Whitening your teeth with the use of a bleaching tray can be convenient, as well as quicker and more effective than over-the-counter methods and less expensive than in-office treatment. But some people that want to enjoy a whiter smile may feel hesitant because they don't know what to expect. If you're thinking about improving the overall brightness of your teeth, then let me fill you in on the process of using a bleaching tray--after all, I can speak from experience!
If you have had braces recently and were given a clear plastic retainer by your orthodontist, then this instrument will double as your tray. Though the bleaching gel is powerful, it will not corrode the material of your retainer, so don't concern yourself about that.
If you don't have a newer retainer like the one described, then you will need to visit your dentist in order to have a mold of your teeth made in order to make a tray for you. As you can guess, it will take a few days--possibly a week or more--to develop your tray. You can buy the gel directly from your dentist. When last I purchased it two years ago, a box of two tubes cost me 20 dollars, so for at least that portion, you won't have to spend very much.
As you prepare to use your tray, make sure that you have eaten, drunk, and brushed your teeth. Then you dab a small amount of the gel at the front of each of the front teeth spaces in the tray and put it on. You cannot eat or drink while the tray is in place. Your dentist and/or the instructions included with the gel will dictate how long you should leave it on each day; usually it is between an hour and two hours.
While you are wearing your tray (or retainer), you will probably feel an intense tingling sensation in the affected teeth. There may even be some mild discomfort, but it usually comes in short bursts. This does not mean that anything is wrong. Keep the tray in for the duration of the proscribed time. If you need to eat or drink, remove the tray and clean off the gel as per the instructions.
Ideally, the tray should be worn every day for about two weeks, but talk to your dentist for advice specific to your concerns. The gel can be stored in the refrigerator if you want to perform later maintenance, as most whitening treatments require.
Author Resource:-
Mannem Dentistry (http://www.drmannem.com/) is composed of premier Lakeway dentist in Austin TX. DDS has been proudly providing quality dental care to the community of Austin for over 10 years.
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