Patient Instructions
Take-Home Whitening Guide
Your custom whitening trays and Opalescence 10% carbamide peroxide gel are designed for safe, effective overnight whitening. Follow these steps to get the best results.
Learn more about teeth whitening at MDRN Dental Studio →
What's in Your Kit
- Custom-fitted upper and lower whitening trays
- 6 syringes of Opalescence 10% carbamide peroxide whitening gel
- CariFree CT 5000 prescription toothpaste (for sensitivity management)
1 Loading Your Trays
Brush and floss your teeth thoroughly before each whitening session. Starting with a clean mouth maximizes gel contact with the tooth surface.
Place a small dot of gel into the front-facing portion of each tooth compartment in the tray. A little goes a long way — you do not need to fill the tray.
Use approximately ¼ to ⅓ of a syringe per session — this covers both your upper and lower trays combined. Overfilling causes excess gel to overflow onto the gums, which can cause irritation.
Do not spread the gel or rub it around — simply place it in the tray and let the tray distribute it evenly when seated.
2 Wearing Your Trays
Seat the tray firmly over your teeth. Press gently along the front to ensure full contact between the gel and the tooth surface.
Wipe away any gel that squeezes onto your gums with a clean finger or tissue. Gel left on gum tissue can cause temporary irritation.
Wear your trays overnight — typically 6–8 hours. Most patients find it easiest to insert them just before going to sleep.
Do not eat, drink (other than water), or smoke while wearing your trays. Food and beverages dilute the gel and reduce effectiveness.
3 After Each Session
Remove your trays in the morning and rinse your mouth thoroughly with water. Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and regular (non-whitening) toothpaste to remove any residual gel.
Rinse your trays under cool water and gently brush them with a soft toothbrush. Do not use hot water — it can warp the tray material.
Allow your trays to air-dry before storing them in the case provided. Keep the case and gel syringes away from direct heat and sunlight. Refrigerating unused gel syringes can extend their shelf life — do not freeze them.
4 Treatment Duration
| Nights | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| 1–3 | Initial brightening begins. Mild sensitivity is common and normal during this phase. |
| 4–7 | Noticeable lightening in most patients. Continue nightly unless sensitivity requires a break. |
| 8–14 | Most patients reach their desired result within this window. Stop when satisfied. |
| Touch-Ups | Use your trays for 1–2 nights every few months to maintain your result. |
Do not exceed 14 consecutive nights without a break. If you have not reached your desired result after two weeks, pause for a week and contact us before continuing.
5 Managing Sensitivity
Some tooth sensitivity during or after whitening is normal and temporary. It typically resolves within 24 hours of removing the trays.
If sensitivity becomes uncomfortable, take a night off and resume the following night. You do not need to complete consecutive nights to achieve results.
Use the CariFree CT 5000 toothpaste included in your kit morning and night throughout your whitening treatment to help manage sensitivity.
On nights when sensitivity is bothersome, place the CariFree CT 5000 directly into your trays and wear them overnight instead of the whitening gel. This desensitizes the teeth and allows you to resume whitening the following night feeling more comfortable.
Avoid very hot or cold foods and beverages on the days you are actively whitening.
Taking ibuprofen (400–600 mg with food) before or after your whitening session can help reduce sensitivity on days it feels more noticeable.
6 Foods and Habits to Avoid
During your whitening treatment, your teeth are temporarily more porous and susceptible to staining. Avoid or minimize:
- Coffee, tea, red wine, and dark sodas
- Soy sauce, berries, and tomato-based sauces
- Tobacco products (significantly reduce whitening results)
If you do consume pigmented foods or drinks, rinse with water promptly afterward.
Whitening does not affect the color of crowns, veneers, bonding, or fillings. If you have existing restorations on visible teeth, discuss expectations with Dr. Steven at your next visit.
Questions About Your Whitening?
We're Happy to Help
If sensitivity is more than mild, you are not seeing results after 14 days, or you have questions about maintaining your result, give us a call.
Call (469) 712-2046Need More Gel?
Book a Whitening Follow-Up
Running low on gel or want to discuss in-office whitening options? Call or book online at MDRN Dental Studio in McKinney, TX.
6451 W University Dr, Ste 300 · McKinney, TX 75071