Mouthguards for teeth whitening: 5 rules of use

October 21, 2019

Many people are interested in what dental guards are and what types they come in. But recently, devices that are used directly to lighten enamel have been of particular interest. Of course, because in this case, mouth guards are a more affordable alternative to safe in-office whitening methods. Plus, they allow you to achieve results at home. However, the editors of the UltraSmile.ru portal consider it their duty to warn readers that you need to know how to use these products correctly, and in order not to be disappointed with the result and not cause harm to your health, you need to know the nuances of their use.

What types of mouthguards are there and for what purposes are they used?

There is no need to confuse mouth guards (or mouth guards with two “p”) for whitening with mouth guards for straightening teeth (aligners), as well as mouth guards for consolidating the results of orthodontic treatment. Although individually developed designs have an external similarity, as can be seen from numerous photos on the Internet, the main purpose of each variety is, of course, different.

The photo shows custom designed mouthguards

The main goal of whitening agents is to keep the lightening gel on the teeth so that it can take effect. Aligners have a completely different main goal: they act on the dentition, forcing them to move in a given direction - when doctors say “aligners,” they mean “aligners,” and this definition is more correct, because Translated from English, this word means “to align.” Retention aligners are used after wearing braces to consolidate the results of treatment; they prevent the teeth from returning to their original, crooked position.

There are also other types of mouthguards - sports for those who engage in traumatic sports and without this device risk being left without teeth. There are baby devices for proper teething. There are devices that relax the masticatory muscles and are suitable for the treatment of TMNS dysfunctions. There are also products that protect the enamel from damage at night - they are prescribed to those who suffer from bruxism and involuntarily clench their jaws during sleep.

What you need to know about mouth guards?

They are an orthodontic structure placed on the dentition for therapeutic, therapeutic or protective purposes. Whitening trays are made of transparent plastic or silicone, taking into account the anatomy of the dental system and the relief of the teeth. They look like covers or caps for teeth.

According to the manufacturing method, there are three types:

Standard. Mass produced products that can be used immediately after purchase. However, they do not fit tightly on the teeth, so they are less effective for whitening, since the whitening agent may not come into contact with the enamel in some places.
Thermoplastic. Original blanks made of a special material that softens when exposed to high temperatures. The mouthguards are immersed in hot water, then put on the teeth and, as they cool, they take the desired shape.
Individual. Made from individual casts. They correspond as accurately as possible to the anatomical features of the dentition of a particular patient (bite, position of teeth, etc.). They provide a tight, tight fit, which means safe and uniform whitening.

Individual designs can be ordered at the dental clinic, and thermoplastic or standard models are commercially available.

What do enamel whitening trays look like?

The photo of a dental guard shows that it is a removable device made of transparent and elastic silicone or plastic. Such a device is placed on the teeth, but by itself it will not lighten the enamel unless a special whitening compound is placed inside it.

For whitening, the tray is filled with a special whitening composition

In order to achieve a positive result, it is necessary to distribute a lightening gel inside the trays, the main active component of which will be either hydrogen or carbamide peroxide. The first option is considered more preferable if you need to achieve a better whitening effect (but you need to be extremely careful with it so as not to injure soft and hard tissues). The second one has a more gentle effect on the enamel and mucous membranes, which means the result will be somewhat worse.

Also today there are gels that do not contain peroxide (for example, Hi Lite 2). The main active component in their composition is hydroxylit, which acts even more gently and less aggressively than hydrogen and urea, but to achieve a positive result it needs to be used an order of magnitude longer - not 10-14 days, but 4-6 weeks.

Mouthguards are a universal tool that is suitable not only for whitening, but also for strengthening enamel with remineralizing compounds enriched with calcium and fluoride. What effect you get will depend on the composition used.

Price of a whitening tray

Individual tray for whitening (1 jaw without casts and plaster model)

1500 00 rub.

Whitening self-adaptive aligner TRESWITE

2400 00 rub.

Removable retention mouthguard for patients of the Clarimed clinic

3000 00 rub.

For comfort and better effect, choose individual mouth guards

Not everyone knows that teeth whitening using aligners will be more effective if you order individually designed products. The fact is that the mouth guards may well be template or standard - they can be purchased at an affordable price in any online store or pharmacy, plus they will also come with a whitening gel. Such a purchase can be made quickly, and it is advantageous in terms of cost. But there are also disadvantages.

