Bleaching effectively brightens and whitens the teeth without causing any significant detrimental side effects when done according to established guidelines (ADA). Essix Tray-Rite® plastic and the Prestige Tooth Whitening system are highly recommended. Creating a gel reservoir in whitening trays is no longer considered useful
There are three types of plastic being used by practitioners for at home whitening:
1. .020″ (1/2mm) Coping material – a hard, thin, opaque material that features a low melt temperature and excellent thermoforming properties.
2. .040″ (1mm) EVA — a soft, clear material easily vacuum formed and trimmed, however EVA stretches and the cervical third of a tooth can be challenging.
3. .020″ (1/2mm) Tray-Rite® — a semi-soft, clear material easily vacuum formed and trimmed without the stretching challenges of EVA.
Raintree recommends the Tray-Rite material for general use because it is smooth, pliable and comfortable to wear. It clings to the teeth providing better adaptation. Thus, the bleaching gel covers the entire tooth surface and doesn’t spill over onto the gingiva.
Technique
1. Pre-heat the vacuum machine for at least 3 minutes or until the heating element is a solid orange color.
2. Spray the model with Trim-Rite Release Spray to prevent tray material from sticking to the model
3. Place the plastic into the frame on the vacuum machine and the model on the base plate.
4. Swing the heating element over the plastic. Observe the plastic as it heats.
5. Essix Tray-Rite will become wavy then flatten to its original position–indicating the optimal thermoforming time.
6. Move the heating element away from the plastic.
7. Turn on the vacuum, then lower the plastic over the model.
8. Immediately spray the plastic encased model with Essix Freeze Spray. This is an essential step. Not only does it cool the plastic, prohibiting further thinning, but it “shrinks” the material around the cast, realizing a tighter fit
9. Let the vacuum continue to run for approximately 30 seconds or until the plastic is cool.
10. Trim the tray on the model using the Trim-Rite Electric Knife. Place the tip of the blade exactly where the tooth meets the gingiva and allow that ridge to guide your movements
11. Seat the whitening tray to check for tissue contact. Optimal results are obtained when the tray is cut 1mm short of the soft tissue.
12. Give the model with the tray on it to the patient for safekeeping
.