Take-Home Teeth Whitening Trays Post-Insertion Instructions

Take-Home Teeth Whitening Trays Instructions For Use

Teeth whitening trays are commonly provided by dentists for at-home teeth whitening treatments. These trays are custom-made to fit your teeth and are filled with a whitening gel. Here are general instructions for using take-home teeth whitening trays:

1. Brush and floss your teeth: Before using the whitening trays, thoroughly brush and floss your teeth to remove any food particles and plaque. This helps the whitening gel make better contact with your teeth.
2. Apply the whitening gel: Follow the instructions provided by your dentist for applying the whitening gel to the trays. Usually, you’ll need to use a small amount of gel along the front surface of the tray for each tooth’s impression.
3. Insert the trays: Carefully place the trays over your teeth, ensuring they fit snugly and comfortably. Wipe off any excess gel that may seep out of the trays with a tissue.
4. Wear the trays: Wear the trays for the recommended amount of time, typically around 30 minutes to one hour per session. Your dentist will specify the duration for your specific whitening gel.
5. Avoid ingestion and contact with gums: Be cautious not to swallow the whitening gel, as it is not meant to be ingested. Additionally, avoid direct contact between the gel and your gums, as it may cause irritation.
6. Remove and clean the trays: After the recommended time, remove the trays and carefully rinse them with water. Gently brush your teeth to remove any remaining gel. Make sure to clean the trays thoroughly and store them in their provided case.
7. Frequency and duration: Follow your dentist’s guidelines regarding the frequency and duration of your teeth whitening sessions. Overuse of whitening products can lead to tooth sensitivity and other issues.
8. Maintain oral hygiene: While using the whitening trays, continue to maintain good oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist for check-ups.
9. Observe any sensitivity: Some individuals may experience tooth sensitivity during or after teeth whitening. If sensitivity occurs, discuss it with your dentist, who may recommend adjusting the treatment schedule or using a desensitizing gel.

Remember, individual results may vary, and it’s essential to follow your dentist’s specific instructions for the best and safest outcome. If you have any concerns or questions during the process, please contact us.

For A Whiter Smile, Please Follow These Instructions:

• For the next 48 hours, dark staining substances should be avoided, such as berries, ketchup, red sauces, tobacco products, coffee, mustard, soy sauce, cola, red wine, and tea. 
• In addition, do not use any colored mouthwash or home fluoride treatment. If your daily homecare involves the use of Chlorhexidine, please wait 48 hours before continuing the usage of this product. Consider using teeth whitening mouthwashes like Crest 3D White Glamorous Whitening Mouthwash instead.
• Continue regular dental hygiene appointments. 
• Practice good oral hygiene including thorough tooth brushing, flossing to remove debris from between the teeth and tongue cleaning. 

Managing Tooth Sensitivity 

Some patients experience tooth sensitivity (known informally as “zingers”) for 1 to 3 days after in-office whitening. There are a number of things you can do to minimize tooth sensitivity:

• Use desensitizing toothpastes such as Sensodyne Rapid Relief Daily Sensitivity Toothpaste. Apply directly onto the sensitive tooth surface for instant pain relief.
• You are also welcome to use over the counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). Ask your dentist what dosage is right for you, but if you do not have a pre-existing medical condition of allergies, 1000mg acetaminophen (Tylenol) with 600mg ibuprofen (Advil) every 4-6 hours or as needed is a very powerful combination.
• Avoid food and drink that is too cold or hot for the next few days.

Oral Hygiene

• Keeping Your Whitening Trays Clean: To keep your teeth whitening trays free of biofilm accumulation, we recommend that you clean it using an ultrasonic cleaner, such as the Debatlog Ultrasonic Cleaner in a Polident Daily Denture Cleaner solution.
• Brush At Least Twice A Day: Conventional wisdom says that you should brush at least twice a day; once in the morning and once before you go to bed. Two times a day is a good rule of thumb. But ideally, you should brush right after a meal. This is to maximize the amount of time your teeth stay clean between meals.
• When You Cannot Brush Your Teeth, Rinse With Water Or Mouthwash: It is sometimes not practical to be brushing after every meal. You may be busy at work or at school during your day and cannot find time to brush or floss. If this is the case, at least rinse with water or mouthwash to get as much food debris and taste out of your mouth. One brand that we highly recommend is Crest 3D White Glamorous Whitening Mouthwash.
• Consider Upgrading Your Toothbrush: Ensure you are using a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean the area around your newly whitened teeth, as it is gentler on your teeth and gums and less likely to cause tooth sensitivity. One brand of toothbrush that we highly recommend is the Curaprox CS5460 Ultra Soft Swiss Toothbrush. Also consider upgrading to an electric toothbrush, which can be more effective at removing plaque and bacteria from teeth and gums. One brand of electric toothbrush that we highly recommend is the Philips Sonicare Protectiveclean 6100.
• Floss Daily: Flossing is critical to remove plaque and food particles that may accumulate around your newly whitened teeth. Ideally you should be flossing every time you brush, but once a day is the bare minimum. We recommend GUM ButlerWeave Dental Floss. If you have difficulty using regular string floss, consider using dental flossers (such as Sunstar 888JC GUM Advanced Care Flossers) or interdental brushes (GUM Proxabrush) to clean the space between your teeth.
• Buy A Water Flosser: We highly recommend you purchase a Water Flosser and to use it daily in addition to regular flossing; the Water Flosser will flush out debris missed by floss and toothbrush. Ideally you should be water flossing every time you brush, but once a day is the bare minimum. One brand that we highly recommend is the Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser 
• Use A Teeth Whitening Antibacterial Mouthwash Daily: Rinse your mouth with an teeth whitening mouthwash specially formulated white teeth, healthy gums and fresh breath. Ideally you should be rinsing with mouthwash every time you brush, but once a day is the bare minimum. One brand that we highly recommend is Crest 3D White Glamorous Whitening Mouthwash.
• Use A Teeth Whitening Toothpaste: Be sure to use a whitening toothpaste that has a unique formula that will continue to whiten your teeth after in-office teeth whitening. One brand that we highly recommend is the Colgate Optic White Renewal High Impact Whitening Toothpaste .
• Attend Regular Check-Ups And Cleanings: Schedule regular check-ups and teeth cleanings with your dentist to monitor the health of your newly whitened teeth and gums. Your dentist will examine the your entire mouth and take digital x-rays images to check for any potential problems, as well as clean the area and surrounding teeth to remove any plaque or tartar buildup.

Take Home Whitening Gel Available For Purchase

Your dentist will have provided you with take-home whitening gel syringes to use. If you would like to continue whitening your teeth from home after a session of in-office whitening, additional whitening gel syringes are available for sale. Please ask us for pricing.

Have Questions?

If you have any additional questions or concerns about your take home teeth whitening treatment, please contact us.