Template trays are sold together with a special gel

For example, standard products do not fit everyone in size, they do not correspond to the individual characteristics of the jaw, they may not hold well and fall out, they may injure the mucous membrane, and rub. The danger is also that the gels included in the kit may contain an inappropriate concentration of the active substance specifically for you, which is fraught with, at best, the absence of any effect at all, and at worst - thinning, fragility, pain and hypersensitivity of the enamel, burns of the mucous membrane, allergic reactions .

Today, thermoplastic mouthguards for reusable use (for example, REVYLINE1 or Diamondbrite brands) are also very popular. To fix them on your teeth, you must first place the products for a few seconds in water at a temperature of 80 degrees. After heating, they become soft and take the shape of any jaw. Of course, they will not provide a perfect fit, but they are more comfortable than template ones and less expensive than custom ones.

“I bought myself a set of thermoplastic mouth guards (2 pieces included - for the upper and lower jaw) in China. I waited a whole month, but at a bargain price! Use this extremely carefully, because... if you keep it in hot water, it will simply become deformed and will no longer be suitable for any further manipulations. I ruined one thing like that, and now I know what I’m talking about! Otherwise, they are quite normal, they don’t smell like plastic, they don’t cause discomfort, they suited me, but the effect, I think, depends more on what the composition is inside.”

Lika, fragment of review from otzovik.com

The photo shows REVYLINE mouthguards

Unlike template ones, individual dental mouth guards are free from the listed disadvantages, because they are created from jaw casts for each specific patient in a dental laboratory. They are also suitable for repeated use. At the same time, dentistry will select the optimal concentration of the gel based on the clinical situation, the condition of the teeth and gums, expectations, and the degree of darkening of your enamel.

Whitening trays

What are whitening trays? Types and features

They are products made of soft transparent material - medical silicone and imitate the upper and lower dentition, while looking like covers.
A special gel plays the role of a bleach - it is squeezed into the mouthguard. It contains active substances (agents). Also, the composition often includes fluorine and potassium nitrate, which reduce the sensitivity of the top layer (dentin). There are 3 types of teeth whitening trays:

Standard

The set consists of 10-14 pairs (for the upper and lower jaws) of two-layer onlays of a standard shape, filled with gel.

Pros: the most inexpensive option, the gel does not get on the mucous membrane.

Cons: sometimes they do not adhere tightly to the surface of the teeth, which reduces the effect and can cause a feeling of discomfort.

Thermoplastic

Made of heat-resistant plastic. Before use, they are immersed in boiling water, where the products soften. Then the gel is squeezed into them (with a syringe) and immediately put on the teeth, properly pressing them to the surface.

Pros: tight fit and, as a result, better results. More comfortable to wear than standard ones (in most cases there are no unpleasant sensations).

Cons: they cost 1-5 2 times more.

Individual

They are made in dental centers from an impression of a specific person’s teeth.

Pros: 100% adherence to the enamel, optimal whitening, no discomfort, gel leakage is excluded.

Cons: cost, you need to visit the dentist.

Depending on the type of gel, the content of bleaching substances in it can be minimal (about 4%) or reach 45% or higher. The greater the concentration, the less mouth guards need to be worn. On average, the duration of use is from 2 to 10 hours daily.

Who can benefit from teeth whitening with gel trays? Important nuances

Most often, this method is used by people whose teeth have turned yellow due to negative external influences:

Smoking (nicotine changes the color of teeth).
Drinking large doses of coffee or tea (same thing).
Taking drugs of the tetracycline group (the enamel turns yellow or even acquires an orange tint).
Age-related changes (in older people).

To achieve good results, it is necessary to take into account that the whitening effect will not last long (or will be weak) if negative factors are not excluded during the use of the tray and at the end of the course. Of course, age-related changes do not apply to this, but smoking or consuming too much coffee or tea is undesirable.

Note! Fillings and dental implants DO NOT WHITEN. Therefore, if the filled areas are in a “prominent place”, or the front real teeth alternate with artificial ones, it is better not to use mouthguards (there will be a contrast in shades).

Pros and cons of the procedure

High-quality teeth whitening trays are very convenient to use, in addition:

This method is cheaper than professional whitening in a dental clinic.
You don't have to visit the dentist regularly.
You yourself determine the optimal schedule of procedures.
The products are transparent and practically invisible to outsiders.
You are guaranteed a decent effect.

