Teeth whitening sensitivity - does it build up?

[catchmeinvegas]

I had my whitening trays in overnight last night and today have a lot of sensitivity, it isn't painful but isn't pleasant. I sort of think it's endurable though and that I can manage 3 weeks like this if it continues, it'll be worth it.. but does it get worse? Or is it just once it's triggered it's triggered sort of thing? If this is just day one and it'll build up and get more sensitive then I may struggle 😂

Dentist supplied or DIY?

Dentist

Mine got worse - even if I use it for just one night now, it's painful the next day - even after a few months of not using it at all.

Do any painkillers ease it? Really do want to just stick it out for the initial 3 weeks if I can. Can handle a day of it every few months for top ups it's just a 3 week stint I'm worrying about!

Which bleach are you using? Is it carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide? And what concentration (should be a number eg 16, 35)? 3 weeks is quite a long course, I’ve never prescribed more than 7 days at a time without a review. My patients have never had to do more than 10 days to get the desired shade. Sensitive toothpaste really helps - Colgate sensitive I find is the best. Brush with it but also rub it over the very sensitive areas. Drink hot and cold drinks through a straw or leave to room temperature. The dentist should have shown you how much of the bleach to use but remember you only need a small amount, don’t fill up the trays!

Philips zoom nite white 10%! He said to try the 10% first because I have such sensitive teeth anyway. It's the carbamide one. My next appointment for a review is in 3 weeks, he's told me to do it 4 nights a week (lentil sized amount) and 3 nights either a break or with sensodyne in the trays

Ah I see so like 4 nights on 3 nights off. 10% is quite weak but he’s obviously done that because of your already sensitive teeth. Painkillers might help a little but some people do have to accept that they just have too sensitive teeth and can’t manage it. Use the sensitive toothpaste every day and see how much you can manage before giving it a break. The sensitivity will calm down, you might just have to get through this difficult bit.

Thanks, is it too weak to really do anything? I think I'd rather have a higher percentage and suffer but it work but then it be for nothing!

No it should work but just more slowly. I personally use 35% hydrogen peroxide which is very strong but you only have to use it for 30 mins at a time because I can’t sleep with them in. Causes a lot of sensitivity though so I think you’re probably better doing it gradually