Take-Home Bleaching Kits: How to Guide

There is no need to feel self-conscious about discolored teeth when you have teeth bleaching solutions that can help restore the color of your teeth to their original glory. Teeth bleaching aids come in various types - over-the-counter appliances, take-home bleaching kits, and in-office apparatus. While over-the-counter kits contain the lowest range of bleaching agents, at-home systems contain 3-20% peroxide-based bleaching agents, and in-office systems contain 15-43%.

How Take-Home Bleaching Kits are made

Unlike over-the-counter bleaching kits, take-home kits are not available in local pharmacies but are custom-made in dental labs under the guidance of your dentist. These trays are essentially dental cups that match the contour of your teeth. Here's how they are made:

• Dental impressions are taken by the dentist using non-toxic dental putty.
• The impression is sent to the lab, where it takes about a week or two to prepare the custom bleaching tray.
• Once the tray is ready, the dentist will give instructions on how to use it safely and efficiently.
• After the recommended time period, the dentist will match the shade of teeth to the initial shade taken before bleaching to compare the results.

How to use Take-Home Bleaching Kits

The step-by-step instruction to using the take-home bleaching kit is as follows:

• Brush, floss, and rinse

Before you begin the whitening procedure, make sure you brush thoroughly using fluoride toothpaste, floss, and rinse using a therapeutic mouth wash.

• Apply whitening gel on the tray

Take the tray in your hand and apply the whitening gel from one end to the other. The ideal amount is ½ to ⅓ of a syringe.

• Insert the tray in mouth

Insert the tray in your mouth and make sure the tray is snugly fit over your teeth. Strictly follow the wear time recommended by your dentist. Typically, the higher the bleaching agent's concentration, the shorter the wear time and vice versa.

• Remove the tray and repeat the brushing routine

Remove the tray and brush, floss, and rinse your mouth again to ensure there is no bleaching agent residue in your mouth. Be very careful, at this point, not to swallow any rinsed gel.

• Clean tray

Once the whitening routine is complete, clean the tray using a toothbrush and water. Store it in a clean container and reuse it the next day or as recommended by your dentist.

If you're looking to flaunt a brighter smile, try a take-home bleaching kit that you can use in the comfort of your home.