want to spend money on expensive treatments like professional whitening or in-office bleaching.
But before you start applying the gel, there are some things you should know. This guide will walk you through everything from choosing the right whitening gel to applying it correctly.
What is teeth whitening gel? Teeth whitening is a process in which a chemical solution removes stains from your teeth. The lightens of your teeth. For example, drink coffee and cigarette pigmentation, tea habits and color food is retained on the tooth enamel layer. Read on to learn more How To Use Teeth Whitening Gel Without Tray Reddit and how to use teeth whitening gel with light.
How To Use Teeth Whitening Gel Without Tray
They say your teeth are the second part of your face that people look at after your eyes, and in today’s world where everyone from influencers to A-listers have megawatt smiles, it’s easy to see why teeth whitening is on the rise. Who doesn’t want a set of dazzling pearly whites? There are so many options out there but the most important decision you have to make while researching is, where to have it done and what kind of treatment is best for you. I chose to have it done at Smilepod as they came highly recommended and after my initial consultation, I was given the at-home Philips Zoom! DayWhite kit, which is best in the long term. Read on for everything you need to know…
The at-home kit comes with three whitening syringes
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Firstly, you’ll visit the dentist to have impressions of your teeth done to make into mouth guards. I only had to wait for one week before my mouth guards were ready and I was back in the dentist chair, being shown how to use my at-home kit. I must admit, I had initially hoped to have an in-chair treatment at the dentist, just so that I could have the treatment over and done with in one visit, but I was surprised at how simple and easy to use the at-home kit is.
You simply squirt a tiny amount of bleaching gel onto your mouth guards and put them on; my dentist recommended just doing the central six top and bottom teeth as they’re the most visible and it means your gel supply doesn’t run out as quickly, but you can apply gel to every single tooth. The mouth guards were perfectly comfortable to wear and really straightforward to use.
Once at home, it depends on your kit and your needs, but I was told to wear my mouth guards for two hours per day for two weeks, and advised not to eat for one hour after each session. You can’t eat or drink while you have your mouth guards in as this can affect the bleaching gel, so it requires a bit of time management. I found doing the treatment in the evenings after dinner and just before bedtime the least disruptive to my routine, but if you’re a bit of a social butterfly and out and about most evenings, then an overnight kit might be best.
Squirt the teeth whitening gel into your moulds
What results can I expect?
I was genuinely amazed by how quickly the treatment worked. I had minor staining on my teeth and after the first session, the stains had already lightened if not completely disappeared. I was floored! I noticed my front teeth in particular looked brighter and whiter and I immediately felt more confident and content about my gnashers. I was also amazed by how little gel you need to apply to each tooth for it to work. The at-home kit was so effective, I’m a total convert now!
If you’re thinking about having your teeth whitened, make sure you read the following dos and don’ts.
DO go to the dentist to have teeth whitening done. There are some at-home kits that you can buy over the counter in countries including the US, or some beauty salons may offer teeth whitening, but it should only be carried out by a dental professional. Go to the dentist, I can’t emphasise it enough! At £299 a pop, the consultation and treatment plan don’t come cheap, but it’s totally worth it.
DO the treatment well in advance if you’re preparing for a big event like a wedding or a party. Your dentist will tell you how long your treatment plan will take, which can be around two to four weeks, or as little as one if you’re using an overnight kit. So make sure you have it done well in advance.
DO brush your teeth before you wear your mouth guards with gel. You want the gel to bleach your teeth not the remnants of your lunch stuck in your teeth! And also brush your teeth after removing your mouth guards to get rid of any excess gel.
DO expect sensitivity if you have sensitive teeth. During my first few sessions, I found that my teeth did ache a bit and I felt jolts of pain in a couple of teeth but this passed quickly and didn’t cause any long term pain. The dentist warned me beforehand that I might feel some discomfort. If you’re really suffering, you can always take a day off from wearing the mouth guards to give your teeth a break.
DO have realistic expectations. The bleach can’t make your teeth completely white but it can certainly lighten them by a few shades. I was so happy with my results, but the outcome depends on each person and how stained your teeth were in the first place. The gel doesn’t work on dentures, crowns, fillings or veneers.
Smilepod offers teeth whitening treatments
DON’T squirt too much gel onto your mouth guard. You only need a small amount to make it effective and you don’t want to have too much bleach on your gum line as this can damage the gums.
