How Custom Whitening Trays Work

A bright white smile is within reach with the use of one of the most popular dental treatments available today – teeth whitening solution. In fact, teeth whitening and bleaching has become the number one requested cosmetic therapy and its use has increased more than 300% in the last 20 years.

Whitening products are vast and varied both in price and in quality, and a range of over-the-counter products are available to use without the help of a dentist. However, one of the most effective and safest treatments is a bleaching procedure using customized whitening trays and a professionally prepared solution. The treatment combines the effective impact of custom-fitted appliances with the convenience of whitening teeth at home.

Advantages

Recommended by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, custom-fitted mouth trays tend to contain the whitening gel, preventing it from spilling out onto the gums. And, because the tray is designed to closely fit the mouth and the bite, it can whiten teeth as evenly as in-office treatment. Other benefits include:

• Comfortable Experience – The trays are made from a clear plastic material that is designed to closely fit the teeth, adjusting for bite. They are more comfortable than one-size-fits-all trays found in generic over-the-counter whitening kits, and prove more reliable than gel whitening strips. And, because the treatment can take place at home, the overall experience is more relaxing.
• Fast Results – Not to be confused with in-office whitening treatment, at-home treatments do not yield immediate results, but often results are noticeable within 7-10 days. Results will vary depending on the extent to which teeth are discolored and stained, but the dentist is usually able to provide a good estimate on how soon results will be visible.
• Price – Generally, after the initial upfront costs, custom-fitted trays are less expensive than any other teeth whitening therapy. The trays are reusable, and the solution can be refilled, which means money is saved over time. 

What to Expect

Treatment should only ever be administered to an otherwise healthy smile, so teeth will be cleaned and treated for any dental problem, such as gum disease or decay. The dentist uses impressions of the teeth to make molds. The molds provide details of the teeth and bite, and are used to fabricate the trays, which can take a few days.

The dentist provides specific instructions on how much bleaching solution should be placed in the trays, and the length of time they should be worn. Trays can usually be worn for up to four hours a day, and the entire smile transformation process is usually complete within two weeks.

For more information on teeth whitening procedures or to schedule an appointment at Bailey Dental Group, please contact our Northwest Houston dental office today.

Inlays and Onlays

An alternative to large fillings and crowns, dental inlays and onlays offer a secure, customized and durable solution to restoring a damaged tooth. Inlays and onlays are used to cover a minimal to moderate area on a single tooth. Also referred to as “indirect fillings”, inlays and onlays are made of hard, tooth-colored materials custom fit to fill larger cavities, or significantly diminished tooth structure. They are designed to match the adjacent teeth, provide a comfortable bite and restore dental function, including biting, speaking and chewing.

Dental Inlays

Dental inlays are most similar to traditional fillings. An inlay fits inside the center of the tooth – on the cusp tips – and securely seals the affected area, which minimizes any recurrence of decay. It can be made from various materials, including gold, porcelain and composite resin and all offer strength and durability.

Customized to precisely follow the tooth’s natural shape, inlays help patients recover their daily activities, and restore their dental function. Biting, chewing and talking are no longer challenging or difficult, and the smile looks healthier and more attractive.

Dental inlays can initially cost more than direct fillings, however patients find they are less likely to require repair or replacement. And, because they minimize the amount of damage done to the remaining tooth structure, inlays can help preserve teeth and prevent further decay.

Dental Onlays

Dental onlays cover a more extensive area of the tooth than inlays. Onlays provide a cover for a large section of the tooth, and extend over the cusps of the affected tooth. Treatment is very conservative and usually allows the dentist to avoid removing more of the natural tooth than if resorting to a traditional crown.

As with a dental inlay, an onlay is custom designed to fit the natural shape of the treated tooth using a solid material such as gold or porcelain. Gold is often used for its strength, but composite and porcelain materials increasingly demonstrate they too can last for a long time and provide a seamless smile.

At Bailey Dental Group, a Northwest Houston dental office, inlays and onlays are a part of our conservative approach to better oral health. Contact our office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Cory Bailey.