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.
