As more people become increasingly self-conscious of their appearance and smile, the demand for cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening has never been higher.Â
If you are also concerned about the colour or shade of your teeth, you can surely benefit from teeth whitening. But, with numerous teeth whitening options and brands available, it becomes challenging for one to decide which is best for them. But, if you are also confused between different teeth bleaching options or want to know more about this procedure, you have come to the right place! This blog explains everything you need to know about one of the commonly used products in teeth whitening: the whitening trays. So, read on to learn about them.
A survey of 1000 UK residents showed that 76% of them wanted to change something about their appearance, whereas 43% of the respondents wanted to change the shape or colour of their teeth with surgical or non-surgical cosmetic procedures, including teeth whitening.
How Do Teeth Whitening Processes Vary?
Teeth whitening procedures vary based on their type, formula, or whether they are performed at home or by a dentist. For example, at-home teeth whitening formulas have slightly lower concentrations of bleaching agents – and are used differently – than professionally used whitening formulas. Similarly, some domestic whitening formulas may use whitening trays, while others are based on whitening strips. On the other hand, professional teeth whitening is almost always done using custom-made whitening trays.
Does Teeth Whitening Really Work?
Yes, there is a reason why teeth whitening is famous worldwide. It is because it works! However, one must be careful in choosing whitening products as some are either harmful or contain ingredients that are not effective. The bleaching agents used by dentists have very high concentrations, but they are trained to prevent damage to the teeth while ensuring optimal results in just one sitting. So, it is always a good idea to visit a qualified and experienced dentist for the best teeth whitening results.
How Can I Get White Teeth At Home?
If you have a busy schedule that prevents you from going to the dentist’s office for teeth whitening, you can always have your teeth whitened at home. Such at-home teeth whitening products are available easily at supermarkets and pharmacies. Most of these whitening formulas come with stock whitening trays that need to be filled with the bleaching agent and then worn over the teeth for a particular time. Other at-home whitening products include whitening strips and toothpaste.
Why Do I Need To Use A Whitening Tray?
Most at-home and professionally-applied whitening formulas come with whitening trays. A whitening tray is used to ensure that the bleaching agent – which can burn the oral soft tissues and gums if it overflows – remains confined within the trays and only whitens the teeth. The whitening trays also ensure that all the teeth are exposed to the same amount of the bleaching agent, thereby ensuring uniform whitening results.
How To Use Teeth Whitening Gel With A Tray?
If you have bought a gel-based whitening formula that comes with a tray, you should first try it on the tray without the bleaching agent. This is done to check whether the tray can fit over your teeth or not. Next, brush your teeth thoroughly to remove all plaque deposits and to ensure that all the teeth surfaces are exposed uniformly to the whitening agent. Next, fill the tray with the whitening gel as per the manufacturer’s instructions and then wear them over your teeth are recommended. Once you remove the tray, you will observe a visible improvement in the shade and colour of your teeth.
What Happens If You Leave Teeth Whitening Gel On Too Long?
Teeth should be exposed to a whitening formula only for durations recommended by the manufacturer. Exposing the teeth to a bleaching agent for too long can cause complications such as damage to the enamel and an increased risk of tooth sensitivity and cavities. So, one must follow the manufacturer’s instructions while whitening teeth to avoid complications.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Teeth Whitening?
Let us take a look at the pros and cons of teeth whitening:
- Improved smile
- Boost in self-confidence
- Safe procedure when done by a specialist
The cons of teeth whitening include:
- Expensive procedure
- Risk of permanent tooth sensitivity if not performed correctly
- It cannot be performed frequently
Will Teeth Whitening Work On A Dead Tooth?
It is possible to whiten a dead tooth. However, the procedure is slightly different from the whitening of a healthy tooth. To whiten a dead tooth, your dentist will perform a procedure called intrinsic whitening. This procedure will remove stains from the tooth’s interior, unlike conventional whitening, where the stains are removed from the outer tooth surface.
What Are The Reasons Why Tooth Whitening Gel Expires?
The main whitening ingredient in whitening formulas is carbamide or hydrogen peroxide. If a whitening gel is stored unused for too long, chances are that the hydrogen peroxide gets converted into oxygen and water. If a whitening gel is used beyond its expiry date, it will not be effective as there is no more active whitening ingredient present inside it to remove the teeth stains.
How Can I Make My Teeth White Overnight?
Mild teeth stains can be removed overnight using at-home bleaching agents. However, stronger teeth stains may require multiple sittings. If you want fast results and you cannot wait for multiple whitening sittings, you may have whitened cosmetically using veneers or lumineers.
