Professional take-home teeth whitening trays are said to be one of the most effective ways to whiten teeth. The appliance is used to apply the bleaching product to the patient's teeth and it keeps them immersed in the product as it begins to remove stains from the inner and outer layers of their teeth.
The active ingredient in any whitening kit is either hydrogen peroxide or hydrogen carbamide. The molecules of these chemicals react with stain molecules on a person's teeth, removing them in the process. Typically, patients are required to use their take-home teeth whitening trays for two to three weeks in order to see positive results.
Figuring out if professional teeth whitening trays are right for you
While in-office teeth whitening treatments lead to the fastest results, they are also one of the priciest ways to go about improving the color of teeth. Instead, a more affordable solution is an at-home teeth whitening kit provided by a dentist. These involve using custom mouth trays to apply the whitening product. Additionally, the trays help to keep the solution from irritating soft tissues.
In order to make a custom mouth tray, the dentist will ask the patient to bite down on a mold. This leaves an impression of their teeth on the mold. The impression is sent to dental technicians who make custom mouth trays in a laboratory. It takes about two weeks for the finished mouth trays to get back to the dentist.
Take-home teeth whitening kits do not work as fast as the products used for in-office treatments, but they are just as effective in the long-run. The process usually takes a bit longer when using take-home trays, as most patients can see results after one in-office session.
The average teeth whitening session done by a dentist takes no more than 90 minutes. Follow-up sessions might be needed to reach the desired shade of white. However, with take-home teeth whitening trays, the patient should expect to do 5-6 sessions for 60 minutes over the course of 2 to 3 weeks. The benefits of getting teeth whitened with a professional teeth whitening mouth tray include:
- Safer: People who get their teeth whitened with take-home trays are less likely to deal with complications. A dentist will evaluate their patient's dental health before starting teeth whitening treatments and they will typically treat existing issues first. This helps to reduce teeth sensitivity and prevent permanent damage from being done to the patient's teeth.
- Less irritation: Using a custom mouth tray to administer teeth whitening treatments prevents the bleaching products from getting into soft tissues in the mouth. The chemicals used are not meant to make contact with tissues like the gums for prolonged periods and they can cause burns and irritation, which is why using professional trays eliminates the possibility of irritation.
- Less sensitivity: Dentists can take appropriate steps to reduce teeth sensitivity if it is something the patient is prone to. For example, potassium nitrate can be added to the whitening product to reduce its effects on enamel, thus lowering levels of sensitivity.
Get started with teeth whitening today
Want to know more about take-home teeth whitening trays from a dentist? Reach out today to get started.
Request an appointment here: https://brimhalldentalgroup.com or call Brimhall Dental Group at (661) 249-1122 for an appointment in our Bakersfield office.
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FAQs
The trays differ from those available over the counter in that they are custom-fit to the individual's mouth. They are developed in the dental office to be comfortable and minimize the potential for the bleaching agent to come into contact with the user's gums.
Are whitening trays from dentists worth it? ›
The benefits of using custom whitening trays
A custom whitening tray fits well on a patient's teeth, which leads to improved whitening as their teeth are evenly immersed in the bleaching agent. The mouth tray also helps prevent the bleaching solution from getting into the person's gums during treatment.
Why do dentists not recommend teeth whitening? ›
Tooth and gum sensitivity and pain
Store-bought products may contain abrasive substances like hydrogen peroxide, which can be effective if used minimally, but in large doses can cause erosion of teeth's enamel and shrinkage of the gums.
Is it bad to get your teeth professionally whitened? ›
Professional teeth whitening is generally safer than DIY methods or natural remedies, and precautions should be taken before and after treatment. If you have sensitive teeth, desensitizing gels or low-concentration products may be recommended.
Who is not a good candidate for teeth whitening? ›
Not everyone is the right candidate for teeth whitening. For example, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should wait to get whitening. People who have dental bridges or crowns may want to talk to their dentist before considering whitening. Children should be at least 16 to get this type of treatment.
How much do whitening trays cost? ›
For in-office teeth whitening, it costs about $400-$700. The take-home tray is about $300-$500 and under $100 for over-the-counter whitening.
How long do whitening trays from dentist last? ›
They are also far more effective compared to the average store-bought kit. However, the results from take-home teeth whitening kits only last for three to six months on average before additional treatment is needed.
What is the least damaging way to whiten your teeth? ›
Overuse or misuse of teeth-whitening products can cause sensitivity, gum irritation, and other side effects. Custom-fitted trays and in-office treatments are the safest and most effective ways to whiten teeth. ADA-approved over-the-counter toothpastes, gels, and strips are more affordable and convenient options.
What is the safest teeth whitening? ›
Baking soda is one common household product that can actually pack some teeth-whitening power, according to the ADA. It's a mild abrasive that can help remove stains from the surface of your teeth. An easy way to try baking soda is buying a toothpaste that contains baking soda as a whitening agent.
How to whiten teeth over 60? ›
Swap your regular toothpaste for whitening toothpaste, and you can notice your teeth gradually lighten with prolonged use. Whitening toothpaste typically contains a low-concentrated bleach solution. This helps minimize the appearance of stains on your smile.
Most celebrities opt for regular teeth whitening treatments or veneers. Below you will find more information about which one is right for you.
Do whitened teeth look fake? ›
This is a common concern, but we can assure you that professional teeth whitening treatment won't make your teeth look unnaturally white. If you've seen people whose teeth look too white to be natural, you're probably seeing their veneers, not their real teeth.
Who shouldn't get their teeth whitened? ›
Children under 16 years of age. Patients with periodontal disease, tooth decay, cavities and exposed roots. People who are allergic to teeth bleaching whitening agents like peroxide. Individuals with sensitive teeth.
What type of teeth cannot be whitened? ›
Yet, if your teeth stains are underneath the enamel of your teeth, known as intrinsic (internal) discoloration, then the bleaching agent won't be able to remove them.
What do dentists say about teeth whitening? ›
Key Points. Whitening treatments can be effective on both extrinsic and intrinsic staining. Only natural teeth can be whitened, not tooth-colored restorations. Whitening treatments include in-office bleaching procedures, dentist-supplied products for use at home, and over-the-counter (OTC) whiteners.
Is dentist teeth whitening worth it? ›
Because when a qualified and experienced dentist oversees it, teeth whitening is actually a perfectly safe procedure. Moreover, it produces brilliant results that can transform your smile and let your personality shine through. Safety and satisfaction are worth paying a little extra for, don't you think?
What is the disadvantage of teeth whitening kit? ›
The potential side effects of teeth whitening include teeth sensitivity, gum irritation, and ineffective results. However, most patients do not experience any notable side effects from professional teeth whitening, as the dentist can monitor the process and perform treatment in a way that minimizes risk.
Do whitening strips or trays work better? ›
Whitening trays are less well-known compared to strips, but they are a much more effective option. Using custom-molded trays and a peroxide-based whitening gel, they allow for more even, extensive coverage of the teeth. This translates into shorter whitening times and much brighter smiles.
Should you brush your teeth after removing whitening trays? ›
After Whitening: Remove the tray and rinse off your teeth.
Brush any remaining gel away. Brush, floss and continue routine dental cleaning. You may initially notice white splotches on teeth following removal of tray. This is typically cause by dehydration of the teeth and should diminish within an hour.