The disadvantages include the duration of the course (from 1 to 3 months of daily wear), as well as high requirements for careful use of the gel - it must not get on the mucous membrane. In addition, wearing “covers” makes it difficult to pronounce – speech becomes slightly slurred. Sometimes it is possible to increase tooth sensitivity.

How to properly whiten teeth with gel trays?

There is nothing complicated in the procedure:

Clean your teeth and remove moisture from the enamel with a napkin.
The gel is injected into the mouth guards using a special syringe - the amount is indicated in the instructions.
Place the product on the jaw and press it tightly to the surface of the teeth.
If necessary, excess gel that gets on the gums is IMMEDIATELY removed with a napkin or cotton swab.
Wait for the specified time.
At the end of the procedure, remove the products and rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.

Then the mouthguards are washed under running water, allowed to dry and hidden in a special case.

Contraindications

There are not very many of them, but they are all important. If you find one or more contraindications, wearing mouth guards is not recommended. Or you should first consult with a good dentist.

So, teeth whitening with gel trays is contraindicated for people with:

allergies to product material or gel components;
diseases of the teeth and oral cavity (everything must be cured first);
increased sensitivity of teeth;
piercings on the tongue or lips;
addiction to nicotine, coffee or tea (there will simply be no result);
diabetes mellitus;
rheumatism.

Pregnant and lactating women, as well as children under 18 years of age should not use this type of bleaching. If you take strong sedatives and can sleep through the time of removing the mouth guard, you should not do the procedure. Also, the method is not suitable for people who have recently had a tooth removed (you need to wait a month).

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.

Content:

Probably everyone has heard about the expression “Hollywood smile” and many would like to have the same dazzling smile as show business stars and Hollywood film actors. Nowadays, almost anyone can achieve this result using modern teeth whitening methods. Modern dentistry allows you to restore the whiteness of your smile even at home using trays for home teeth whitening .

Home teeth whitening with trays is a simple, safe and effective way to lighten tooth enamel at home. Whitening occurs through the use of special teeth whitening trays.

Teeth whitening with trays in modern dentistry is a fairly popular procedure; few people will refuse a dazzling “Hollywood smile”, the effect of which can be achieved even at home. In this article we want to tell you more about this method of lightening tooth enamel, about the teeth whitening trays themselves and how to use them.

Read about contraindications for use

Whitening trays themselves for home use have no contraindications, but gels for lightening enamel have quite a lot of limitations: the presence of braces and tongue piercings, lactation and pregnancy in women, children under 18 years of age, respiratory diseases and asthma, intolerance to certain gel components and allergic reactions. A course of procedures cannot be carried out immediately after surgical interventions in the oral cavity (for example, after tooth extraction), in case of inflammation of the mucous membrane, in case of multiple caries, or in the presence of thin and brittle enamel.

What types of trays are there for teeth whitening at home?

There are three types of dental trays for teeth whitening at home: standard, individual and universal thermoplastic. Each type has its own characteristics, its positive and negative sides.

Standard whitening trays

These are factory-made designs that can usually be purchased at a pharmacy. Their main advantages are availability, low cost, and versatility of use. But at the same time, standard mouth guards are considered the worst option for home procedures, since they are made according to average standard sizes and because of this they can fit poorly on the dentition or fit loosely to them. As a result, wearing them is not very comfortable and there is a high risk of injuring the oral mucosa with the bleaching gel, which flows out of the mouth guard due to its loose fit.

Thermoplastic mouthguards

A modern variation of standard mouth guards, which is made from an innovative thermoplastic material - such material can change shape under the influence of warm water. Due to the special properties of the material, such dental trays for whitening can be “customized” to the individual parameters of the dentition. Therefore, they are considered more effective and safer than conventional standard ones, which is a definite plus, but the minus is their much higher cost.

Individual

An individual whitening tray is made by a dentist for a specific patient and takes into account all the features of his bite. This is the best option, providing the best whitening results and maximum wearing comfort. Its only drawback is the rather high price compared to standard designs.

Orthopedic dentist at the 32 Dent clinic Ivan Vladimirovich Teterev recommends: “If a person is planning home teeth whitening, it is better to choose an individual mouthguard, since only in this case can the dentist guarantee a good result. The doctor will not only make the structure, but will also give individual recommendations for the procedure, help you choose the optimal whitening agent, and monitor the process. This is the safest and most convenient option for the patient.”

