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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Teeth Whitening Treatments: Dentist vs Over-the-Counter Alternatives
Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental procedure that aims to improve the color of teeth. While over-the-counter alternatives are readily available, it is important to note that teeth whitening treatments provided by dentists are generally more effective and safer. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this claim and discuss the concepts related to teeth whitening treatments.
Custom Whitening Trays vs One-Size-Fits-All Trays
Custom whitening trays are made from an impression of the patient's mouth, ensuring a proper fit. This is in contrast to over-the-counter trays, which are typically one-size-fits-all and may not fit well. Ill-fitting trays can lead to uneven whitening and potential irritation.
Importance of Dental Evaluation
Before starting any teeth whitening treatment, it is crucial for the dentist to evaluate the patient's teeth for any existing dental issues. Whitening damaged teeth can cause severe sensitivity and pain, and in some cases, it can even result in permanent damage to the gums and teeth.
Determining the Cause of Stains
The dentist also needs to determine the cause of the patient's teeth stains. While whitening treatments are effective for stains caused by smoking, foods/beverages, and aging, certain types of stains, such as those caused by tooth decay and tetracycline antibiotics, may not respond well to whitening treatments. In such cases, restorations like dental bonding, veneers, and crowns may be recommended.
The Process of Custom Teeth Whitening Trays
Once the dentist has cleared the patient for teeth whitening, a mold is taken of the patient's teeth to create a customized whitening tray. This mold is sent to a lab where the trays are made, a process that takes approximately two weeks.
Benefits of Custom Whitening Trays
Custom whitening trays offer several benefits compared to over-the-counter alternatives. Firstly, they provide a better fit, ensuring that the teeth are evenly immersed in the bleaching agent, resulting in improved whitening. Additionally, the trays help prevent the bleaching solution from reaching the gums, which can cause irritation or damage. Furthermore, with custom trays, the dentist can provide instructions on proper usage, and these long-lasting appliances can be used for many years, provided no major dental work is done.
Maintaining Whitening Results
Teeth are constantly exposed to substances that can stain them, which is why maintaining the results of teeth whitening treatments is important. Patients can maintain their teeth's new color by practicing good dental hygiene, using whitening toothpaste occasionally, avoiding foods and beverages with strong colors, and performing maintenance whitening treatments as needed.
In conclusion, teeth whitening treatments provided by dentists, using custom whitening trays, offer a more effective and safer approach compared to over-the-counter alternatives. It is important to consult with a dentist to evaluate dental health, determine the cause of stains, and receive personalized instructions for proper usage and maintenance of whitening trays.