DON’T eat or drink while wearing the mouth guards. I thought I’d be able to drink water at least during the two-hour sessions, but this is not advised as the water can get into your brace and dilute the bleach, making it less effective. It sounds like a long time but I quickly got used to not reaching for the water.
DON’T eat food for an hour after taking your mouth guard out, especially acidic food if you have sensitive teeth. It goes without saying, tea, coffee and red wine stain teeth faster.
DON’T go overboard. It’s recommended to have your teeth professionally whitened once a year maximum. I was advised that the at-home kit was best for me in the long term than an in-chair treatment. Teeth whitening can last for a few months or even a couple of years depending on what you eat and whether you’re a smoker.
Whitening Gel for Teeth
Undoubtedly, tooth discoloration is one of the most common tooth defects in Nigeria. People get their teeth stained as a result of drugs, water, or sometimes hereditary. In the past, people used substances like charcoal, ash, and glass to achieve their smile dreams. As of today, technology has improved from those to teeth whitening kits, laser whitening procedures, teeth whitening paste, and the like.
Teeth whitening kits have become a platter. Every toothpaste brand has succeeded in producing a remedial solution to helping people achieve a bright smile. Because of its convenience, a lot of people jump on it without being aware that teeth whitening kits is no guarantee to achieving a perfect smile.
Further research on the ingredients available on every teeth whitening kit has revealed that the content of hydrogen peroxide lies within the range of 10% – 15% which is minimal to helping to achieve a perfect smile. On the other hand, dentists have and are offering long whitening procedures using hydrogen peroxide concentration which is up to 40%, thus making the effectiveness of a walk-in teeth whitening procedure more effective than the former.
Teeth Whitening Kits: What are They?
These kits come in different forms, however, they are mainly a collection of trays and tubes of whitening gel/syringes used to bleach the teeth. For usage, the trays are often filled with the substance and placed on the teeth for a while before rinsing. Here is a list of the various types of teeth whitening kits.
- Teeth Whitening Kits with moldable trays
This type of whitening kit needs to undergo heat before usage. You have to heat them up before placing them on your teeth, achieve your teeth mold, then place in the whitening gel to achieve results.
2. Whitening kits with prefilled trays
Just like the name, these trays were already filled with whitening gel. All you need do is to place them on your teeth. This is the most common as they come in really handy and convenient to use.
3. Whitening kits with LED lights
As of now, LED whitening kits are becoming popular. This is because this looks finer and is said to be more effective when compared to others. The kit is attached to led light to help with even distribution of gel substance on the teeth. Most whitening kits come with manuals and teeth shades. When you purchase one, ensure that you go through it in order to track your progress.
How Do Teeth Whitening Kits Work?
The process of teeth whitening is similar to any bleaching process. The application of the teeth whitening substance and the amount of time used facilitates the teeth whitening process. The gel substance contains carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide as the main ingredients. Fast-acting gels contain higher hydrogen peroxide concentration making them more effective in removing stains and deep coloration. With prefilled and doable trays, the contact between the substance and your teeth is what propels the whitening action. On the other hand, LED light enhances the effect of hydrogen peroxide on the teeth.
How To Use Teeth Whitening Kits: Process and Frequency.
Teeth whitening kits are designed to be used for two weeks and most of them take about an hour before you begin to see effects. Despite this, the number of days required for usage varies on the type of teeth whitening kits you are using. Even for the best of results, the following instruction would help you attain a bright smile.
TO WHITEN TEETH USING KITS WITH PRE-FILLED TRAYS, YOU MUST FOLLOW THE FOLLOWING STEPS:
- Brush your teeth.
- Remove two trays from the packaging.
- Line the top tray against the bottom of the top teeth and carefully push the tray upwards onto the teeth.
- Repeat this step for the bottom tray.
- Close your mouth, but be careful not to bite down hard to avoid oozing the gel.
- Keep the trays in position for the specified period as in the instructions. Afterward, remove and dispose of the trays.
- Use water to rinse the teeth and gums of any excess gel.
FOR MOLDABLE TRAYS WITH SYRINGE GELS, THE FOLLOWING STEPS APPLY:
- Gently brush your teeth.
- Heat some water, but don’t let it boil, as this would compromise the tray.
- Place one tray into the water for about five seconds.
- Remove the tray from the hot water and instantly place it in your mouth. Bite down on the tray, pressing it against the back and front of the teeth until it fits comfortably.
- Let the tray cool, and if it doesn’t fit your teeth properly, repeat the steps above.
