- Always brush and floss before putting your trays in
- Start at the low end of the wear time and work up as your teeth tolerate it
- Wipe off any gel that touches your gums — it causes irritation
- Store your gel in the fridge to extend its shelf life
Got your custom whitening trays from us? Good — you're about to see why they work so much better than anything from the drugstore. Follow these steps and you'll get the most out of every session. Don't have trays yet? We can have a set ready for you faster than you'd think.
Before You Start
- Brush and floss your teeth.
- Take a syringe out of your kit. If your kit came with dispensing tips, twist one securely onto the syringe.
Applying the Whitening Gel
- Squeeze a small drop of gel into each little compartment of the tray.
- Place the tray carefully onto your teeth and make sure it fits snugly.
- Wipe off any extra gel that touches your gums or lips.
How Long to Wear Them
This depends on the type and strength of the gel in your kit. We recommend starting on the shorter end of the time range, then slowly working up to longer wear times if your teeth handle it well.
- 9.5% Hydrogen Peroxide gel — about 30–60 minutes
- 14% Hydrogen Peroxide gel — about 15–30 minutes
- 22% Carbamide Peroxide gel — about 30–60 minutes
While your trays are in, don't eat, drink, or smoke.
After You Whiten
- Gently take the tray out after your wear time.
- Rinse your tray and your mouth with lukewarm water.
- Brush your teeth.
- You can repeat this up to twice a day, or as needed, until you reach the brightness you want.
Safety Tips
- If your teeth feel irritated or sensitive, fill the trays with sensitivity toothpaste, MI Paste, or prescription fluoride toothpaste to help with the discomfort.
- Keep the whitening gel out of reach of children.
- Store the gel somewhere cool and dry — your refrigerator works great and helps it last longer.
- Keep the gel away from your eyes. If it gets in your eyes, rinse thoroughly.
If you prefer faster results, ask us about in-office whitening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some sensitivity is normal, especially if you wear the trays for a while. Filling the trays with a sensitivity toothpaste or MI Paste really helps.
Up to twice a day, or as needed, until you reach the shade you're after. Starting with shorter wear times helps keep sensitivity down.
Just wipe it off. Too much gel touching your gums or lips can cause irritation, so use a small drop in each compartment.
Yes! Hang onto your trays. They're great for touch-ups down the road. Just ask us about gel refills.
Dr. Joseph Gegzna, DMD is the founder and lead dentist at Rabbit Creek Dental in Mobile, Alabama. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry and has been a licensed dentist in Alabama since 2014, with more than 12 years of experience in general, restorative, and implant dentistry. After several years practicing as an associate, he founded Rabbit Creek Dental in 2022 to build the kind of patient-first practice he believed in. He has completed advanced implant training through a 92-hour Implant Pathway program with live patient surgery and additional surgical training in impacted third molar extractions through the Koerner Center for Surgical Instruction. He is a member of the American Dental Association and is currently in his third year of the Bulletproof Dental Mastermind program, a continuing education group focused on delivering an exceptional patient experience. Before dentistry, Dr. Gegzna was a licensed pilot, bringing a calm, detail-oriented approach to patient care. Rabbit Creek Dental serves families throughout Mobile.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. For personalized guidance about your dental health, please contact our office at (251) 308-0584.