I know first world problems but- teeth bleaching trays-aargh!

[me4real]

got the custom trays in with bleach and it's really not pleasant.

And feels like I'm swallowing all the stuff.

Three and a half hours left!

Any of you done it and were your results ok?

Going to lurk me

I was thinking of bleaching my teeth but I’m really not sure i can manage it 😀

Did you get dentist made trays from proper moulds? Anything other than the ones made from actual impressions leak, in my experience. I used my Invisalign trays.

It’s very effective these days, but try not to swallow the stuff. How long do you have to wear it?

I used one where I wore it for a short while each evening. That minimised the risk of sensitivity. Get some Sensodyne though just in case.

Sounds like you've got too much gel in the trays. Did your dentist show you how much to put in? It should only be a little, not enough to spill over the trays.
Tooth whitening is very popular now and people do get really good results.

You’re meant to use a very small amount of gel - a dot for each tooth as when fitted it’ll spread over the surface area of the tooth avoiding waste. Putting more in won’t make it work faster as the excess just squeezes out into the mouth.

If you’re not using properly moulded trays this could also be a factor. If both factors are at play then that’ll def do it!

How long do you have to wear them for? Mine is everyday but only for ten minutes!

That sounds like a long time? My custom trays use the gel but only for 1 hour at a time.
When you fill the trays, put the gel at the top of the tooth indent, then when you pop the tray in the gel 'slides' from the bottom to the top of the tooth and spreads nicely across the tooth surface (if YSWIM). You only need a tiny amount in each tooth indent.
Yes its disgusting if too much comes over the top of the trays, I tend to try to spit it out. It's not great stuff to swallow.
I had very good results but my teeth were pretty white to begin with, I just do it now every 4 or 5 months to top up for a few days.
I was told that after an hour the chemicals stop reacting anyway so there was no point in keeping it in after the hour? I guess it depends what chemical you are using as there are a few different ones.

I’ve done that sort of thing but not for such a long time so it mustn’t be exactly the same. I do have a good too though, which is to lie down so your saliva stays at the back of your throat.

*tip

They are custom trays from the dentist. This is Zoom! Nitewhite and is to be used for 4-6 hours at a time. I don't think I'd want to sleep with them in.

I did put too much potion in I think- either that or I've drunk all of it. She did show me but I'm quite cack-handed and stuff. It's a waste of stuff anyway so I won't do that next time. Think I put about twice as much on as needed.

It's better now I'm not constantly getting a mouthful of potion.

Some Sensodyne came with it.

I'm just paranoid I've maybe put the top set on the bottom and v.v. by mistake.

@RufustheBadgeringReindeer I think you just have to think of the results. It's not so bad now I've swallowed most of it.

I drink a lot of coffee, so although my teeth were in good condition they weren't pretty.

An electric toothbrush has helped, I also recently got a water flosser and think that's quite good too (I never get round to flossing.)

As I'm a radfem, I've stopped wearing makeup, so my whole 'look' relies on the state of my hair, skin etc. So I decided to set out to try and improve stuff a bit.

@RufustheBadgeringReindeer I think you just have to think of the results. It's not so bad now I've swallowed most of it

😀 not filling me with confidence there

Ive just finished with braces and now need two crowns. Dentist suggested I bleach my teeth before the crowns so he can match the crowns to whiter teeth

Must make my mind up...he told me it would take 2 weeks

A bonus is you can't eat or drink with the trays in, so I'm not being as much of a pig or alkie for a few hours. :)

@RufustheBadgeringReindeer Yep 2 weeks. You could totally think of the results. You've already put so much effort in, you might as well go all out. Just remember not to put too much of the stuff in and it should be ok.

I’d use a stronger strength gel.. there so much better I could never use it for 4 hours the one I use you leave on for 30 minutes a time and no sensitivity

So after you've put the trays in. Wrap a clean tissue around your finger and wipe any excess from the edges.

You'll get the hang of it. Once they've whitened enlighten, just put the gel in the front 8-10 teeth to save gel.

This is just what my dentist do for the at-home treatment. It's either this 4-6 hour thing or the laser thing.

@User574664 Do you know what the stuff is that you use? This is 16% Carbamide Peroxide apparently. Shorter would definitely be nicer.

@CommanderBurnham Oooh that's a good tip, thanks.

how much was it if you don’t mind me asking?

@LetMeSewYouToASheet I think it was about £315 and I had to see the hygeinist beforehand for £50. It's where I get my NHS checkups etc but their practice is called BUPA Dental Care now.

I'm not going to give daily updates lol but might give you all a reveal at the end.

So, I tolerated 4 hours of it, maybe will try and do a bit more tomorrow.
I think I can already see a difference, at least on one side:- (left pic=before, right=after.)

Sorry to growl at you all lol! Don't want to give you nightmares.

I use the zoom day white which is much shorter. You do get used to it and how much gel to put in, just done mine tonight!

Mines 35% rather than 16% it’s so much easier.I just ordered online this time rather than paying dentist. you could ask your dentist next time there might be a reason why they’ve given you a lower strength so don’t listen to me actually 🤣

Be careful about going stronger - it can destroy yourself gums. The gel shouldn't touch your gums at all.

*your

Thanks for your replies.

@User574664 This is just the usual stuff my dentists' give anyone using the at-home trays I think, no particular reason for it. Did your dentist prescribe you that strength?

It is boring/annoying to wear the trays but am definitely seeing results.

@SunnySideDownBriefly My gums seemed to suffer last night but are a bit better after tonght's effort.

@PawsQueen I like the idea of getting the shorter-timed ones when I need to get refresher ones.

I am not tolerating the treatment. I also think I've managed to change the shape of the top tray somehow, so I'm going back on Monday for her to look at it. I didn't wash them in hot water or anything but I was quite rough when cleaning them. She said this was idiot proof, but I think I've managed to out-idiot it.

It's also my ADHD, I managed to keep putting twice as much potion in as required, so it's painful on the gums.

The 4-6 hours bit is the annoying bit, if it was less like you all describe it wouldn't be so bad.

They also actually look more yellowy today, dunno if I made a too strong coffee or something. She said milky coffee is ok, but I don't normally take milk.

@User574664 Could you link me to the stuff you ordered please? PM if you prefer. There's no reason for the percent I'm on or anything.

@PawsQueen Will ask about the day white, thanks.

Zoom day white it's called