- Repeat the steps involving heating and fitting for the other tray.
- Ensure that the trays are clean, cool, and dry.
- Add some gel into the trays, just enough to avoid oozing the gel onto the gums.
- Fit the trays onto the teeth, wiping off any excess gel to avoid damaging your gums.
- Keep the trays in position for the recommended period, usually about 30 minutes.
- Remove the trays and remove the gel on your teeth by rinsing.
- Clean the trays.
What Are the Best Teeth Whitening Kits
When it comes to achieving a brighter, whiter smile, there are a plethora of teeth whitening kits available on the market. These kits typically contain a bleaching agent that helps to remove stains and discoloration from the teeth. However, not all teeth whitening kits are created equal. Some are more effective than others, and it’s important to choose a kit that will provide you with the best results. Here are some of the best teeth whitening kits currently available
- Crest 3D White Whitestrips: These whitening strips are a popular choice among consumers for their effectiveness and ease of use. The strips are coated with a bleaching agent that adheres to the teeth and works to remove stains. Users typically see results in as little as a few days. Opalescence Go: Opalescence Go is a professional-grade whitening kit that is available over the counter. The kit contains pre-filled trays that mold to your teeth for a comfortable fit. The bleaching agent in the trays works quickly to whiten teeth and remove stains. Snow Teeth Whitening Kit: Snow is a popular teeth whitening kit that uses LED technology to accelerate the whitening process. The kit comes with a whitening serum and an LED mouthpiece that helps to activate the bleaching agent for faster results. Philips Zoom Whitening Pens: These whitening pens are a convenient option for touch-ups on the go. The pens contain a bleaching gel that can be applied directly to the teeth for quick and easy whitening.
It’s important to note that while teeth whitening kits can be effective, they may not be suitable for everyone. Individuals with sensitive teeth or gum disease should consult with their dentist before using a teeth whitening kit. Additionally, it’s important to follow the instructions provided with the kit to ensure safe and effective whitening results.
| Teeth Whitening Kit | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Crest 3D White Whitestrips | Coated with bleaching agent, results in a few days |
| Opalescence Go | Professional-grade, pre-filled trays, quick results |
| Snow Teeth Whitening Kit | LED technology, whitening serum, fast results |
| Philips Zoom Whitening Pens | Convenient whitening pens for touch-ups |
There are plenty of teeth whitening kit brands available in the market today. And just like with any other teeth whiteners, results may vary from one user to the other. Generally, the effectiveness of these kits depends on the hydrogen peroxide concentrations and how well users follow the instructions given.
While choosing the best whitening kit may be difficult, a good rule of thumb is using whitening kits recommended by a dentist. Going through credible and trustworthy teeth whitening kit reviews may also help simplify your searching process.
A Word of Caution
Some teeth whitening kits do work to certain limitations. They can be effective at eliminating some stains and teeth discoloration, but their effectiveness may vary among users. Be careful what you buy in the market. Some of the kits can have significant damage to your teeth because of the chemicals in them and the process they use. We would always advise you to speak to a professional before purchasing them or applying them. The damage they can cost if not conducted properly could be very costly. For proper teeth whitening, ask your dentist for in-house teeth whitening which would be conducted by a professional in a safe environment.
How To Use Teeth Whitening Gel With Light
Teeth whitening gels are a convenient way to get professional-quality results at home. With the right formula, they can lighten stains, brighten your smile and even help prevent future discoloration.
The first step in using a teeth whitening gel is to brush your teeth thoroughly with a nonabrasive toothpaste before applying the product. This helps remove surface stains and prepares the teeth for better adhesion of the gel.
Once you’ve brushed your teeth, it’s time to administer the gel. Put on some protective eyewear (gels can damage eyes) and follow the directions on the packaging for administering your chosen product. You’ll want to apply an even layer of gel over your entire mouth area—top and bottom — starting from front to back and from side to side until you’ve covered everything evenly. Then, as instructed on the packaging or as advised by your dentist, leave it on for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes have passed, rinse off all traces of gel with warm water and then brush again with toothpaste before rinsing once more with cool water to neutralize any remaining acids in your mouth.
You simply squirt a tiny amount of bleaching gel onto your mouth guards and put them on; my dentist recommended just doing the central six top and bottom teeth as they’re the most visible and it means your gel supply doesn’t run out as quickly, but you can apply gel to every single tooth. The mouth guards were perfectly comfortable to wear and really straightforward to use.