A bright, beautiful smile is important to everyone; however, in today’s fast-paced world, going in for regular dental whitening treatments is a difficult commitment. That’s where at-home teeth whitening trays come in; you can achieve professional results from the comfort of your home.
All it takes is a visit to your dentist to be equipped with the right tools; then you’re ready to go. Many find the process intimidating because of its DIY aspect, but it’s designed to be easy to use. In this blog, we will discuss how to use take-home whitening trays effectively and safely.
How Do You Use Teeth Whitening Trays?
You can follow these simple steps to get the most out of your at-home teeth whitening trays.
Step 1: Get Customized Trays: The first step of this process requires a dental professional. They can make precise molds of your teeth that you can take home to aid the application of the whitening gel.
Step 2: Fill Trays with Whitening Gel: You will be provided with a strong bleaching agent containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Both are proven to whiten teeth safely and effectively. Fill the trays with the recommended amount of gel. Usually, a small amount is enough. Ask your dentist to verify amount.
Step 3: Place Trays on Teeth: Simply place the customized trays onto your teeth. Make sure that they fit comfortably but snugly. The gel can leak into your gums if the trays are not placed properly. You want to avoid that as much as possible to keep the gums safe from bleaching materials.
Step 4: Waiting time: On average, the trays must usually be worn for 20-30 minutes. However, this can change according to the gel’s strength and comfort levels. Check with your dentist for instructions that apply to you.
Step 5: After-care: After you remove the tray, it’s essential to rinse the mouth with water. Some whitening feels require you to brush prior to use, others after use. Check manufacturer’s instructions on the box or ask your dentist.
Step 6: Storage Instructions: The trays must be cleaned with cold water and dried before storage.
How Long Does Whitening Tray Results Last?
Teeth whitening trays can provide fast results and are many people’s preferred choice of dental whitening. According to research, gel-filled trays are the fastest way to whiten your teeth at home, as results can show in just a few days. Normally, you can start to see results in about one week. However, seeing the best results takes two or four weeks of consistent use.
Stronger concentrations of peroxide in the whitening gel can impact how fast the results will start to show. Teeth whitening trays last six months to a year, so they’re a great investment for a brighter smile. However, the effects of dental whitening can vary. Consuming staining drinks and foods like wine, coffee, and foods with dyes can impact how long your results last.
It is best to use the trays for two-week intervals every 6 to 12 months depending on material used and your dentist’s instructions.
To best visualize the results, take photos before you start using whitening and one day after you use the whitening trays.
For the duration of days, you are using whitening materials on your teeth, avoid hyper colored food or drinks. It may reverse the benefits of whitening!
Takeaway
Don’t get used to feeling uncomfortable while talking, laughing, and smiling. At-home teeth whitening treatments are a great investment as they are self-care that works. You can remove tough stains and yellowing that your regular oral hygiene routine can’t combat with just a few simple steps.
If you want to know more about at-home teeth whitening process, you can consult me at my clinic Wink Orthodontics. He can create a customized dental whitening plan for your smile goals. Dial (469) 850-5555 for an appointment today!