How does dentist take-home bleaching kit work?
1. Evaluation for home bleaching
Before your dentists dipenses a home bleaching kit to you, your teeth are checked to determine if you are suited for teeth whitening. If you do have any questions related to your dental condition, please do bring this up during your treatment plan and consult visit. It may include having existing dental fillings and crowns or sensitivity teeth.
2. Impression taking for customized tray
Tooth impression is then taken for to have a customized upper and lower transparent tray made for you. For some trays, the posterior back teeth may be blocked. This is because you only the front visible teeth require bleaching.
3. At home instructions to load tray
When back at home during your convenient time, express one continuous bead of whitening gel halfway up the facial side of the tray from molar to molar. Normally, only about about 1/2 to 1/3 or less of the syringe may be used per tray.
4. Insert and wear tray
Place the tray with the gel onto teet and lightly tap it to allow the tray to be worn comfortably on the the sides to your teeth. The time you wear the trays will vary wth the amount of concentration of Opalescence you use.
- Opalescence 10%: 8–10 hours or overnight
- Opalescence 15%: 4–6 hours
- Opalescence 20%: 2–4 hours
- Opalescence 35%: 30 minutes
5. Remove whitening tray and brush teeth
When wearing time is complete, remove the tray and use a soft toothbrush to clean any excess gel off your teeth. Rinse your mouth and do not swallow any gel. Clean the bleaching tray with a soft brush over cool tap water. Store the tray for your next session. Do not use hot water to wash your tray that can bend and misshape the plastic.
If you experience any significant sensitivity at anytime during your home bleaching treatment, stop your treatment and inform your dentist who can advise further on wearing instructions.
