FREQUENTLY  ASKED QUESTIONS

©  Copyright 2014 Always-White

What  is the teeth whitening process? –  Teeth Whitening is actually a bleaching process that lightens discolorations of  tooth enamel. Our system uses an effective whitening solution retained in 2  thermoforming trays (1 upper arch, 1 lower arch) that are worn over your teeth  for only 15 to 20 minutes per day until you have reached your desired level of  whitening. Our product is a 45% carbamide  peroxide solution which allows the shorter period of time for results. In  comparison, a 16% solution needs to be in your mouth 45 minutes to an hour for  the SAME RESULTS. Now you can get professional quality dental whitening  treatment without an expensive trip to the dentist!

How  it removes stains – Our  system will remove most stains with a gentle action that whitens your teeth. As  the active ingredient in the gel (carbamide peroxide 45%),  is broken down, oxygen acts upon the stained organic deposits, which oxidizes  them into a white color. This process makes the overall tooth color closer to  its natural unstained color. Your tooth structure remains unchanged. Years of  clinical tests have demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of this system.  Over 95% of people treated achieve some level of tooth whitening. Crowns,  bridges, bondings, and fillings do not lighten.

What  is the treatment procedure? – An  impression of your teeth will be made by you at home with our easy-to-use  instant thermoforming moldable mouth trays. You will then apply our whitening  gel inside the thermoforming trays and place the tray over your teeth. Again,  since our system is 45%,  you can treat your teeth only 15-20 minutes per day. In most cases, you will see  results within only one week.

Is  the whitening process permanent? – For  most people, the treatment will last for many years. Your teeth have become  stained in the first place from consuming the foods and beverages. Upon the  completion of your initial bleaching process, your teeth are restored close to  their natural white color. Exposure to foods, drinks (especially coffee, colas  and red wines), smoking and other consumables will gradually darken teeth again  over time. You may want to periodically bleach your teeth. After an initial  treatment, most people do touchups about once every 6-12 months.

How  Important are Thermoforming trays? – Very  Important! Having thermoforming trays is essential to assure proper bleaching  results. Non-moldable mouthpieces may cause inconsistent bleaching or spotting  on the teeth and they are uncomfortable to wear. This is also true with  whitening strips on the market today.

What  is the difference between the thermoforming trays and the professional  lab-created mouthpieces? –  Although both mouthpieces are effective and safe, the professional lab-created  mouthpieces are more precise and more comfortable to wear. Since they are  trimmed at the gingival line, they help you save bleaching gel and are better  for people who may have sensitivities to bleaching gels on their gums. The  downside of these professional mouthpieces is that they cost more since there  are more materials needed to create them and professional laboratories are  utilized to create the mouthpiece for you. The thermoforming trays do a great  job with dental bleaching, especially if you have small scissors which you can  trim the trays to the gum line which eliminates gum sensitivity. The upside of  the thermoforming trays is that they are less expensive than the lab-created  mouthpieces. Both mouthpieces are effective and you can decide which type is  best for you.

I  already have a set of moldable mouthpieces. Can I buy just the whitening just  the gel ? – Yes,  we sell 45% Carbamide  Peroxide whitening gel separately. It can be used with any dental tray in the  same way as your previous whitening gel.

Why  is your product better than other whiteners? –  Simply put, other products do not work as effectively. Some over-the-counter  trays are not moldable to your teeth and do not hold the gel in the proper  position. Many OTC whitening gels are not thick enough to stay in place and will  leak out of the tray. Many OTC gels typically have less effective active  ingredients or a lower concentration of active ingredients. Many professional  dental whitening systems provide a less percentage of carbamide peroxide. We  should note that you can whiten your teeth with a lower percentage, but it takes  a much longer treatment time in your mouth. Our 45% gel  is HIGHLY effective. In short, we offer more effective whitening power for your  money than any other system.

Is  this product the same thing dentists sell me for $500 or more? – Yes,  Our system uses the same active ingredients, percent concentration and  methodology as those used in professional dental offices. We provide you with  thermoforming trays and supply you with a high quality, effective whitening gel  exactly like the formula used in dental offices.

What  causes tooth discoloration? – There  are many causes. The most common include consumption of foods, coffee, tea,  wine, sodas and smoking. In other words, our teeth naturally get more and more  stained as time goes on and we continue to live our lives. NOTE –  Tetracycline discoloration and artificial dental work are usually not greatly  responsive to dental bleaching.

