Teeth whitening gels – How to choose teeth whitening trays

The use of whitening gel and trays has greatly simplified and protected the enamel lightening procedure. Neither the patient nor the doctor needs to independently prepare the composition and come up with ways to fix it. Ready-made kits for in-office and home whitening are offered by a number of manufacturers - White Light, Opalescence, Mira White, Pearl Smile, Global White.

To whiten teeth, you need to choose the most suitable system from the offered range (in terms of effectiveness, price, duration of the procedure) and apply it correctly.

What are whitening gels made of?

The main component of modern whitening gels is carbamide peroxide. Compared to hydrogen peroxide, which was used previously, it has a more gentle effect on tooth enamel.

Not only the effectiveness of bleaching, but also its safety depends on the concentration level of this substance.

Whitening gels for professional use (in a clinical setting), as a rule, have a high content of this component. In addition, some techniques involve heat or light exposure of the drug to increase the reaction rate (release of active oxygen).

“Homemade” whitening gels have a reduced concentration of the active ingredient and are used only in combination with teeth whitening trays.

To obtain a specific result, their longer use is required (at least 2 weeks, several sessions per day).

What does the brightening gel contain?

Standard and thermoplastic fixtures are sold together with a universal gel. Its active substances are hydrogen peroxide or carbamide. The composition may also contain compounds that strengthen the upper layers of the dental crown, for example, calcium, fluorine, sodium.

In the case of individual products, the selection of whitening gel is carried out on a personal basis. The dentist takes into account:

patient's age;
mouth condition;
desired result;
tendency to specific dental diseases;
presence of allergies to medications.

At his discretion, he may offer material with a higher or, conversely, lower content of the bleaching component. This will allow you to get the smile of your dreams quickly and without risks to your oral health.

Types of trays for teeth whitening

Mouthguards for teeth whitening are special pocket linings that are worn during the period of action of the whitening composition. There are several types of mouth guards:

standard;
thermoplastic;
individual.

Standard trays for teeth whitening are made using standard impressions and are therefore not very comfortable. They are inexpensive and included in most home whitening systems.

Thermoplastic mouth guards can be customized to fit your individual jaw structure. Under the influence of heat, they become soft and are easy to model with your hands.

Individual mouth guards are made using professional equipment using impressions made by a doctor. They fit the teeth perfectly, increasing the comfort and effectiveness of the whitening procedure.

What types of mouth guards are there?

All onlays used in dentistry to lighten teeth are divided into the following types:

Standard ones are the most budget-friendly and common option; buy them at the pharmacy. This type has the same shape and size , which is a serious drawback, because individual physiological characteristics are not taken into account. They have a serious flaw - wearing them causes discomfort and inconvenience, because each person has a different bite. Usage time is one hour per day .
Thermoplastic – these mouthguards are characterized by their personalized nature . The principle of operation is based on the effect of hot water on plastic, under the influence of which it changes shape and hardens in a certain shape. Wearing time is four to five hours a day. The advantage is the absence of inconvenience, but there is also a disadvantage - the relative inconvenience caused by the need to apply the lightening gel using a syringe.
Personal ones are the most convenient, but also the most expensive. This mouthguard takes into account the patient’s anatomy completely and does not cause any discomfort. Requires visits to the dentist several times.

How to choose a teeth whitening gel

Many whitening systems can be purchased without a prescription at a pharmacy or specialty store. They are all supposed to be safe, but...!

Before purchasing, be sure to consult a doctor. How a whitening gel will work, even the most gentle one, can only be predicted after a preliminary dental examination.
If the enamel is highly sensitive or damaged (chips, cracks), it is advisable to entrust the choice of remedy to a doctor. The dentist will be able to select a whitening gel that will not harm the patient.
If there are no dental problems, then you can use universal systems, for example, the professional Zoom kit.

Whitening gels at home must be used exactly according to the instructions, otherwise the least you can do is waste your money, and what is more dangerous is getting burns to soft tissues and damaging the enamel.

Price issue

The price of home teeth whitening products with trays varies. There are sets costing from 15-20 dollars and more. In my opinion, there is no point in buying the most expensive ones for the simple reason that for a hundred pieces of green paper the dentist will whiten your teeth and do it with greater efficiency.

Contraindications for using whitening trays

How to apply whitening gel

The method for using the whitening gel is developed by the manufacturer.

