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Having pearly white teeth is no longer considered a luxury but rather a necessity. Those with whiter teeth are more self-confident and generally feel better about their bodies. However, teeth whitening was for long considered a preserve for the wealthy. You would have to dig deep into your pockets to achieve brighter smiles due to the limited options.
Today, there are more than enough methods of whitening teeth, including some techniques that you can use at home. One of the most effective ways of whitening teeth is through whitening trays. These products are known to deliver results and, above all, are much more affordable than in-office whitening.
But what exactly are teeth whitening trays? What are some of their benefits and drawbacks over other methods? Let’s delve deeper and understand more about teeth whitening trays.
What Are Teeth Whitening Trays?
Teeth whitening (bleaching) trays are key players in DIY teeth whitening. They are products made from flexible, moldable material that fits on your teeth.
You can also get custom teeth whitening trays at the dentist’s or by the provider. Some of them can be easily purchased over the counter at your local dental store. You add a whitening gel or material to the trays before placing them over your teeth for a specified amount of time to make them whiter.
Custom-made teeth whitening trays that come directly from the provider or your dentist are generally considered more effective as they are made to fit your mouth properly. This means there’s no room for leakages or the tray slipping off. Check out one of these Hismile reviews if searching for a whitening product directly from the provider/manufacturer.
However, teeth whitening trays from dentist cost a lot more than your local store.
Even though most over-the-counter trays are not customized to fit your teeth, some are pretty good as they are flexible enough to fit your mouth.
How Do Teeth Whitening Trays Work?
Depending on the brand or model you opt for, some teeth whitening trays are pre-filled with a peroxide-based gel or whitening agent. Others come as a kit — you get the teeth whitening trays with syringes that contain the whitening gel. All you have to do during each whitening session is fill the trays with the required amount of peroxide-based whitening agent.
Unlike in-office whitening, you will have to use teeth whitening trays for longer. This is because the whitening agents have lower concentrations of hydrogen peroxide or other whitening agents.
The main reason behind this is that higher concentrations of the whitening product can be harmful to your teeth and surrounding tissues (gums and cheeks) if not used properly. This is why you can only get the dentists as the only people permitted to administer such concentrated levels of peroxides.
Depending on the product, you can use it for a few minutes for each session, while others may require you wear them longer (including throughout the night).
Teeth Whitening Trays Before and After
Teeth whitening trays are known to be quite effective, as long as you pick the right brand or product. It is also advisable to consult with your dentist before settling on any teeth whitening product, especially if you have sensitive teeth and (or) gums or, at least, choose a top teeth whitening for sensitive teeth product.
Here are a few teeth whitening trays before and after images to consider:
How to Use Teeth Whitening Trays
One of the biggest concerns people have is asking ‘is teeth whitening safe?’ Generally, it all depends on the methods you use, but technically, teeth whitening is safe.
Even if you’re using custom-made trays, whitening treatments are only effective when used correctly. Failure to follow the proper instructions to the letter may increase the risk of tooth sensitivity, pain, or even damage the enamel.
Here’s a general guideline for the correct way to use teeth whitening trays:
1. Prep the teeth beforehand
Thoroughly brush and floss your teeth before each whitening session. You can also use desensitizing products (like gel or toothpaste) if you have sensitive teeth to avoid irritations associated with the whitening agents.
2. Insert the gel as instructed
Always read the instructions on the product or follow your dentist’s instructions if custom-made. Failure to adhere to the instructions, especially how you apply the gel and how much should be used, can lead to unsatisfactory results, or worse, irritations.
3. Firmly push the trays into place
Ensure that the tray you use firmly fits into place and that no leakages can be noticed. Remember not to swallow any of the bleach, and you can either spit or wipe it off with a clean cloth.
4. Wear for the directed period
Only wear the trays for the allocated time limit. Do not exceed as the peroxide may start to wear out your enamel.
5. Rinse after use
Rinse your mouth with clean water to remove any remaining gel.
6. Clean the trays and store them properly
You need to clean and wipe out any remaining gel from the trays before storing them properly until the next use.
