Comparing Professional Teeth Whitening Trays to OTC Ones

Trays for teeth whitening are a popular bleaching option. Many patients like the convenience of the trays, as they can be used at home. This eliminates the need for in-office whitening sessions. You may wonder if over-the-counter whitening trays and solutions are as effective as ones made at a dental office. Custom trays provide a better fit and are typically the better option. There are many things to consider when choosing a custom tray over a store-bought one.

Benefits of custom teeth whitening trays versus over-the-counter options

The primary benefit of a custom tray rather than an over-the-counter one is that a dentist supervises the entire process. This eliminates the need for a patient to guess what tray will work and what type of teeth whitening solution to use. This helps a patient achieve more predictable and safer results. 

Fabrication for custom fit

In-office trays are made by taking an impression of a patient's teeth. This mold is used to create a model that is matched to the patient's smile. Plastic trays are created on the modeled teeth so that a custom fit can be ensured. On the other hand, over-the-counter trays tend to be one-size-fits-all. This can cause bleaching material to seep out of the trays onto the gums, and certain materials can turn the gums white or even cause burns. This can be a painful condition for the patient, so it is preferable to avoid the situation. 

Regulation of bleaching materials

When a dentist is providing the bleaching trays and solution, patients know that they are getting a professionally recommended product. The over-the-counter market is saturated with teeth whitening materials, and many patients feel lost when trying to choose one. Some of these materials can potentially damage the teeth, and many patients report that teeth are sensitive after using over-the-counter products. Dentists can advise on solutions that help reduce sensitivity and can recommend fluoride treatments to be used in conjunction with whitening materials. 

Supervision by a dental professional

Each patient's needs are unique, so it is important that a dentist monitors what type of solution is being used. For example, if a patient has a crown on a front tooth, certain bleaching materials may etch that crown. With a dentist monitoring the patient's teeth whitening efforts, these issues can more successfully be avoided. The dentist can show the patient how to prevent bleaching material from getting on that specific tooth.

Conclusion

It is easy for patients to get overwhelmed with all the choices available when it comes to picking out teeth whitening solutions. They may feel that getting an over-the-counter bleaching tray is the easier option, but most of the time, a custom-made appliance is better for the patient's overall oral health. For those hoping to lighten the shade of teeth with bleaching trays, talk to a dentist about the right way to use these products and to be fitted for a custom tray.

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