How to Hold Open a Mouth to Bleach Teeth

Over-the-counter teeth-bleaching kits have put a dazzling Hollywood smile within reach for anyone, not just the rich and famous. The whitening agents found in these kits are almost as effective as those done by professional dentists. Two techniques may help you hold your mouth open while whitening.

Things You'll Need

• Teeth bleaching kit
• Cheek/lip retractor
• Mirror
• Lip balm
• Petroleum jelly

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Instructions

Holding Mouth Open to Bleach with Tray

• 1

  Apply lip balm or petroleum jelly to your lips to prevent cracking or bleeding while stretching your mouth open. Smear a thin layer of petroleum jelly over your gums to avoid sensitivity caused by the bleaching agent.

• 2

  Smile widely until you feel the stretch in your cheeks. Curl your top lip back to reveal as many front teeth as you can. Jut your upper jaw more forward than your bottom jaw.

• 3

  Sit top teeth into the bleach-filled tray. Push tray upward with your thumbs. Hold in place for the amount of time suggested in the kit, usually 60 minutes. Repeat steps for lower teeth

Holding Mouth Open When Using Brush-On Bleach

• 4

  Apply Vaseline to lips. Coat gum line with a thin layer of Vaseline to protect from sensitivity.

• 5

  Compress a cheek/lip retractor in your hand to make it small. Insert it into your mouth. Place upper and lower lips in the wide portions of the retractor. Release the retractor and allow it to expand itself. It will stretch your lips and cheeks away from your teeth.

• 6

  Paint bleach from the kit onto each tooth with the brush that is provided. Leave the retractor in place until the bleach dries and sets according to kit directions.