My dentist didn't scallop my whitening trays so they're extending onto my gums. Is this going to cause major irritation?

Question

I'm using 15% strength Opalescence. I'm afraid they're going to whiten and irritate my gums. They extend well past my teeth and I'm just realizing this now and am pretty upset I paid 200$ for incorrect fitting trays.

David M. Schertzer, DDS · Answer

This is a debatable point.  Every dentist and tech likes to trim the whitening trays differently.  Some scallop the trays some have them extended past the gums and strait across.  More resent studies done by Clinicians Report recommends extending the trays past the gums and not scalloping them.  The extension is supposed to help seal the gel on the tooth and prevent leakage, scalloping can increase the leaking at the gum tissue.  With either tray trimming option used the important thing is to not use too much whitening gel.  Make sure to tap over the front of the tray after you set them in place and wipe away the excess at the top of the tray to prevent gum tissue irritation.

Vicki Borowski, DDS · Answer

Sorry you had this experience. It is easily corrected. Your dentist should be able to scallop the edges of they trays in a very short time. Until the trays are scalloped I suggest stopping the bleaching process. Your gums may become irritated.

My dentist didn't scallop my whitening trays so they're extending onto my gums. Is this going to cause major irritation?

Answers (2)

More Teeth Whitening Questions

Whitening root canal tooth (photo)

Will the whitening process be compromised on the areas that aren't covered by the trays?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (2)

More Teeth Whitening Questions

Whitening root canal tooth (photo)

Will the whitening process be compromised on the areas that aren't covered by the trays?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS