I am using this last tray set for the whitening & as soon as I put it back on with the gel, there was a new sensation - not a burning, maybe more like a slight tingling - which is pretty much unnoticable now that it's been on for about 15 minutes. A bit of a strange taste in my mouth is really the only thing that feels different.
My "Queen of Hygiene" gave me a few tips: break off the syringe tip but save it - when turned around it becomes a storage cap. Dry your clean trays (a cotton swab works well) before squirting a bit into the face side of each tooth space. Ease off on the plunger to withdraw the gel from the tip to prevent it from oozing out any more after you're finished adding a dab to each tooth spot in both trays - you don't have to put any at all in your back molars - only bleach the ones that can be seen when you smile.
Next, use the tip of the syringe or even another smaller tipped tool (I used a metal nail manicure tool with a pointy convex end) to "paint" the gel more evenly over the front of each tooth space. Replace the cap back onto the syringe tip for storing. Put your trays back in your mouth. If any excess oozes onto your gums, wipe it off immediately with a cotton swab or tissue. Repeat wiping as needed - if left on your gums it can really irritate them. Time your wearing of this gel for 1-2 hours for each session. Remove your trays & brush with soft tooth brush to remove all traces of gel from your teeth & trays. Repeat entire process once more for that day, waiting at least an hour between treatments. If home, I'll do one hour in the morning, then another hour after dinner.
You'll notice the tips of your teeth showing a visible difference first - they're just smaller/thinner here so that makes sense. Gradually as you treat daily for up to 10 - 12 days maximum, the bleaching will be more noticeable all they way towards the top of each tooth until the entire tooth is lightened & brightened. The canines may be a bit darker to begin with - they are just naturally denser & so not as translucent as the others - light just doesn't get through them as easily. The bleaching process actually goes through the enamel into the dentin & your enamel will be more porous during & for a bit after the process, so acidic foods/drinks or hot/cold may bother you. A toothpaste for sensitive teeth before & during the treatment will help.
(Addendum: I'm now at Day 5 in the process & so far so good - no sensitivity at all. One syringe was used up after the 4th day, so 4 in total will be lots)
Here's a study on the whitening process:
http://www.bamatis.com/docs/tray_whitening.pdf
Made an appt. next week to have my records done again, including the new impressions needed for the refinements. So far there's been virtually no delays at all from Invisalign at my office. I don't even have to wear this last tray set 24 hrs. a day if I don't want to since my teeth are no longer being moved. I can put it in just for the overnight 12 hours if I want - or longer if the trays feel really tight upon reinsertion (which would obviously mean they're not stable enough for less). What I think I'll do is wear them at all time unless I have a dinner out or something - then I'll just not worry about racing against the clock to get them back in - at least until my refinement trays arrive. It's a strange feeling just not having the 5 attachments anymore - not that they bothered me at all. Once the real retainment phase is here, it'll take some getting used to am sure.
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