At home, you can use the American White Light system - the gel is applied to the mouthguard in two layers and “activated” using an LED lamp.
White&Perfect whitening is carried out by a doctor who applies the composition to all teeth one by one. The procedure requires accuracy and control over the duration of action.
The Global White system includes a gel for whitening sensitive teeth. It is applied with a cotton swab or brush, and can be used with a mouth guard. Potassium nitrate, which is included in its composition, protects the enamel and helps strengthen it.
Gels from the gentle category can be used without drops. They are shaped like a pencil with a brush at the end. This is how, for example, Teeth Whitening Pen (USA) is applied, which is more intended to maintain whiteness than to achieve it.
The use of the Opalescence TresWhite kit (USA) does not require any manipulation from the user other than the formation of trays. They are made in the form of boxes filled with gel, which, after pre-molding, are simply put on the teeth.

Other features of the technique

Thanks to the mouth guard, the gel material is distributed as evenly as possible over the teeth. Not a single part of it remains uncultivated. This guarantees a brilliant aesthetic result. Among other features of this whitening:

Lasts about two to three weeks. Improvement in the appearance of teeth becomes noticeable after three to four procedures. Therefore, do not despair if after the first use of the solution nothing has changed.
It can be carried out only if the condition of the oral cavity is satisfactory. If during the initial appointment the dentist discovers any diseases, they must be cured. It is unacceptable to apply a composition with carbamide or hydrogen peroxide to carious cavities or inflamed gums.
You cannot start therapy without first carrying out professional hygiene. The latter is needed to clean the crowns from stone and plaque. If you do not go through it, the units will lighten unevenly, which will look strange and unsightly.
Helps increase sensitivity. This is normal, since the enamel is exposed to quite serious damage every day. But, if the toothache becomes severe, you should stop aesthetic procedures and seek medical help again.
You need to wear the devices for as long as the doctor says - and not a minute longer. Some people deliberately increase the duration of their sessions in an attempt to get faster results. This is unacceptable, since the whitening gel can destroy the enamel.
Affordable price. Home whitening usually costs less than in-office whitening. We cannot ignore the fact that it takes place in comfortable and familiar conditions for a person. During the sessions, he can do any work or relax quietly.

But not everyone can use whitening trays, despite their advantages. This dental technique has certain limitations.

Contraindications to the use of whitening gels

The list of contraindications increases or decreases depending on the composition of the bleaching agent. Limitations that apply to all systems:

pregnancy and breastfeeding;
age up to 18 years (for some species - up to 20 years);
infectious diseases of the oral cavity;
damaged periodontal tissues;
high tooth mobility;
allergy to carbamide peroxide.

For sensitive teeth, you can choose mild preparations with remineralizing components.

Contraindications

There are a number of contraindications:

The use of potent sedatives, because a person may not remove the aligners in time.
If you have caries, you need to treat your teeth first.
The enamel is too thin.
Excessive consumption of coffee and cigarettes.
Pregnancy and lactation.
Allergy to the components of the drug.
A large number of fillings that may crack under the influence of peroxide.
Minor age.
The patient is undergoing chemotherapy.
Presence of tumors.

Advantages of whitening systems with trays

The advent of whitening systems with trays has greatly simplified and protected the procedure for lightening enamel.

They are easy to use at home, and there is no need to set aside a specific time for the procedure.
All drugs have undergone clinical trials, so if the instructions for use are strictly followed, they do not cause relapses.
Whitening with trays is significantly cheaper than an in-office procedure.
The result of lightening is from two to ten tones.

Experience of friends

Knowing that among my friends and colleagues there are a lot of “health enthusiasts” and other lovers of all sorts of useful things, I began to actively poll people about the use of such gels with mouth guards. After talking with people, I found out that many of them tried to whiten their teeth this way. Some looked for it themselves, others were recommended by doctors.

In fact, all the systems that come across are divided into two types - with peroxide and without it. The rest comes down to marketing, etc.

Self-installation of a whitening tray

One of these compositions was made based on sodium perborate NaBO3. Nothing new. It was previously added to tooth powders. Now - into bleaches and detergents.

There were, of course, those who swore, claiming that all these funds were pure fraud. Indeed, it is somewhat presumptuous to hope that, having smoked since the age of twelve and drinking five cups of coffee a day, you can quickly whiten your teeth with gel. Although I don’t rule out that they got a fake.

