What does “At-home whitening” mean?
At-home whitening uses whitening products outside the dental office. Dentist-provided custom trays and whitening agents have application conditions and instructions that must be distinguished from those of over-the-counter products.
Even if you do it at home, you need a plan.
At the dentist, we check the cause of discoloration, cavities, gums, and existing restorations and provide guidance on appropriate products and methods. When using a tray, it is important that it is shaped to fit your teeth and that the amount of medication does not overflow.
Products differ in ingredients, concentration, and recommended application time. Do not copy someone else's usage time or mix products.
Is it better to increase the time?
If you arbitrarily increase the usage time, gum irritation and sensitivity may become worse. Rather than blindly increasing the number of repetitions just because the desired color doesn't come out quickly, evaluate the reaction and adjust the plan.
Resin, crowns, and veneers do not brighten like natural teeth. If you have front tooth restorations, you should expect color differences after treatment and receive an explanation in advance.
If you have symptoms
If tooth pain or gum irritation occurs, stop use and notify your dentist. Telling us about the product/time used and the location of the pain will help distinguish it from other dental problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dentist-guided at-home whitening the same as choosing over-the-counter products on my own?
At-home whitening guided by a dentist is a method of checking the oral condition, determining the medication and method of use, and applying it at home. Each product has different concentrations and usage conditions, so do not mix and apply arbitrarily.
Will using more whitening agent or leaving it on longer whiten my teeth faster?
If you exceed the specified amount and time, gum irritation or tooth sensitivity may occur. Do not arbitrarily increase the amount or time of use to increase effectiveness.
What should I do if my gums sting during at-home whitening?
There can be several causes, such as medication coming into contact with the gums or the tray not fitting properly. Stop using it and report your symptoms and usage method to your dentist to check for adjustments.
3 things to check before choosing at-home whitening
Please review the questions to ask before deciding on treatment and the treatment standards of TU Dental Clinic.
- A choice suited to your condition
Does the clinic check for cavities, gums, sensitivity and tray suitability?
TU Dental Clinic’s treatment standardsTU Dental Clinic compares treatment methods by distinguishing between cases where you only want to change the color of the tooth and cases where the shape and damage must also be examined.
Standards for comparing teeth whitening and veneers - Sufficient understanding
Are the drug amounts and usage times for each product specifically provided?
TU Dental Clinic’s treatment standardsTU Dental Clinic explains the difference between whitening, which brightens color, and restorative treatment, which complements shape and color. Compare first whether the method suits the desired change rather than the product name.
Standards for comparing teeth whitening and veneers - Care after treatment
Does the clinic tell them how to stop and re-evaluate if they feel uncomfortable?
TU Dental Clinic’s treatment standardsTU Dental Clinic provides guidance on hygiene and regular check-ups after gum treatment. Ask about care suited to your teeth and gum condition.
Integrated treatment that examines cavities and gums together
