Things You'll Need:
- Dentist
- Professional bleaching treatment (if you choose that method)
- At home fluoride treatment (if that method is chosen)
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
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Step 1
For professional bleaching trays, which use a higher concentrate of peroxide treatment, you will need to make an appointment with a dentist. He or she will examine your teeth and gums to make certain that this whitening method is appropriate for you. Patients with gum abrasions, sores, or other problems may not be immediate candidates for this procedure. Additionally, bleaching trays will not work for patients who have veneers or those who have intrinsic stains that are below the enamel. Such stains are usually heriditary. The treatment also isn't recommended for patients who are taking certain types of antibiotics or for those who have been exposed to large amounts of fluoride treatments. Patients undergoing certain types of dental procedures may also have to put off bleaching trays until the treatments are complete and the gums have properly healed.
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Step 2
Go to your dental appointment with all of the questions that you can think of about the bleaching process. Before making a decision to invest somewhere between $250 and $500 for professional bleaching trays you need to make certain that the treatment is right for you.
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Step 3
If you decide to go forward with the procedure, you must allow your dentist to take an impression of your teeth to form a customized bleaching tray just for you.
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Step 4
Follow the directions given by your dentist for using your professional bleaching tray products. He or she will likely give you a concentrated amount of hydrogen peroxide treatment (around 35%) to use with your tray. Instructions will given to let you know how often to use the bleaching tray as well as outline the period of time the treatment will take (usually between 10 and 14 days). After that point, the dentist will tell you "if" and "when" to repeat any future treatments.
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Step 5
Use a dental approved toothpaste for regular brushing. Also be sure to brush anytime after consuming something that tends to stain enamel such as coffee, tea, red wine, beets, or any artificially colored foods and drinks.
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Step 6
If you opt to use an at home bleaching tray treatment, you will need to purchase a kit any where tooth products are sold. At-home treatments typically range in price from between $15 to $30. Be aware, however, that at-home treatments are much milder than professional ones. Therefore, the end result may never be as drastic as with professional bleaching trays. Additionally, because the treatments are milder, they must be spread out over a longer period of time such as two to three times a day for as long as one month. The whitening results will also not last as long as with professional treatments. You will likely need to repeat at-home bleaching treatments every few months.Many of the same restrictions that apply to professional bleaching tray treatments also apply to at-home bleaching tray kits. Be certain to thoroughly read all of the information provided in your kit with regard to restrictions for use of the kit.
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Step 7
Following the instructions in your bleaching tray kit, make the tray impressions of your teeth.
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Step 8
Once the trays are ready, carefully follow the kit instructions to perform your at-home bleaching procedure.
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Step 9
Repeat the bleaching procedures as often as outlined in your kit; no more or less. Be sure to follow all instructions to the letter.
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Step 10
Follow any guidelines set out in your kit instructions with regard to the care and maintenance of your new bright, white smile.
