Do Teeth Whitening Trays From The Dentist Work?

A bright, white smile is often associated with good health and confidence, leading many to seek out effective teeth whitening solutions. Among the various options available, at-home teeth whitening using teeth whitening trays from dentists, have become increasingly popular. These custom-made trays, paired with professional-grade whitening gels promise to deliver impressive results.

A teeth whitening treatment is a popular cosmetic procedure that helps achieve a brighter smile by reducing extrinsic stains caused by substances like coffee and tea.

But do these trays work? How to whiten your teeth with these trays? Whether you're considering teeth whitening for the first time or looking to maintain your smile, understanding the role of dental trays can help you make an informed decision.

What are teeth whitening trays?

Teeth whitening trays are one of the most popular whitening products available. Professional teeth whitening at the dentist is a popular cosmetic dental procedure that aims to lighten the colour of teeth. Professional teeth whitening may be either in-office professional teeth whitening or at-home teeth whitening with whitening trays.

Professional teeth whitening services offer a more powerful solution if you prefer a faster route to a radiant smile. During a whitening session, your dentist uses strong bleaching products. They also use custom trays. This ensures that your teeth are whitened evenly and effectively. The results are often more dramatic, giving you noticeably whiter teeth in just one visit.

In-office professional teeth whitening involves a single visit where a high-concentration whitening gel is applied to your teeth under the supervision of a dentist. The entire procedure is typically completed in an hour, making it a convenient option for those looking for quick results.

For those looking to whiten teeth at home, home teeth whitening trays are an excellent option. At-home teeth whitening involves teeth whitening trays that are custom-made by the dentist and a lower concentration of whitening gel. You'll apply the gel to the trays and wear them for a specified period each day, usually over the course of a few weeks.

By using whitening kits with bleaching agents, you can gradually achieve your desired shade of white from the comfort of your home. While this method requires more time to achieve the desired level of whitening, it allows for gradual improvement and greater control over the whitening process.

How are teeth whitening trays from the dentist different from over-the-counter trays?

Home teeth whitening trays are an excellent option for whitening teeth at home. These trays, often provided by your dentist, are custom-fitted to ensure that the whitening gel stays in close contact with your teeth, delivering the best results. By using whitening kits with bleaching agents, you can gradually achieve your desired shade of white from the comfort of your home.

Professional teeth whitening products from a dentist are generally more effective than over-the-counter options. Custom-made whitening trays from a dentist provide a precise fit, ensuring more efficient and consistent whitening results. Here are their key features.

	Teeth Whitening Trays From Dentist	Over-The-Counter Trays
Fit	Your dentist takes impressions of your upper and lower teeth to create custom-fitted trays, ensuring a snug and even distribution of whitening gel for consistent results across all teeth.	They are typically one-size-fits-all and often results in poor fit that may lead to uneven whitening and discomfort.
Dosing Dots	There are small areas in the trays known as dosing dots. They are designed to assist in applying the correct amount of gel to each tooth, preventing overloading that could lead to sensitivity or gum irritation.	They lack dosing dots, thereby increasing the risk of gel overload, which can potentially cause sensitivity and gum irritation.
Tray Material	These trays are made from ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), providing durability and flexibility for a comfortable fit that securely holds gel against the teeth.	Often made from a more rigid material, these trays do not provide the same comfort or secure the whitening gel in place effectively.

By incorporating these design features, teeth whitening trays from the dentist offer a superior whitening experience compared to over-the-counter alternatives.

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What are the benefits of using teeth whitening trays from the dentist?

Controlled Whitening Rate

Some people might prefer a gradual whitening process to avoid sudden changes in teeth colour, while others might want to brighten their teeth just before a special event and then take a break. At-home whitening trays provided by your dentist let you customise how long and how often you use them, making it easy to fit the treatment into your schedule and achieve your desired results.

Convenience

You can whiten your teeth at your own convenience, eliminating the need for multiple trips to the dentist, which is especially beneficial for those with busy lives.

Cost-effectiveness

Teeth whitening trays from the dentist tend to be more cost-effective than having the procedure done in the dental clinic.

Comfort

Whitening your teeth in a familiar, comfortable environment can help reduce any potential discomfort or anxiety that might be associated with a visit to a dental clinic.

Maintenance

After an initial professional whitening treatment, at-home whitening trays can help you maintain your bright smile. You can use the trays occasionally to touch up your teeth and keep them looking their best, extending the effects of your in-office treatment.

It's essential to follow instructions carefully on how to make teeth white, to achieve safe and effective results. Consulting with your dentist before starting any home whitening treatment can ensure it's appropriate for your dental health and goals.

It typically takes about two weeks for customised whitening trays from the dentist to be ready. However, at Dental Designs Clinic, we can produce customised whitening trays in a single day, thanks to our in-house dental lab.

Click here to know more about our teeth whitening packages.

So, do teeth whitening trays from the dentist really work?

Yes, teeth whitening trays from the dentist do work. They have been extensively studied and proven effective in achieving significant whitening results. Patients often notice a noticeable improvement in the whiteness of their teeth and these results can last for several months to years, depending on their oral hygiene practices and lifestyle choices.

It's important to recognise that while these trays are highly effective, the degree of whitening achieved can vary from person to person. Factors such as the initial shade of the teeth and the type of stains present can influence the outcome. Therefore, while dentist-provided whitening trays are highly effective, they may not achieve the same level of whiteness for everyone.

whiteness for everyone.
To learn more about our services or to start your journey to a brighter smile, you can request an appointment here. Whether you choose to use teeth whitening trays from a dentist at home or visit for a professional treatment, you'll be on your way to a whiter, more confident smile.

References

1. Geisinger S, Kwon SR, Qian F. Employment of Reservoirs in At-Home Whitening Trays: Efficacy and Efficiency in Tooth Whitening. J Contemp Dent Pract. 2015 May 1;16(5):383-8. doi: 10.5005/jp-journals-10024-1694. PMID: 26162258.
   
2. Carey CM. Tooth whitening: what we now know. J Evid Based Dent Pract. 2014 Jun;14 Suppl:70-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jebdp.2014.02.006. Epub 2014 Feb 13. PMID: 24929591; PMCID: PMC4058574.