- Load Tray with gel solution. One "dot" for each lip side of the tray. Fill tray to bleach teeth shown while smiling Generally canine to canine or premolar to premolar.
- Dry the lip side of your teeth with a dry cloth.
- Position tray over your teeth.
- Gently press the tray against the teeth you are bleaching to disperse the "dot" of bleaching solution over your teeth.
- Use dry cloth to remove any access bleaching solution over the gums.
- After use: take out trays. Brush and rinse teeth. Brush and rinse trays. Allow trays to dry before storing.
Nighttime use
This method will give you a faster result. Wear up to 8-10 hours through the night. If you wake in the middle of the night and take out trays, brush and rinse out excess bleach left on teeth. Your first bleaching period should not last more than 14 days.
Daytime use
Wear 30 minutes twice a day. Allow a minimum of one hour between each wear time. This is a shorter wear time because of the increased salivary flow during the day, which eventually causes the bleaching solution to become diluted and seep out the trays.
Diet:
In order to get the best results from your bleaching process it is best to avoid the daily food, drinks, and rituals that cause staining of the teeth. Try to avoid dark soda, coffee, tea, berry juices, red wine, dark leafy greens, and smoking up to 24 hours after your last bleaching process during the entire bleaching period. Bleaching opens the pores of the teeth and draws the stain out. When the pores are open the teeth will absorb stains easily.
Modifications:
If both trays seem to be a "mouth full" for you, you may want to bleach one tray at a time.
Sensitivity:
- The bleaching process can make your teeth more sensitive to cold. This symptom is common and will only last during and a short time after bleaching.
- You may want to try bleaching every other day or every third day if it is an especially sensitive process for you.
- Sensitive formula toothpaste may help prevent cold sensitivity while bleaching. Start using up to 2 weeks prior to and during the bleaching process. Sensodyne toothpaste, and other toothpastes for "sensitive teeth" contain Potassium NitrateĀ helpful in blocking sensitivity.
- If the above modifications do not help prevent your sensitivity to bleaching then give us a call at River Valley DentalĀ We have a prescription strength sensitive formula gel you can use at home.
Maintenance:
- Your bright, white smile will last as long as your daily habits allow. Proper brushing, flossing, and regular visits to your dentist will keep your smile whiter longer.
- When you feel it is time to brighten your smile it will only take one to three days to bring back the bright, white color. You can repeat this process once a month or once a year at your discretion. Bleach refills are available at River Valley Dental.
- Bleaching solution is best kept in a cool, dark place like your refrigerator.