Lots of patients have questions about the current bleaching techniques that are on the market today.  Bleaching consists of placing some form of gel (containing a form of peroxide) placed on your teeth for a period of time.  Basically,  the more bleach in the gel and the longer you leave it on the teeth, the whiter the teeth will get.  Every patient will “bleach” differently, and realize that the longer the gel sits on the teeth the more sensitivity the tooth can experience. 

Toothpastes just don’t work.  There is a minimal amount of bleaching chemical (5%) in the toothpaste and you are only keeping it in contact with your teeth for 2 minutes twice a day, (total 4 minutes/day).  Whitening Toothpastes are best used to maintain the bleaching after using one of the two week systems.

Strips are better than the toothpastes.  Over the counter systems has a minimal amount of bleaching chemical (5%), but are left on the teeth for a half hour, twice a day, (total 1 hr/day).  They are affordable and will get you a mild to moderate bleaching effect. Expect some temperature sensitivity while bleaching.  The sensitivity will disappear once you are done with the strips.   Strips also come in higher chemical formulations but are sold only through dental offices, not over the counter, and they are more expensive.

A tray system consists of a custom tray made to fit over your teeth.  The tray is designed to minimize the gel’s contact with your gums, because the gel is very irritating to soft tissues.  You place the gel in the tray, seat it over your teeth and go to sleep.  The gel Dr. Joe uses is 22% and is left on the teeth for 6 to 8 hours/day.  Expect some temperature sensitivity while bleaching.  The sensitivity will disappear once you are done with the program.  A sensitive toothpaste is highly recommended two weeks before, during and 2 weeks after the program.  This type of system will give you the whitest, longest lasting results.  All systems follow a 2 week program except the toothpaste system.