If you were recently given take-home teeth whitening trays from a dentist, it is essential to use them as instructed. This treatment involves the use of a custom-fitted tray and bleaching product to whiten the teeth from home for one to two weeks. Here is some useful information on how to safely and effectively achieve the desired results.
Effectively using take-home teeth whitening trays
Even with a custom-tray, whitening treatments are only effective if done correctly. Misuse can cause tooth and pain sensitivity or even damage the enamel of the teeth. Continue reading to learn what steps are necessary for correctly using teeth whitening trays.
1. Prep the teeth beforehand
Every time before starting a whitening session, patients need to thoroughly brush and floss the teeth beforehand. If food or grime is on the outside of the teeth, the bleaching agent may not be able to reach that area, causing spots or uneven shading.
2. Insert the gel as instructed
Only a small amount of the gel from the provided syringe should be inserted in the tooth tray to avoid the solution spilling out onto the gums. Patients should place only a drop of the gel on the front of each tooth in the tray and avoid moving the bleach around.
3. Put on the trays
After filling the trays, the patient must firmly push the tray into place against the teeth. As the gel comes into contact with saliva, it should start to foam. If any of the solution seeps out of the tray, a cloth can be used to wipe it off to prevent gum irritation. It is important to not swallow any of the bleach and spit into a sink if necessary.
4. Wear for the directed time limit
Every bleaching product has a set limit for how long it needs to be worn. Gels with more peroxide are worn for shorter amounts of time, and some patients may need to take off the trays early if any burning or tooth sensitivity occurs. Most solutions are worn only once or twice a day.
5. Clean the solution off
After reaching the time limit, the patient needs to remove the tray and immediately rinse the teeth. A toothbrush should be used to remove any remaining gel. If patients experience any tooth discomfort, desensitizing toothpaste can help block pain signals from reaching the nerve of the tooth using an active ingredient, such as potassium nitrate.
6. Wipe and store the tray and remaining gel
Patients need to clean and wipe all the gel off the trays before placing the trays in a holder until the next use. A single syringe can often be used for up to four treatments, so the patient should recap it and store the remaining gel in a refrigerator or other cold place.
Conclusion
While patients may be tempted to skip certain steps or to leave the bleaching agent on the teeth for a longer period of time to speed up the process, pain or damage can occur as a result. Never hesitate to reach out to a dentist if you have any remaining questions involving the teeth whitening procedure.
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FAQs
Your teeth will be coated with a whitening solution on the front surface only. Some whitening products require a curing light or laser to activate the peroxide. 4 The solution will be left on for 30 to 60 minutes, or reapplied occasionally for up to one hour, depending on the brand.
Do you brush teeth after using whitening trays? ›
After Whitening: Remove the tray and rinse off your teeth.
Brush any remaining gel away. Brush, floss and continue routine dental cleaning. You may initially notice white splotches on teeth following removal of tray. This is typically cause by dehydration of the teeth and should diminish within an hour.
How long should you leave teeth whitening trays in? ›
Place the whitening tray(s) in your mouth carefully, making sure that it is seated all the way. Remove any excess gel from the gum tissue with your finger or dry toothbrush. Keep the tray in your mouth for 30-60 minutes. After 30-60 minutes, remove and clean the trays with cold water.
Can I leave teeth whitening trays in all night? ›
Wipe the excess gel off of the gums with your finger, tissue or Q-tip. Wear the tray with the gel as directed below. You may wear your trays overnight if you have no sensitivities but don't do it the first time. Start with shorter wear-times and build up your wear-time little by little.
Do you brush your teeth before or after using whitening? ›
It's safe to brush your teeth after applying whitening strips. Just be sure to do it gently to avoid irritating your gums. Another option is to brush your teeth before using whitening strips. This is ideal for removing plaque, which can get stuck beneath the strips.
How can I get fast results from teeth whitening at home? ›
Best for Fast Results
We recommend the Lumineux Teeth Whitening Strips if you want whiter teeth fast. Although they do not contain peroxide (opting for a mix of natural ingredients), we found these strips to be a quick and easy way to whiten our teeth in just a couple of days.
How much gel do you put in teeth whitening trays? ›
The average treatment per arch requires approximately 0.5ml of whitening gel. We recommend that you only bleach the front 6-8 teeth as no one sees the back teeth. 3. Inserting the Bleaching Trays: Insert whitening trays in the mouth over the teeth set the trays firmly against the teeth.
How often should you use at home teeth whitening kit? ›
How often teeth whitening treatments are recommended by dentists. Professional teeth whitening performed in the dentist's office is recommended once every year to every 18 months, depending on how long the results last. At-home kits can be used as often as once every four to six months.
Should I dry my teeth before whitening? ›
If you are using a home kit, be sure to dry your teeth before you insert each tray.
How do you sleep with whitening trays? ›
You can wear the trays whilst sleeping (8 hours). It is very important to remove all the excess material around the gums or the palate prior to sleeping with the trays. The carbamide peroxide gel in your tray is active for up to 8 hours.
Rinse your mouth with lots of lukewarm water to remove any remaining gel when the trays are removed. Wash the tray with cold water and dry thoroughly with tissues before storage. Sensitivity is a normal feature of the whitening process. It usually only lasts for a few days after the duration of the whitening period.
What happens if you leave whitening trays on too long? ›
Tooth Sensitivity
Typically, this occurs when your whitening trays have been left in too long or you have whitened your teeth too many days in a row. It can be resolved by making sure you only leave your trays in for the recommended period of time.
How long does it take to see results from teeth whitening trays? ›
You should start seeing results from a whitening gel tray in about a week, with maximum results seen in 2 to 4 weeks' time. The amount of whitening you see will vary based on the strength of the peroxide used and length of time worn.
How often should you whiten your teeth with whitening trays? ›
We advise whitening your teeth just once a year, whether professionally or at home. This should keep sensitivity from becoming a problem while helping you maintain a white, natural-looking smile. Typically, the professional-grade whitening kits available from our dental office last about a year.
Can you swallow while using whitening trays? ›
Insert the tray onto the teeth and push into place until fully seated. Do not swallow and remove excess gel from around the gum line. Do not eat, drink, or bite down with trays in place. Remove after use, clean trays and place in case.
Can I shower with teeth whitening trays in? ›
Usually, the trays are worn a half hour and can be used over a few days or weeks depending on your preference. Put yourself in control of how often you whiten and it is at your convenience. Cool tip: Whiten while you Shower!
