If you avoid smiling because your teeth aren't as white as they could be, you do have safe and simple options to improve your smile alongside brushing and flossing. One option is a bleaching procedure that uses custom whitening trays to put that healthy look back into your mouth without the expense of costly, generic cosmetic treatment. Here's what you need to know about whitening your teeth with custom trays that are made just for you.

Before starting the whitening process, your dentist will want to clean your teeth and treat any existing dental problems like decay or gum disease. The next step is making your custom trays – sometimes called stents or custom bleach splints. After taking an impression of your teeth, your dentist will use the molds to make the trays. 

Next, your dentist will instruct you to place a small amount of the bleaching solution into the clear trays and wear the trays for up to four hours a day for one to two weeks. Patients are often amazed at how much whitening takes place during this time, and an occasional treatment now and then is all you'll need to keep your teeth looking their best.