Trays for home teeth whitening should be stored in a special case and washed after each use.

Disadvantages of the method in question

Along with numerous advantages, mouth guards for cleaning teeth also have some disadvantages. So, for example, they affect diction and interfere with normal conversation. If you walk with gel on your teeth for too long, it can begin to corrode the enamel layer and lead to increased sensitivity. According to some reviews, to achieve a visible effect, you need to use such mouth guards systematically, for quite a long time. Before starting the course, you must carefully study the instructions. Dental experts recommend a professional cleaning to start with, and mouthguards used as a maintenance measure.

Teeth may become sensitive with frequent use

Properties inherent in this method

A mouthguard is just a kind of case, a tool that allows you to evenly distribute the lightening composition and keep it on the enamel throughout the entire session. This method is characterized by the following properties:

usually the course lasts 2-3 weeks, but the first results can be seen after 3-4 sessions,
in formulations for self-use, the concentration of the active substance is minimal, so if the teeth are healthy, there is no need to worry about their condition and sensitivity,
hyperesthesia - in this case it is a natural phenomenon that goes away on its own within a week from the start of the course (if sensitivity and discomfort increase, you should urgently see a dentist),
The maximum duration of one procedure is half an hour. It all depends on the concentration of the gel, look for exact instructions on this in the instructions,
One of the undoubted advantages of the method is its ease of use - while the gel is on the enamel, you can safely go about your daily activities.

This bleaching method is very convenient and easy to use.
It is worth noting that the cost of such bleaching will be several times lower than in-office bleaching. On the other hand, there is a higher risk of doing something wrong and causing undesirable consequences. In any case, before starting the course, you should definitely consult with your dentist.

Features of product care

To ensure that the product does not lose its direct functions, you need to ensure proper care for it. There is nothing complicated here. Here are some basic recommendations that experts give in this regard:

systematic washing and thorough drying will preserve the shape and integrity of the devices (disposable products cannot be washed or reused),
It is better to store them in a special ventilated case - this way you will protect the product from the effects of temperature changes and mechanical damage,
The activator gel should be applied carefully and in a minimal amount so that it does not come into contact with the oral mucosa. Excess product can be removed with a napkin.

You need to store the mouth guards in a special case, after washing and drying them.
Following these simple recommendations will maximize the service life of the product. To make sure that everything is fine with him, you can take him with you to your next dentist appointment and show him to a specialist.

Whitening systems

Today there are two most popular whitening systems – ZOOM 4 and Opalescence. Each of them has its own characteristics and advantages.

ZOOM 4 is an improved version of the ZOOM and ZOOM 3 systems. This is a relatively new procedure developed in America, however, it is already actively used throughout the world, proving its high efficiency and safety.

Features and Benefits of ZOOM 4

High efficiency. Whitening from 8 to 12 tones is possible. The desired level of whitening is discussed in advance with the dentist during a preliminary consultation and determination of the initial enamel shade according to the VITA scale.
Long lasting results. Subject to continued proper dental care and compliance with the dentist’s recommendations, it is possible to consolidate the effect of the procedure for up to five years.
Teeth whitening services using the ZOOM 4 system can only be obtained in a dentist’s office. This minimizes the risk of complications and is made for the safety and greater effectiveness of the procedure. ZOOM 4 technology provides all the necessary protective measures. Unlike ZOOM 4, teeth whitening with the Opalescence system has options for use at home.
When whitening with the ZOOM 4 system, the dentist uses two components: a special gel and a lamp with ultraviolet radiation. Zoom Gel is an acid-free whitening formula using hydrogen peroxide. Zoom gel is applied during the procedure three times within 45 minutes. Ultraviolet light, in turn, is used each time the gel is applied to activate it, break up spots and remove pigmentation.
The minimal impact of the lamp on the enamel and the composition of the ZOOM gel (1/4 hydrogen peroxide) significantly reduces the risk of developing hypersensitivity after the procedure. In addition, before using the ZOOM 4 whitening system, the dentist applies a special protective cream to the gums, installs a retractor, provides you with safety glasses, and before and after the procedure uses a special calcium-containing composition (to strengthen the enamel).
To achieve better results, the first time after the procedure, you should exclude coloring foods and drinks from your diet - grapes, wine, coffee, tea and others. In addition, it is strongly recommended (at least temporarily) to quit smoking.
The result is noticeable immediately after the procedure.
The need for remineralization of teeth to consolidate and improve the result. This therapy involves restoring the enamel and enriching it with microelements.
The teeth whitening procedure with the ZOOM 4 system is painless and does not cause any discomfort to the patient.
A whitening session, including preliminary preparation, takes about two hours.
Even the most sensitive teeth tolerate whitening with the ZOOM 4 system well.
The procedure is effective in most cases, including age-related yellowing of tooth enamel.
In some cases, the preparatory period to strengthen the enamel before the procedure lasts 7–10 days.

