How do I know if my teeth whitening kit expired? (2024)

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How do I know if my teeth whitening kit expired? (1)My dentist was offering free teeth whitening services, so I decided to give it a try. When I went in for the visit, they did the impressions and created the trays in the office. Then, they sent me home with the whitening liquid.

I’m embarrassed to say that I put all of it in my drawer and eventually forgot all about it. Fast forward six months, and I found the trays and the whitening gel still in my bathroom drawer. Is it safe to use now? I just wanted to make sure it doesn’t expire and that it will still be effective.

-Lanna in Missouri

Lanna,

The take home teeth whitening trays should be fine forever. That is, as long as they haven’t been stored in extreme heat, which may cause them to become warped. The only other issue is if you’ve had any major dental work done that may affect your bite or that the whitening may potentially damage. But, if they’ve been stored in your drawer and not exposed to heat, they should be just fine. Try them on and see how they feel. The trays should fit snugly and not be loose.

As for the whitening agents, it is possible that the gel may have an expiration date on the product. However, many manufacturing companies don’t include that information. So, it would be in your best interest to contact the specific manufacturer to find out more information on your individual product.

Most teeth whitening agents are good for approximately a year after it they have been manufactured. It is possible that your dentist gave it to you very shortly after receiving it from the manufacturer. However, it is possible that it may have been at the dentist office for some time. If the dentist stored it in the refrigerator, then the efficacy of the product may be prolonged. Generally speaking, any exposure to light will affect the whitening agent’s level of potency to whiten your teeth. When you open it, pay attention to the consistency of the gel. If it appears foggy or white, it is too old. It likely is still safe to use. But, it may not be as effective and deliver results that are noticeable.

When dealing with any kind of medical product, it is always best to adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations. There is a strong possibility that they will recommend that you dispose of the gel, but keep the trays.

Try contacting your dentist and let them know what happened. When you take advantage of free teeth whitening offers, many dentists will continue to provide replacement gel to keep your teeth bright and white. They usually will do this as long as you keep up with and are up-to-date on your regular exams and cleanings.

If you do need to purchase the gel again, it isn’t too expensive. The majority of the expense from teeth whitening services is due to the creation of the trays. So, if those are still in good shape, you will be able to use them.

Hamburg Expressions is a cosmetic dentist located in Lexington, KY. Hopefully, this information is helpful as you decide what to do next.

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How do I know if my teeth whitening kit expired? (2024)

FAQs

How do I know if my teeth whitening kit expired? ›

If it appears foggy or white, it is too old. It likely is still safe to use. But, it may not be as effective and deliver results that are noticeable. When dealing with any kind of medical product, it is always best to adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Can I use an expired teeth whitening kit? ›

Don'tUse Expired Products

Using expired whitening products means you won't get the results youwant. When they expire, the hydrogen peroxide in them breaks down and leavesonly water and oxygen, which won't brighten your teeth.

How long do teeth whitening kits last? ›

If you opt for an at-home teeth whitening kit, you can generally expect your results to last for about four to six months with touch-ups as needed. However, if you choose to get your teeth professionally whitened at the dentist's office, your results could last up to a year or even longer with proper care.

How long do teeth whitening syringes last? ›

How long should each syringe of whitening last? Each syringe of Boutique Whitening should last around 5 days when whitening the upper and lower teeth. If you use too much gel, it may leak, causing sensitivity owing to irritation of the gums. If you use too little, the teeth may not whiten very well.

What happens if I use expired teeth whitening strips? ›

When whitening strips age, the active chemicals may no longer function as well as they should, resulting in less whitening. Expired whitening strips can cause dental sensitivity and gum inflammation. This is because the gel's makeup or potency may have altered over time, making it more acidic or abrasive.

How do you tell if teeth whitening is expired? ›

When you open it, pay attention to the consistency of the gel. If it appears foggy or white, it is too old. It likely is still safe to use. But, it may not be as effective and deliver results that are noticeable.

What happens if you don't refrigerate teeth whitening? ›

The downside of this chemical instability is that all whitening gels start degenerating immediately after manufacture if not kept under constant refrigeration. The higher the temperature, the greater the degradation process.

Do teeth whitening syringes need to be refrigerated? ›

During shipping, refrigeration is not required. Once received, some Opalescence™ teeth whitening products require refrigeration, and others do not. Keep Opalescence Go™ teeth whitening trays and Opalescence™ PF 35% and 45% syringes stored in a refrigerated environment between 36°F (2°C) and 46°F (8°C).

How many syringes does it take to whiten teeth? ›

How many applications in 1 syringe? Each 3ml syringe delivers 3-4 applications (both top and bottom teeth). Most people need 7-14 applications (once per day, 1-3 hours per application) to completely remove all stains from their teeth.

Can yellow teeth become white again? ›

What Can Be Done to Whiten Yellow Teeth? If you're looking for a radical change in the coloring of your teeth, you need professional-grade whitening to get the job done. Your cosmetic dentist can provide treatment that penetrates deep into the enamel and removes years of stains with a powerful bleaching agent.

What happens if you use expired whitening toothpaste? ›

Is Expired Toothpaste Safe To Use? While expired toothpaste won't hurt you, it also won't help you. After its expiration date has passed, the fluoride within your toothpaste will be less effective in cleaning your teeth and preventing decay and cavities, so it's best to buy a fresh tube.

How long does teeth whitening last unopened? ›

The expiration of whitening gel for teeth, such as "Kor Teeth Whitening," typically depends on its formulation and storage conditions. Generally, most whitening gels have a shelf life ranging from one to two years when unopened and stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat.

Do I brush my teeth after whitening strips? ›

As for whether you should brush your teeth after using whitening strips, there is no definitive answer. While some experts recommend brushing immediately after removing the strips to ensure all residue is removed, others advise waiting for 30 minutes to allow the enamel to rehydrate and minimize potential abrasion.

Is it safe to use expired whitening toothpaste? ›

Is Expired Toothpaste Safe To Use? While expired toothpaste won't hurt you, it also won't help you. After its expiration date has passed, the fluoride within your toothpaste will be less effective in cleaning your teeth and preventing decay and cavities, so it's best to buy a fresh tube.

Can I use expired whitening cream? ›

Always check the date before use! Expired skincare products carry the risk of altered chemical composition, compromising their effectiveness. Because of the change in a product's pH and antioxidants, using an expired product can potentially cause skin irritation, and even a burning sensation.

Do teeth whitening pens go out of date? ›

Over time, hydrogen peroxide changes to water and oxygen. If you try and use a whitening kit after its expiration date, chances are you will only be getting gel and water as the oxygen will have leaked from the package. The oxygen is the key component for whitening your teeth.

Does Opalescence work after expiration date? ›

You can always use them to touch up that amazing smile later. If you're worried about your Opales- cence Go expiring, refrigerating the trays can lengthen their shelf life past the expiration date on the box.

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