Who  may benefit from tooth whitening? – Almost  everyone. However, there are some cases where treatment may not be effective.  Tooth lightening is ideal for patients who have healthy, unrestored teeth and  would like a whiter, brighter smile. Tetracycline discolorations and artificial  dental work are usually not greatly responsive to dental bleaching.

Is  it safe to bleach my teeth at home? – Yes,  our at-home bleaching system is specially designed to be an easy-to-use system  with detailed usage instructions. Over a decade of research indicates that  whitening teeth with carbamide peroxide is safe and effective. All of our  products comply with FDA regulations.

How  long does the bleaching process take? – Results  are dependent upon each individual characteristics of each person and the daily  wear-time of the thermoforming trays, but most people usually see results within  the first week. Maximum results occur over the next 14-21 days.

Are  there any side effects? – Some  people experience temporary tooth sensitivity during treatment. Others have  reported discomfort in the gums or in loose fillings. Gum irritation usually  disappears within 1-3 days after beginning the procedure and always upon the  discontinuation or completion of treatment. There are no other significant side  effects. YOU  SHOULD NOT USE THIS PRODUCT IF YOU ARE PREGNANT, HAVE HEALTH PROBLEMS,  PERIODONTAL DISEASE OR GUMS THAT ARE IN POOR CONDITION, WEAR BRACES, HAD RECENT  ORAL SURGERY, DECAYED TEETH, HAVE ROOTS THAT ARE EXPOSED, HAVE COLITIS, OR HAVE  JAW PROBLEMS. The manufacturer and seller assume no responsibility for any usage  of product. You should consult with a dentist before attempting any at-home  treatments and understand that there are risks involved if not doing so. A small  percentage of people may experience Reversible tooth sensitivity and gum  irritation which disappears when use ends, or by decreasing the amount of time  you bleach your teeth each time, or by increasing the amount of time between  bleaching sessions.

How  much whitening gel does it take per treatment? – Each  individual tray application (upper or lower arch) will use approximately 1/4  to1/2cc of whitening gel. The lower amount of 1/4 cc per treatment is  accomplished by 3 things: experience of using the whitening process, dabbing  just a small amount of gel in the frontal portion of each tooth exposed when  smiling only (no need to whiten unexposed teeth), and most importantly, trimming  the thermoforming trays at the gingival line (tooth/gum line). If you take small  scissors and trim the trays on the gingival line, you do not have a waste factor  of gel and do not expose the soft tissue to the process.

OTHER  WHITENING PRODUCTS:

Whitening  Toothpastes

Inexpensive  ($3 – $10) – If the product doesn’t contain at least 10% carbamide peroxide, it  probably will not work well. Additionally, carbamide peroxide must stay on your  teeth for a period of time to be effective.

In-Office  Whitening

Expensive  ($300-$600) – The process consists of the dentist forming a mouth piece for you  and usually dispensing 16% carbamide peroxide. Our tooth whitening system works  the same way except you form the tray yourself and our gel is 45%.  Special note: Some dentist are using a 45% in office treatment and sending the  patient home with 30% at home treatment.

Laser  Bleaching

Expensive  $500 -$1,000. This procedure is usually done in a few hours at the dentist  office using a light source to speed up the process.

Whitening  Strips

Inexpensive  strips coated with a  low percentage (non- dental strength) whitening gel.  Strips cover front teeth only. Strips do not work well in  removing stains between teeth. Because of the low percentage of whitening gel  and ineffective non fitting delivery method, additional strips are required for  frequent maintenance.

Other  Information

Carbamide  Peroxide has an approximate shelf life of 2 1/2 years if refrigerated.. You  don’t want to purchase a kit that will expire before you have had a chance to  use it. Our kits have gel solution fabricated DAILY. Many  companies sell expired older kits which they purchase at a discounted price  (caveat emptor: Let the buyer beware).

Carbamide  or hydrogen peroxide that is stored and sold in toothpaste like “tubes”and  other containers, do not provide the air-tight properties necessary for storage.  Although syringe/cartridge form is more expensive to manufacture and to  purchase, it is advisable to maintain the gel in an airtight environment.