A whitening tray is a type of dental device used to apply bleaching agents, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, to the teeth to whiten them. Dandy trays are custom-made to fit your mouth and are designed to be as comfortable and unobtrusive as possible.
Seating the Tray
Seating a whitening tray in the mouth can be done using the following steps:
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Ensure that the bleaching tray is clean and free of any debris.
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Brush and floss your teeth before applying the bleaching tray. This will help remove any surface stains and debris from your teeth and ensure that the bleaching gel comes into contact with your teeth for optimal results.
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Apply a small amount of the bleaching gel to the inner surface of the tray. Be careful not to overfill the tray, as it can cause the gel to overflow onto your gums and soft tissues. If this occurs, please wipe off access material from the gingiva.
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Insert the tray into your mouth, ensuring it covers all of your teeth evenly. Use your fingers to gently press the tray against your teeth to ensure good contact.
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Wear the tray for the recommended amount of time, which can vary depending on the strength of the bleaching gel and the desired level of whitening. Follow the instructions provided by your dentist or dental professional.
- After removing the tray, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water and brush your teeth gently to remove any remaining gel.
Over the following two to three days, the pores in your teeth gradually seal. However, your teeth are more vulnerable to stains from certain foods and beverages during this period. To minimize staining, it's advisable to steer clear of dark-colored items such as berries, coffee, tea, red wine, and tomato sauce for at least the first 48 hours.
Cleaning and Care
DAILY CLEANING
Dandy recommends cleaning your bleaching trays daily before and after every use. Immediately after removal, use warm water (not to exceed 45°C/113°F) or antibacterial dish soap to remove remaining saliva and debris from your whitening trays.
USING CLEANING AGENTS
For periodic debris removal and maintenance, you may use any mild over-the-counter cleaning agents designed for oral devices. If needed, use a soft bristle brush to clean the inside of your device to remove any debris. The following products may be used to clean your partial dentures: dish soap, Polident tablets, Efferdent tablets, a 3% peroxide solution, a 15% bleach solution, and mouthwash.
Cautions
✗ DO NOT SOAK your bleaching trays in liquid for over an hour.
✗ DO NOT SOAK your bleaching trays in water hotter than 45°C/113°F due to the risk of warping them.
✗ DO NOT use abrasive cleaning agents (i.e., toothpaste), as they can shorten the life of your whitening trays.
✗ DO NOT brush the teeth with sensitive tooth paste during whitening therapy, as this will alter the final results.
✓ DO dispose of the cleaning solution after every use. Rinse your whitening trays well before use.