Teeth whitening trays help you to whiten your teeth with the help of whitening gels. But if you don’t use it properly, the aim won’t be achieved. So, here I’m going to talk about the basic process of using teeth whitening trays.
Teeth whitening trays should be used under a dental specialist and different trays come with different ways of using. So, this article here is just a basic and friendly guide for people who are thinking of using this. In case of using, you should follow the instructions that come with the whitening tray you’re using.
Also, teeth whitening trays and gels don’t work on any type of artificial dental work. Those are for natural teeth. Using these on any artificial teeth or fillings may result in a bad scenario. So, take a dentist’s suggestion before you use this thing. Also, in case of any sensitivity issue, contact your dentist.
There are some physical conditions when you can’t use teeth whitening gels. So, if you have any physical complications or if you’re pregnant, consult your dentist first.
Now let’s talk about the process of using whitening trays and gels.
How to Use Whitening Trays and Gels
This is a basic process of using these. The exact process may vary depending on which one you’re using. So, check and re-check the instruction that comes with the product.
Step 1- Clean Your Teeth
Before you use the tray, you should brush and floss your teeth in order to clean those properly. Tray and gel work better on clean teeth. So, don’t forget to do it.
Step 2- Clean and Dry the Trays
Besides cleaning your teeth, you should make sure that the trays are clean. If these are not clean, clean these properly following the instructions that come with the package. After cleaning, let the trays dry properly.
Don’t use these before these are dry. Water or moisturizer slows down the whitening process by reducing the efficiency of the gel.
Step 3- Apply the Gel
Now it is time to put the gel in the tray. Do not fill the tray fully. Put a small amount of gel on the front surface of the tray. Don’t spread it.
The exact amount that should be used varies depending on the gel. But, no gel will ask you to fill the tray fully.
After you pour gel in the tray with the help of a syringe, recap the syringe and save it for next time.
Step 4- Placing the Tray
Insert the tray in your mouth and place it around your teeth. Press it gently so that it sits on your teeth firmly and properly. In case you overfill the gel, it’ll overflow. If this happens, use a tissue or fingertip to wipe away the extra gel. Otherwise, it may irritate.
Step 5- Let It Stay
Now you have to let the tray stay around your teeth.
A typical duration at the primary phase is around 30-40 minutes. If you don’t feel any irritation or sensitivity, you may increase the duration to 1 hour. But from the second or third session, the duration should be increased.
Typically Carbamide Peroxide Bleaching Gels with less strength can be used overnight. But the stronger ones shouldn’t be used for more than 1 hour. Similarly, Hydrogen Peroxide Bleaching Gels shouldn’t be used for more than 1 hour per use.
Check the instruction that comes with the gel you use. There you’ll find the recommended duration. If you feel irritation after a certain time, consult your doctor.
Step 6- Remove the Trays
After the duration is over, gently remove the trays from your teeth. Rinse the extra gel from your teeth by brushing, flossing and other tooth care routine you follow.
Wash the trays properly and let them dry. When it is fully dry, store it somewhere safe until next time.
This is the basic process of using teeth whitening trays. However, using the bleaching tray for the first time may cause discomfort. In this case, you can do the following.
1. Brush and floss your teeth properly and regularly.
2. Start wearing the whitening tray keeping it empty. This is just to make yourself comfortable with the trays.
3. You can use any desalinizing gel or paste for 3-4 days in order to be more comfortable with the whitening gel.
4. After practicing this for a few days, you can start using the whitening gel following the above process. Doing this allows you to be comfortable with whitening trays.
Things You should Remember when Using Whitening Trays
When you’re using teeth whitening trays, you need to remember a few things to get the best out of it. Those are given below.
- Don’t be too impatient. Teeth whitening take time. To reach your expected result, you may need around 20-25 sessions or even more. Don’t overuse being impatient after only a few sessions.
- In any kind of irritation, consult a doctor as soon as possible. Don’t ignore the signs of irritation.
- After using the tray, wash your teeth properly so that there is no gel remaining around your teeth.
- Using the trays for a long time may bring a better result. But long sessions can also cause irritation and sensitivity if you don’t follow the instructions.
- Stronger gels with higher concentrations may bring faster and better results. But if you don’t follow the instructions properly, irritation, sensitivity, and even damage can happen.
- Don’t use stronger gels for a long time. Try to avoid using these for more than 1 hour.
- Though these kits are for use at home, you should consult a dentist before starting to use these. Teeth and gum are sensitive and you shouldn’t create a mess.
- Don’t do anything beyond the instructions and suggestions of the dentist. The reason is simple- you shouldn’t create a mess around the sensitive parts of your body.
- Always keep the trays clean and dry. Keep the kit in a safe place and away from the reach of children.
Final Verdict
Using teeth whitening trays and gels is a good decision as long as you follow the instructions and suggestions properly.
I’ve talked about the basic process of using these. The instruction may vary depending on which one you’re using. So, if you’re interested to use teeth whitening trays, I’d suggest you follow the instructions that come with the package.
This doesn’t mean that I’m not confident about what I’ve talked about here. I’m just suggesting you stay a bit safer while working with the most sensitive areas of your body.