Teeth Whitening Trays: How they Work, Cost, and Alternatives (2024)

A radiant smile can contribute to a more youthful and energetic appearance, a desire shared by many. Consequently, there is a high demand for teeth whitening techniques. Whitening, often referred to as ‘bleaching,’ trays have gained popularity as an effective method to maintain vibrant smiles.

Teeth whitening trays are suitable for both young individuals and adults, addressing various defects or stains on their teeth. However, it’s generally not advisable for use in children. A study indicated that 80% of Americans, particularly those aged 18 to 49, express the desire for cleaner and whiter teeth, underscoring the widespread interest in enhancing dental aesthetics.

What are teeth whitening trays?

Although teeth whitening can make teeth whiter, it is not a medical practice because it does not produce teeth that are healthier or stronger. It’s a bleaching process that employs personalized whitening trays that are placed over the teeth to restore your mouth’s brightness and freshness without the need for more expensive, generic cosmetic dentistry procedures. The fact that it may be completed without a dentist’s supervision is by far its greatest benefit.

How do whitening trays work?

To reduce natural stains and alter the natural color of teeth, proven tooth whitening products or bleaching trays rely on proven innovations (35% hydrogen peroxide for in-office power fading or 10% to 15% carbamide peroxide for at-home whitening).

A combination of surfactants, abrasives, anti-calculus agents, and low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide are used in over-the-counter whitening products to minimize external stains and maintain whiteness following professional treatment.

What’s the timeframe to wear whitening trays?

You ought to wear them sparingly unless you have sensitivity problems. It’s crucial to use it consistently until benefits are apparent. Depending on how much whitening you want, several applications of teeth whitening are used. You should wear the trays for one to two hours a day, or even sleep with them in your mouth if you’re not feeling sensitive. But depending on the circ*mstances of each situation, some people would need a lot of wear, while others might simply need a little therapy to guarantee stains are gone.

More significantly, though, customers need to be prepared to use the tooth trays until their teeth have reached the desired level of whiteness. But in certain cases, it can take several weeks, and for large stains, it can take up to a year.

Dentists typically advise against using whitening trays continuously for a whole year. Instead, to get the desired result, patients are frequently told to try several therapy modalities. A few months with the trays on and a few months without them could be the format of the therapy cycle. Teeth can continue to be mineralized as a result.

Are whitening trays effective?

Yes, they sure are. Teeth whitening trays have become a convenient and relatively straightforward method to enhance your dental appearance, often yielding visible results within a few weeks. It’s crucial to seek a recommendation and confirmation from your dentist before using any tooth whitening tool.

To sustain the initial tooth whitening results, it’s advisable to incorporate daily flossing and rinsing into your oral care routine. Furthermore, it is essential to avoid acidic and tannin-rich foods and drinks, as they can contribute to staining.

What are custom whitening trays?

Many over-the-counter whitening tray products can be purchased without a dentist’s direct supervision. However, your dentist’s custom-fitted mouth trays are the safest whitening trays, per the study and analysis.

These are teeth- or mouthguard-like trays that are made especially to fit your mouth. This way, you may avoid the gum-irritating, tooth-whitening gel-leaking, and ineffective teeth-whitening that come with ill-fitting trays.

This teeth-whitening method involves filling the tray with a bleaching gel or paste that contains peroxide. After that, it is applied to the teeth for up to four weeks, for one to several hours each day.

How much do whitening trays cost?

Generally, the cost of whitening trays falls within the range of $150 to $600, varying depending on the dental healthcare services provided. These trays can be customized by your dental practitioner or purchased over the counter, depending on your preference and budget.

What are the alternatives to whitening trays?

Professional Whitening:

The safest and most effective method for teeth whitening is through professional dental services, especially for individuals seeking teeth whitening in Cypress, TX. While sensitivity may be experienced, professional whitening, administered by a dentist, ensures safe and optimal results. It is considered the best approach for achieving a brighter smile.

Whitening Strips and Gels:

These are small pieces of flexible plastic known as polyethylene, coated with a whitening gel containing around 60% hydrogen peroxide. To use, one strip is applied to the top teeth, and another strip to the bottom. The peroxide gel seeps into the teeth to lighten them. However, strips may have limitations, not reaching certain spaces or curved areas, resulting in a potential uneven whitening effect.

Whitening Toothpaste:

Designed to brighten teeth by eliminating surface stains, whitening toothpaste lacks peroxide and mainly utilizes dedicated abrasives. These abrasives polish the teeth and help dissolve stains by generating cleansing chemical compounds in the mouth. While effective for surface stains, they can’t change the natural shade of teeth or combat deeper stains.