Why Are Custom Teeth Whitening Trays Preferred?
Teeth whitening trays are a preferred option in today’s cosmetic dentistry. But why is that the case? Here are a few reasons to back that claim:
- They are effective: teeth whitening trays are quite effective and can be compared to in-office teeth whitening. The only downside here is that treatment may take longer.
- They cost less: teeth whitening trays are relatively less costly compared to teeth whitening solutions, such as at the dentist’s clinic.
- Highly convenient: you can use teeth whitening trays whenever you are comfortable and get to clean teeth in the comfort of your house.
The Best Teeth Whitening Trays in 2022
While there are many teeth whitening kits to consider, they all vary in efficiency, cost, durability, among other factors. Here are our top three picks for the best teeth whitening trays in 2022:
iSmile LED Light Teeth Whitening Trays
iSmile guarantees brighter teeth up to 8 shades whiter in 7 days. Through its light-activated technology, the product can remove stains on your teeth. You only need to wear it for about 10 minutes every day to achieve optimal results.
Product benefits:
- 5x led light-activated whitening technology
- Guarantees 8 shades brighter within 7 days
- Patented comfort mouth tray
- 100% customer satisfaction guarantee
Where to buy:
You can buy your iSmile LED Light Teeth Whitening Tray at only $29.99 in the button below.
The ConfiDental Moldable Teeth Whitening Trays
The ConfiDental Moldable Mouthguard is a versatile product that can be used to achieve various things like sports protection, teeth grinding, straightening, or whitening. Made with BPA-free and Phthalates-free premium grade material, these trays are easy to use and clean. The moldable material also makes it easy to custom-fit it to accommodate your mouth size.
When using it for teeth whitening, all you have to do is place a drop of the whitening agent inside the trays and wear it for the period indicated on the specific whitening agent’s instructions.
Product benefits:
- Moldable to accommodate each patient’s mouth
- Made with BPA-free and Phthalate-free materials
- Highly durable
- Easy to use and clean
Where to buy:
Buy the ConfiDental Moldable Teeth Whitening Trays in Amazon at only $16.95.
Opalescence Go Prefilled Teeth Whitening Trays
The Opalescence Go is a prefilled teeth whitening tray that makes the work easier for you — simply buy and wear it. You can get this product in two options: with 10% peroxide to be worn for 20 – 30 minutes every day for 5 – 10 days, or the 15% peroxide to be worn for 10 – 15 minutes every day for the same period.
Product benefits:
- It’s ready to use right out of the box
- The UltraFit tray conforms to any smile
- Available in different flavors to suit individual needs
- Vegan and gluten-free — no animal products used
Where to buy:
Get the Opalescence Go prefilled teeth whitening tray by clicking the button below at only $59.64.
Teeth Whitening Tray Tips from the Dentist
Here are a few dentist-approved instructions to guide you on your teeth whitening tray usage:
- Follow all instructions (from the dentist or brand) to the letter
- Ensure to clean and store the trays well after each session
- Do not exceed the allocated time limit
- The results may vary from one person to another
FAQ
Do teeth whitening trays work?
Teeth whitening trays are effective and are known to work just like in-office treatment, just that the treatment may take longer.
How much do teeth whitening trays cost?
The total cost of teeth whitening trays varies from the brand, the materials used, and where you get them from. On average, you should be ready to spend between $50 and $600 for the treatment.
How often should I use teeth whitening trays?
How often you use your teeth whitening trays depends on the brand and the concentration of its whitening agent. On average, you should be ready to wear them at least once, every day, for about 5 – 30 days.
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Written by The Teeth Blog Team
Choosing the best teeth aligners online, toothbrushes or whitening kits can be a confusing and difficult process, especially when there are so many options out there that you begin to lose your mind. That's why we have created this blog, to test all the different option and give users our honest opinion and try to help you with your decision.The Teeth Blog Team is joined by a group of teeth enthusiasts who loved to try and review all the dental products they find. So they thought it was a great idea to make a blog and share all their knowledge, making it easier for everyone looking for honest and objective reviews of dental products.
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