Answer
Nov 13, 2024 - 12:25 PM
Custom whitening trays are designed to hold whitening gel snugly against your teeth, helping to brighten your smile more effectively than one-size-fits-all kits. Here's how they work and why they're effective:
Custom Fit: The trays are molded specifically for your teeth. A dentist or whitening provider typically takes impressions of your teeth to create trays that fit securely over your teeth without gaps or movement. This tight fit ensures that the whitening gel is evenly distributed and stays in contact with each tooth surface.
Whitening Gel Application: The trays are used with a special whitening gel, usually containing either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide as the active ingredient. Because the trays fit snugly, they prevent the gel from leaking out and reduce the risk of it coming into contact with your gums or other sensitive areas.
Extended Contact: Custom trays keep the whitening gel in contact with your teeth for an extended period. Most treatments are worn for a set amount of time—typically 15-30 minutes. This extended exposure helps break down stains more effectively than brief treatments.
Faster, More Even Results: Because the gel covers your teeth more consistently and effectively with custom trays, you’re likely to see faster, more even whitening results compared to other at-home methods, like strips or one-size trays.
Reduced Sensitivity and Reusability: Custom trays often reduce the risk of tooth sensitivity since they prevent unnecessary exposure to the whitening gel on your gums. Additionally, you can reuse the trays if you need touch-ups, making them a long-term investment for your smile.
While custom trays are typically provided by a dentist, they can also be ordered through some professional online whitening services. The initial cost is usually higher than other options, but they often provide more effective and longer-lasting whitening results.