Opalescence whitening system

Opalescence is a chemical whitening technique that is widely popular among dentists and patients today.

Features and Benefits of Opalescence:

There is no need to use bleaching gel activating agents - llama or semiconductor laser. Activation occurs naturally as a result of the reaction between the components of the gel immediately after its application.
A large number of options for Opalescence systems. A large selection implies the ability to choose the ideal option, taking into account the characteristics of the teeth and the desired level of whitening. There is a teeth whitening system Opalescence Boost (achieving the fastest effect, deep whitening, the possibility of intracoronal whitening of pulpless teeth), the Opalescence PF system (specially designed for sensitive teeth), intracanal whitening Opalescence Endo (for deep tooth pigmentation) and Opalustre suspension (for surface defects ).
Opalescence produces systems for both professional and home whitening.
Opalescence Endo systems and Opalustre suspension are supplied ready-made and do not require the dentist to mix the components.
The whitening procedure itself lasts about twenty minutes (if there is no need to reapply the gel).
Before the procedure, the dentist first dries the teeth and applies a protective paste. After whitening, teeth are treated with enamel-protecting agents, which reduces the risk of sensitivity.
The Opalescence home whitening system allows you to whiten your teeth by 3-4 tones, as well as consolidate the effect after professional whitening.
Maximum lightening up to 8 tones.
Lower price compared to other whitening methods.
Failure to comply with safety precautions may result in a chemical burn.

It should be taken into account that whitening procedures require careful preparation - treatment of carious cavities (if any), gum diseases, plaque removal and tartar removal. If the procedure is carried out without preliminary professional cleaning, uneven whitening and the development of side effects are possible.

Before using mouth guards, be sure to undergo professional hygiene

What are teeth whitening trays and what they look like, you have already seen in the photo. Their purpose is to hold the brightening composition on the enamel. However, it is important to remember that their use together with the gel will be completely unproductive if, before the course of procedures, soft, hard bacterial and pigmented plaque is not removed from the enamel, and it is not polished so that the effect is uniform and generally noticeable. Also, do not forget that during the professional hygiene procedure, the doctor strengthens the enamel with fluoride, seals the smallest cracks, which makes it possible to increase its strength and resistance to any traumatic factors, which to one degree or another is bleaching.

The photo shows teeth brushing with the Air Flow system.

Consult your dentist about the advisability of using aligners to lighten the shade of enamel. Before the course of procedures, treat your teeth from caries and pulpitis, but it is better to replace old fillings in the smile area after achieving a positive result, because Whitening agents will not work on them, and they will stand out from the rest of the teeth.

Advantages and disadvantages

I'll start with the advantages. Firstly, the price of this teeth whitening option in most cases is less than that of “office” methods. Secondly, no discomfort. I put on the mouthguard, walked around a bit, took it off, and rinsed my mouth. Thirdly, it is quite safe for tooth enamel. You don't need to rub it with baking soda or clean it with lemon juice.

Effectiveness of whitening gel

There are few disadvantages, but they exist. The first and most significant is the level of whitening. What you achieve in the clinic is impossible to achieve at home. The effect does not occur in half an hour or an hour, as with some “Zoom”, but after several procedures. In advanced cases, there is a possibility that the gel simply will not help you.

Teeth whitening with cold light

Teeth whitening Zoom AP

Is it possible to make dental trays yourself?

Many people are interested in the question of whether it is possible to make such an overlay yourself. So, for example, some athletes, including boxers, make protective mouth guards on their own, but in the case of dental devices it is not possible to do everything properly - to create a high-quality product, the use of specialized equipment is required. The success of home whitening largely depends on how tightly the overlay adheres to the teeth, and it will not be possible to achieve maximum contact with the enamel surface using amateur methods.