Why Custom Teeth Whitening Trays From Your Dentist Are Safer for Your Teeth - Escondido Family Dental Care & Specialty Center Escondido California (2024)

Teeth whitening treatments provided by dentists are a more effective and safer approach to improving the color of teeth than over-the-counter alternatives. These custom whitening trays are made from an impression of the patient's mouth, so they fit properly.

Teeth whitening trays can also be purchased over-the-counter, but those are typically one-size-fits-all appliances. They rarely fit well, which can lead to uneven whitening or irritation.

Teeth whitening with custom mouth trays

Teeth whitening treatments usually start with the dentist taking a close look at the patient's teeth to find any existing dental issues. Whitening damaged teeth can lead to severe teeth sensitivity and pain. In some cases, it can lead to permanent damage to gum tissues and teeth.

The dentist will also evaluate the patient's teeth to determine the cause of their stains. Whitening treatments are great on stains caused by smoking, foods/beverages and aging. Other types of stains, like those caused by tooth decay and tetracycline antibiotics, rarely go away after whitening treatments. These types of stains can be covered up with restorations like dental bonding, veneers, and crowns.

Once the dentist has cleared the patient for teeth whitening treatments, the patient is asked to bite down on a mold that leaves an impression of their teeth. The impression is sent to a lab that makes mouth trays and other dental restorations. It takes about two weeks for the customized whitening trays to be ready.

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. The hydrogen peroxide or hydrogen carbamide in such products can irritate gum tissues or damage them.

Custom teeth whitening trays also come with the added benefit of having a dentist explain how to properly use it. These are long-lasting appliances that can last the rest of the patient's life if they do not have major dental work done.

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry states that custom whitening trays are the safer option when whitening teeth. They are effective at keeping the bleaching product exactly where it needs to be: on the patient's teeth.

Maintaining the results of teeth whitening treatments

Teeth are constantly bombarded by things that can stain them, which is why most people develop stains and discoloration on their teeth over time. Whitening treatments can restore teeth to their original color or make them whiter. Here are simple things that patients can do to maintain their teeth's new color:

  • Practice good dental hygiene, which helps prevent new stains
  • Use whitening toothpaste a couple of times per week
  • Avoid foods/beverages with strong colors, like pasta sauce and red wine
  • Perform maintenance whitening treatments as needed

Get your custom mouth tray

Call or visit our Escondido clinic if you need a custom mouth tray for whitening treatments. Our dentist can provide you with a complete at-home whitening kit.

Request an appointment here: https://www.escondidofamilydentistry.com or call Escondido Family Dental Care & Specialty Center at (760) 747-7223 for an appointment in our Escondido office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Teeth Whitening in Escondido, CA.

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Why Custom Teeth Whitening Trays From Your Dentist Are Safer for Your Teeth - Escondido Family Dental Care & Specialty Center Escondido California (2024)

FAQs

Are custom whitening trays better? ›

Teeth whitening treatments provided by dentists are a more effective and safer approach to improving the color of teeth than over-the-counter alternatives. These custom whitening trays are made from an impression of the patient's mouth, so they fit properly.

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.

What is the safest method for whitening teeth? ›

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.

How much do custom 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.

Are whitening trays from dentists worth it? ›

Teeth whitening trays from a dentist are vastly superior to any supposed teeth whitening solutions available at the local store. Your dentist will take the time necessary to build a fully customized teeth whitening tray for your unique mouth.

What are the side effects of teeth whitening trays? ›

One of the most common side effects is tooth sensitivity, which can occur during or after treatment. Overuse or misuse of teeth whitening products can also lead to enamel damage, gum irritation, and discoloration. Additionally, some types of tooth discoloration may not respond well to teeth whitening treatments.

Who shouldn't get teeth whitening on? ›

Pregnant and lactating women. People who have restorations such as fillings, implants, crowns and dental bridges. Children under 16 years of age. Patients with periodontal disease, tooth decay, cavities and exposed roots.

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.

Can yellow teeth become white again? ›

What Can Be Done to Whiten Yellow Teeth? If you're looking for a radical change in the coloring of your teeth, you need professional-grade whitening to get the job done. Your cosmetic dentist can provide treatment that penetrates deep into the enamel and removes years of stains with a powerful bleaching agent.

What is the best and healthiest way to whiten your teeth? ›

Dentists can treat you with 6% hydrogen peroxide (the bleaching agent that whitens teeth) – this is nearly 6,000 times stronger than any over-the-counter tooth whitening product. Because of this, tooth whitening by a dentist will give you the very best results.

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.

How to get super white teeth? ›

Seven Ways to Naturally Whiten Teeth
  1. Eat Strawberries. One of the simplest ways to naturally whiten your teeth is just by eating strawberries. ...
  2. Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables. ...
  3. Brush After You Eat or Drink. ...
  4. Rinse with Apple Cider Vinegar. ...
  5. Apply Coconut Oil. ...
  6. Brush Your Tongue. ...
  7. Use Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide.

How long do custom teeth whitening trays last? ›

The results from take-home teeth whitening trays do not last as long as those from in-office teeth whitening. Take-home teeth whitening kits produce results that can last around six months. In-office whitening can last for well beyond a year if the patient cares for their teeth properly after treatment.

How long does it take to whiten teeth with custom trays? ›

In regards to how long trays need to be worn, patients should expect to wear them until the teeth have reached the right shade of white. In some cases, it can take a few weeks or for serious stains, it can take up to a year.

How long do teeth whitening trays last? ›

Take-home teeth whitening trays

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.

How often do you use custom whitening trays? ›

Wearing the trays once every 2 months will keep your teeth at a very stable colour indefinitely, however if you want to keep them at an even brighter white, you may want to wear the trays once a month. Whitening gel, for maintenance, is available from the practice.

Is professional teeth whitening better than at-home? ›

A: Professional Teeth Whitening treatments usually yield better, faster and longer lasting results than Home Teeth Whitening kits, can help reduce tooth sensitivity and irritation caused by Home Teeth Whitening kits, and are generally safer than Home teeth whitening kits as they are administered under the supervision ...

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