Custom teeth whitening trays are typically included with at-home whitening kits. These appliances are also used for professional whitening treatments performed at the clinic. A custom mouth tray evenly immerses your teeth in the whitening products being used and prevents the bleaching agent from seeping into gum tissues, where it can lead to irritation and inflammation.
The appearance of a person's teeth is one of the most noticeable parts of their appearance and often leads to judgments being made based on first impressions. With so many assumptions being made based on the appearance of one's teeth, it is no surprise that those with stained and discolored teeth are often reluctant to reveal them during interactions. Teeth whitening treatments are an affordable way to drastically whiten teeth, and these treatments work well on most types of stains, like those caused by smoking, foods, or aging.
Taking care of your teeth whitening tray
Custom teeth whitening trays are made from an impression of the patient's teeth. The dentist asks them to bite down on a mold, and an impression of their teeth is left on it. This mold is sent to a lab where mouth trays are made. The process takes about two weeks in most cases. This custom mouth tray can be used for in-office and at-home treatments.
A professional whitening treatment performed by a dentist can improve the color of teeth by eight shades after a single treatment. This is due to the highly concentrated bleaching agents used for these procedures. These prescription-grade whiteners can only be used under the supervision of a dentist.
At-home whitening kits come with less concentrated bleaching agents, so it can take up to three weeks to get results similar to what one would get from in-office whitening. At-home whitening kits are a great way to maintain the results of teeth whitening, and they are sometimes the better option for people with sensitive teeth.
Taking care of your teeth whitening tray
Whitening trays will build up with debris with regular use. Here are simple ways to keep these appliances clean:
Clean the tray after each use: Cleaning the mouth tray with a toothbrush while running water over it helps remove any gel left in the tray after use. This also removes any debris in the tray and helps prevent stains from forming. There is no need to use toothpaste. Just brush the inner and outer sections of the appliance.
Dry properly before storing: Mouth trays should be thoroughly dried after each use before storing it in a container. The case should be kept away from hot areas or direct sunlight.
Soak it in cleaning solution: Some mouth trays come with cleaning tablets that can be dissolved in water and used to soak the appliance. Some cleaners used for other appliances, like retainers, can also help.
Your whitening tray can last a lifetime
Clean your mouth tray properly after each use, and it should last the rest of your life unless you have serious dental work done. Call or visit our Sunnyvale clinic to learn more about the whitening treatments we provide.
Request an appointment here: https://stonecanyondental.com or call Stone Canyon Dental at (972) 996-3191 for an appointment in our Sunnyvale office.
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FAQs
Once you've removed them from your mouth, the best way to clean them is carefully, with an electric toothbrush, non-perfumed soap and warm water. Never use hot water, as this can damage your whitening trays. And don't use toothpaste as it is abrasive. Make sure you clean both the outside and inside of your trays.
How long should you leave teeth whitening trays in? ›
Leave the trays in your mouth for 20-30 minutes when using 35% Carbamide Peroxide. You can increase the whitening time after a few sessions. In the case that you experience sensitivity, do not increase whitening time. Do not exceed a treatment time of more than 1 hour a day.
What toothpaste to use after teeth whitening? ›
It's best to use a toothpaste that is specifically designed for whitening, as these have special ingredients that can help maintain your newly whitened teeth.
Do I brush my 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.
What happens if you leave whitening trays on too long? ›
However, the higher the percentage of peroxide in the whiteningsolution, the shorter it should be applied to the teeth. Keeping the gel on longerwill dehydrate the tooth and increasetooth sensitivity.
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.
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.
Can I drink water with whitening trays in? ›
FOR THE BEST LONG TERM RESULTS:
Avoid eating or drinking with the trays in and for at least 1 hour afterward. Avoid as best you can any highly staining foods and drinks like pasta, wine, beets etc., during your whitening treatment, including up to 48 hours after your last application.
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 do you rehydrate your teeth after whitening? ›
Drink Plenty of Water : The most simple and effective way to rehydrate your teeth after whitening is to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Water helps replenish the moisture levels in your mouth and promotes saliva production, which aids in washing away acid and bacteria.
The pores slowly close over the next two to three days, but during that time, your teeth are more susceptible to staining from foods and drinks. For at least the first 48 hours, it's best to avoid darkly colored foods and drinks, including berries, coffee, tea, red wine, and tomato sauce.
What not to do before whitening? ›
Avoid eating food or drinking beverages that can stain your teeth. Anything that might leave stains should be avoided. That includes black teas, coffee, red wine, blueberries, and anything else that can stain your teeth.
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.
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.
How long after teeth whitening can I eat normally? ›
When the dentist whitens teeth, your teeth can become sensitive to different foods that can stain. After 24-72 hours, you can resume your regular diet. The following are the things that you need to avoid after teeth whitening. Sugary foods can irritate your teeth and trigger the bacteria responsible for causing decay.
How long do you have to wear 20 teeth whitening trays? ›
Brush teeth before inserting tray. Lightly tap tray to adapt tray sides to teeth. Wear Opalescence 20% for 2 to 4 hours.
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!
