Instructions for Whitening Trays

A healthy smile makes a great first impression and says a lot about a person's personal hygiene. Many people opt to give their smiles a boost by bleaching their teeth to make them whiter. Most dentists recommend tooth whitening trays over other bleaching products, as they effectively brighten teeth without damaging dental work.

Things You'll Need

• Desensitizing toothpaste
• ADA-approved or dentist-prescribed tooth bleaching gel
• Floss

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Instructions

Using a Whitening Tray

• 1

  Brush your teeth twice a day with desensitizing toothpaste beginning three weeks before using the whitening tray.

• 2

  Brush and floss your teeth immediately before inserting the tray. Make sure you have no cuts or scratches in your mouth.

• 3

  Inspect your whitening tray to make sure that it is clean and dry.

• 4

  Try out your trays before applying bleach to make sure they fit comfortably in your mouth.

• 5

  Apply a small line or drop of gel into each of the indentations in your tray, being careful not to overfill.

• 6

  Insert the tray into your mouth, seating it firmly against your teeth and being careful not to push out any gel.

• 7

  Using your finger, a tissue or a toothbrush, remove any excess gel from your gums.

• 8

  Wear your tray for 30 minutes to an hour the first time, then gradually increase the time to two or three hours. You can also wear the tray overnight.

• 9

  Remove the tray.

• 10

  Rinse your mouth out and brush away any excess gel.

• 11

  Clean the tray with warm water and a toothbrush.

• 12

  Continue your regular dental routine.

• 13

  Repeat the process daily for two to four weeks.