Whitening Light Devices:

These systems include a whitening gel and a plate with an attached light. The application is simple, involving attaching the light to the plate and turning it on. The LED light typically remains active for 15-30 minutes, depending on the brand.

If you have ever desired a brighter smile, schedule an appointment with your dentist to explore the option of custom whitening trays. These trays can help restore the freshness and radiance to your teeth. Whether you are interested in custom whitening trays or other whitening procedures, a dentist can guide you in the right direction. Take care and prioritize your safety!

Teeth Whitening Trays: How they Work, Cost, and Alternatives (2024)

FAQs

How much do whitening trays cost? ›

Professional Teeth Whitening Treatments
Product/TreatmentMinimum PriceAverage Price
In-Office Bleaching$500$650
Custom Dental Whitening Trays$150$375
KöR Whitening$500$850
Laser Whitening$500$750
Jan 14, 2023

How does a teeth whitening tray work? ›

With home whitening trays, the peroxide itself slowly releases oxygen molecules that seep into the outer layer of your tooth, called enamel, and break down stains over a few hours, whitening your teeth gently over a succession of days.

Are dentist whitening trays worth it? ›

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry endorses the use of custom-fit teeth whitening trays crafted by dentists as they really are that much safer than other options. There is no risk of tooth-whitening gel moving on out of trays that do not properly fit your mouth.

What is the most cost effective way to whiten your teeth? ›

Over-the-counter options, like whitening toothpastes, strips, and kits, tend to be the cheapest options.

How long do 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 many days in a row can you use whitening trays? ›

For at-home use, your dentist will instruct you to place a small amount of the bleaching solution into the clear trays and wear the trays for up to four hours a day for one to two weeks.

Which is better, whitening strips or trays? ›

Trays provide more coverage than some teeth whitening strips. May contain a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide and other chemicals for near-immediate results. Permanently remove light and tough stains. Many kits come with enough gel for multiple, separate treatments, which saves on costs.

What are the side effects of teeth whitening trays? ›

The most common teeth whitening side effect is tooth sensitivity. This often subsides within a few days to a week after treatment. Other potential side effects include gum irritation, redness, and soreness in the mouth. These side effects are also typically temporary and will resolve on their own.

Do I rinse my mouth after whitening trays? ›

After whitening, remove the tray, rinse twice until teeth are free of gel and avoid swallowing. Brush away any remaining gel if necessary. 7. Clean trays with a toothbrush and cold water.

What can I use instead of whitening trays? ›

Teeth whitening products available over the counter include whitening toothpastes and mouthwashes and bleaching gels and strips. Unlike professional treatments, these products contain little if any peroxide bleaching agent.

Are you supposed to sleep with whitening trays? ›

Every dentist is slightly different and therefore you should follow the instructions provided with regards to wearing your trays. However, in most cases the whitening trays are worn overnight for at least 7/8 hours. During this time, you should not eat, drink or smoke.

Can I shower with teeth whitening trays in? ›

Whitening products such as Crest Whitestrips use Advanced Seal technology to keep the strips in place so you can continue your regular activities such as showering, drinking water, or running errands.

What's the cheapest way to get your teeth whitened? ›

Try At-Home Whitening Products

A whitening treatment from your dentist can be quite effective — but also quite expensive. However, combining your whitening toothpaste with one of the following over-the-counter options can give results that will surely make you smile: Gel strips. Whitening pens.

What is the number one teeth whitening method? ›

Laser Teeth Whitening. Currently, the preferred choice of tooth-whitening treatment is Philips' Zoom! laser teeth whitening. For laser teeth whitening, a patient will typically come in for an hour-long session and then use formulated take-home teeth-whitening trays for lasting results.

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.

Is it worth paying for teeth whitening? ›

As a result, you may wonder if professional tooth whitening is worth the cost. Lots of patients are curious about in-office treatment and ask if it is really better than at-home options. The answer is a resounding yes. The most effective way to whiten teeth is with a professional in-office treatment.

How much is teeth whitening in dentists? ›

In-office dental treatments cost anywhere from ₱9,000 to ₱20,000 (charges vary between dentists)for full teeth whitening treatment.

How much whitening gel in trays? ›

You should aim to use approximately half a tube or less for each bleaching tray per night. Excess material should be removed from the gums with a tissue, cotton wool or a dry toothbrush after insertion of the trays. The filled trays are usually worn overnight.

How much does it cost to whiten your teeth in NYC? ›

The average cost for professional in-office teeth whitening treatment in NYC ranges between $99 to $599. The price will depend on the type of teeth whitening you choose, the expertise of the dentist and the hygienist, NYC office location, the number of sessions required and any follow-up treatments you will receive.

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