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 American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry endorses the use of custom-fit teeth whitening trays crafted by dentists as they really are that much safer than other options. There is no risk of tooth-whitening gel moving on out of trays that do not properly fit your mouth.
What are the benefits of teeth whitening trays? ›
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.
Is it worth it to get your teeth professionally whitened? ›
As a result, you may wonder if professional tooth whitening is worth the cost. Lots of patients are curious about in-office treatment and ask if it is really better than at-home options. The answer is a resounding yes. The most effective way to whiten teeth is with a professional in-office 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.
How much does the whitening tray cost? ›
The take-home tray is about $300-$500 and under $100 for over-the-counter whitening.
How long do whitening trays from dentist last? ›
Typically, teeth whitening trays are used multiple times over the span of a couple of weeks. As far as how long the results from take-home trays last, the answer varies for everyone. In general, the results will last for six to eight months. In some scenarios, the results may last for up to a year.
Do you brush your teeth after 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.
How many hours should you leave teeth whitening trays in? ›
If you wear your custom made trays for at least 3-4 hours in the day and/or wear the trays overnight for 14 consecutive days you will get the fastest results. If you cannot wear the trays for a few days because life intrudes or your teeth become sensitive, it does not matter.
Is it safe to sleep with teeth whitening trays? ›
This depends on the amount of lightening you desire and the original shade of the teeth. If you are not experiencing any sensitivity, you should wear the trays for at least 1-2 hours a day, or even sleep with them in your mouth.
Do most celebrities get their teeth whitened? ›
Most celebrities opt for regular teeth whitening treatments or veneers. Below you will find more information about which one is right for you.
Some home kits don't contain enough whitening product to be effective. Also, if a dental professional isn't doing the whitening, the mouthguard provided may not fit properly so some of the bleaching gel may leak out onto your gums and into your mouth, causing blistering and sensitivity.
What is the most effective teeth whitening method? ›
laser teeth whitening is the safest, quickest, and most effective option among the types of teeth-whitening treatments available. However, there are ultimately several ways to whiten teeth, and the most suitable option will depend on your timeline, budget, and priorities, as well as the nature of the discoloration.
What is the least damaging way to whiten your teeth? ›
Baking Soda: As long as you are careful to brush gently, baking soda can eliminate stains from the surface of your teeth without damaging them. Whitening Strips: Whitening strips mold to the shape of your teeth to whiten them. Whitening strips are both safe and effective.
Who shouldn't get their teeth whitened? ›
Teeth whitening is also not recommended for women who are pregnant or lactating. Likewise, if you have sensitive teeth and gums, receding gums or defective restorations, then you should consult with your dentist before you undertake any teeth whitening treatment.
Can yellow teeth become white again? ›
Yellow teeth can be completely whitened with teeth whitening technologies at the dentist or at home. Depending on the status of your yellow teeth as well as your needs, the doctor will advise and prescribe the appropriate method.
Are dentist teeth whitening kits worth it? ›
Professional Teeth Whitening Provides Faster Long-Lasting Results. While at-home kits can take weeks or even months to show noticeable results, professional treatments tend to produce faster. Dentists utilize advanced techniques like laser or light-activated whitening that significantly speed up the whitening process.
Is it better to whiten teeth at the dentist or home? ›
Professional teeth whitening uses a more effective process
Dr. Yalamanchili is able to use a stronger process in her office, typically approved for use by dentists only. You'll see some difference in the brightness of your teeth with a DIY kit, but not as much as if you had your teeth professionally whitened.
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.
How many hours should you wear whitening trays? ›
If your teeth are quite dark or very yellow or grey or if you have antibiotic staining it will take longer. If you wear your custom made trays for at least 3-4 hours in the day and/or wear the trays overnight for 14 consecutive days you will get the fastest results.
