How Custom Whitening Trays Can Help Improve Your Smile

If you avoid smiling as often as you’d like because you’re afraid you’d be embarrassed by how yellow your teeth are, you’d be glad to know there are safe and simple options available to help you with your problem. A common procedure used to whiten teeth is a bleaching procedure using custom whitening trays. The procedure is very effective and most important of all, costs significantly less than the typical cosmetic dental procedure.

Why Custom Trays?

Many over-the-counter whitening trays are available and you can use them without having to consult your dentist. However, they are not as effective, nor as safe, as the custom-fitted whitening trays made by dentists.

One risk that comes with the use of over-the-counter whitening trays is that the tooth-whitening gel may leak out of the trays. This can cause irritation to your gums. Also, the trays don’t fit specifically to your mouth, which means that it won’t be able to whiten your teeth as effectively as a custom-fitted one would.

What To Expect

Before the dentist can make your custom trays, your dentist will have to clean and treat your teeth of any existing dental problems. Once finished, the dentist can then proceed to creating your custom tray, or sometimes referred to as custom bleach splints or stents.

The process starts with your dentist taking an impression of your teeth, using the resulting mold to create the trays. This typically takes a couple of days, so you’ll be asked to come back again for a second visit after the dentist finishes taking the impression.

After finishing the custom tray, your dentist will then instruct you to wear the trays for up to four hours a day for a week, or two at most. You’ll also have to place small amounts of bleaching solution into the clear trays every now and then for optimal results.

During this time, you should notice your teeth start to whiten gradually and after completing the process, you should enjoy significantly whiter teeth than before. However, to maintain their look, you’ll need an occasional treatment every now and then.

As for side effects, the only problem commonly reported is minor tooth sensitivity throughout the process. However, the sensitivity usually disappears a few days after the whole whitening process is finished. If the sensitivity persists, patients are advised to go back to their dentists to check for the underlying cause.

Keeping Teeth Bright and Shiny

The best way to maintain the teeth’s brilliant and shiny look is to take proper care of it, which includes doing the following:

  • Brushing teeth twice a day for two minutes each session. If you want, you can ask your dentist for advice on the use of whitening toothpastes.
  • Flossing daily.
  • Avoiding stain-causing food and drinks, such as coffee, carrots, blueberries and so on.
  • Visiting the dentist for regular checkups and cleaning.
  • Abstaining from chewing or smoking tobacco.

If you’ve been wishing that your teeth were a little bit brighter and whiter, then it may be time for you to talk to your dentist about custom whitening trays to help give you that bright and shiny smile that you’ve always wanted.

If you are interested in custom whitening trays, contact Dr. Ted Haines, DDS in Snohomish, WA at 360-568-8577 or visit www.tedhainesdds.com for additional information regarding teeth whitening.

Dr. Ted Haines proudly accepts patients from Monroe, Lake Stevens, Everett, Mill Creek, Woodville, and surrounding areas.