With all of the teeth whitening options on the market today, there is one option that doesn’t get much press but can be remarkably effective. Professional take home whitening kits are a great option for many patients. Here’s why.
Why are take home whitening trays available?
Stained teeth can make even a simple gesture like laughing at a joke or smiling at a baby uncomfortable. There are two types of teeth staining that can occur: extrinsic and intrinsic.
Extrinsic stains are the most common type of stain, appearing on the surface of your teeth where the enamel is discolored. Intrinsic stains are harder to remove as they originate inside the teeth (the dentin itself is discolored).
Food and drinks like coffee are the most common causes of extrinsic stains on teeth. Other causes of teeth stains include:
- Medications, including some antibiotics, high blood pressure medicines, and antidepressants
- Age
- Tobacco use
- Genetics
- Underlying disease or treatment for medical conditions
- Trauma to the teeth
Of the two types of stains, extrinsic stains respond best to take home whitening trays. You don’t have to suffer with teeth stains that make you self-conscious.
Take home whitening trays are a great option that bridges the gap between professional teeth whitening at your dentist’s office and over-the-counter at home teeth whitening. They are a great way to get the benefits of whiter teeth in the comfort of your own home. Plus, there are three other reasons why take home whitening trays make good sense.
1. Take home whitening trays are more customized
Sure, the over-the-counter teeth whitening kits cost less, but they are also a one-size-fits all proposition in a world where everyone’s mouth is different.
Take home whitening trays from the dentist are customized for you, and you alone.
2. Take home whitening trays are just as effective
Take home whitening kits can be just as effective at removing certain types of stains as a professional in-office treatment.
In fact, many dentists supplement their in-office professional treatment with take home whitening trays.
3. Take home whitening trays are more affordable
Professional in-office teeth whitening is very effective and a great choice for patients who are also addressing other oral health issues, but this service can cost more than you expected.
Take home whitening trays are that happy medium of cost: more affordable than in-office treatments, but more expensive than the over-the-counter strips (and more effective than the strips, too!).
How can take home whitening help my teeth?
Tray-based tooth whitening, whether take home whitening trays from dentist or over-the-counter, is remarkably effective at whitening teeth.
Professional at-home teeth whitening can produce teeth that are one to two shades whiter in as little as two weeks. Over-the-counter trays can take much longer, and, as noted above, overuse can cause sensitivity and damage to the enamel. With both, it is important to follow the directions for use.
How do I use take home whitening trays from dentist?
Take home whitening trays from the dentist are custom fit to you and come with a specific set of directions. Always follow your dentist’s exact directions, but in general, here’s what you can expect.
Impressions are taken of the upper and lower teeth, using special putty. Once this mold is made, trays will be manufactured for you to provide the best coverage for the whitening solution. At this time, your dentist will also record the color of your teeth as a basis for comparison as your treatment progresses.
Once your take home whitening trays are ready, you will schedule another appointment to check the fit. Your dentist (or dental hygienist) will show you how to place the whitening solution in the trays for the best results. If the solution is a gel, it is typically delivered in a syringe. Apply a bead of gel approximately halfway up each tray (or as directed by your dentist).
Start with clean teeth: brush, floss, and rinse completely before inserting the take home whitening trays.
Once your teeth are clean, snap the tray into place. Some brands can be worn overnight. Others recommend just a few hours of wear a day. This procedure is usually repeated daily for several weeks, but, as always, follow your dentist’s instructions for best results.
Taking care of your smile
Do not eat, drink, or smoke while wearing the take home whitening trays (and for 30 minutes after each treatment).
Once you have completed the first round of treatment, your dentist will take a look at your teeth, comparing them to the first snapshot. If there is little to no change, they may suggest repeating the whitening procedure. They may also suggest a higher percentage of bleaching solution, or a one-time professional whitening to jump start the process.
Once you achieve the bright smile you are going for, take good care of it.
- Continue to practice good oral hygiene: Brush and floss daily. Your dentist may suggest a whitening toothpaste or rinse to maintain your results.
- Avoid staining food and drink: Avoid drinking staining beverages (e.g., coffee, black tea, red wine) and eating foods that stain teeth (like blueberries and foods that contain turmeric). If you cannot avoid them, use a straw for drinking and rinse your mouth completely after eating.
- Stop smoking: Smoking can send you back to square one in terms of white teeth, and it also makes teeth more susceptible to deeper stains over time. It’s okay to use whiter teeth as an excuse to quit using tobacco products – and it’s great for your health!
If you are looking for teeth whitening options in the Phoenix area, give AZ Dentist a call. We work with patients to help them achieve their healthiest, brightest smile ever!