Strictly follow the instructions for use

How to whiten teeth with a mouthguard so that it is as effective and safe for health as possible? The main thing that is required of you is to strictly follow the instructions for using the bleaching composition, i.e. Do not keep the gel for less or longer than the specified time. As a rule, you need to undergo a course of procedures that will take no more than 10-14 days (half an hour a day).

Instructions for use should be strictly followed

How to use mouthguards? Before installation, you need to perform thorough oral hygiene and brush your teeth. Next, you need to fill the pad with gel and fix it on the jaw so that the brightening composition does not come into contact with the mucous membrane. It’s convenient that the procedures can be performed at home, and while the aligners are on your teeth, you can spend time as you want - doing everyday household chores, at the computer, watching movies and reading books.

You cannot talk or eat while wearing whitening trays. After removing them, you need to thoroughly rinse the oral cavity and the products themselves with running water, then you need to dry the mouth guards and put them in a place protected from light and dust - for example, in a special container. Avoid eating or drinking for two hours after the procedure.

Do not neglect the rules of operation of these devices and wear them longer or for more days than required by the instructions. Also, do not leave products in your mouth overnight unless this has been specified in the instructions. You won’t be able to achieve a better effect from this, but you can easily spoil the enamel of your teeth, cause pain and irritation of the mucous membrane.

Teeth whitening with trays: how it works

Using whitening trays is not difficult, the main thing is to follow the instructions and recommendations of the doctor.

How are mouthguards used:

Brush your teeth and pat dry with a paper napkin or clean towel.
Fill the inside of the tray evenly with gel: the dosage of the product is carried out according to the instructions.
Place the pads on the jaws and press tightly. If excess gel gets on your gums, remove it with a napkin.
After the procedure, remove the mouth guards, rinse your mouth with water, and wash the mouth guards.

Whitening trays are worn every day from 30 minutes to 6-8 hours, worn during the day or at night, depending on the type of trays and the composition of the gel. The whitening course lasts 1–3 months, the first results are visible after 10–14 days.

According to reviews from Healthy Dent dentistry patients, mouth guards are a successful and safe alternative to home teeth whitening methods if the entire whitening course is agreed upon with your dentist.

Come to us and we will help you choose the type of whitening that will suit you well and give the safest result, taking into account your individual characteristics.

Why shouldn't you expect a wow effect?

Professional dentists confirm the fact that when using aligners, the patient should not expect a radical transformation and the acquisition of a snow-white Hollywood smile. The maximum you can lighten the enamel in this way is 2-4 shades, and then only if you have prepared for the procedures and have undergone professional oral hygiene.

If you really pursue the goal of making your smile 4-12 shades lighter, then there is no alternative to professional whitening methods. But mouth guards after in-office procedures are quite suitable for maintaining the results at a high level for many years of life.

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whitening

According to the website of the official manufacturer revyline.ru

Expert “Along with certain advantages, mouthguards for home whitening also have disadvantages. Many of those who used the devices without consulting a doctor remain disappointed, because... They note that the stains on the enamel are still preserved, the shade remains the same. It’s better to use trays to maintain the results of in-office whitening – it will be much more effective and safer.” Dental hygienist Victoria Nikolaevna Kashaeva

Consulting specialist

Kashaeva Victoria Nikolaevna

Specialization: Dental hygienist Experience: 8 years

Indications for home teeth whitening with trays

The main indications for such an aesthetic procedure are:

Changes in enamel color due to food coloring and smoking.
Age-related changes in enamel color.
Darkening of the enamel due to insufficient hygiene.
Color changes caused by taking certain groups of medications (in particular, the antibiotic tetracycline - when taken for a long time, a person gets so-called “tetracycline teeth”, which have a pronounced yellow-orange or even brown color).

In all these cases, home teeth whitening can give quite decent aesthetic results.

Comments

After whitening with trays, do I need to stick to a diet and not eat colored foods?

Kurnakova Gala (10/30/2019 at 01:38) Reply to comment

Editorial staff of the portal UltraSmile.ru (04.11.2019 at 09:17) Reply to comment

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Pros and cons of the procedure

High-quality teeth whitening trays are very convenient to use, in addition:

This method is cheaper than professional whitening in a dental clinic.
You don't have to visit the dentist regularly.
You yourself determine the optimal schedule of procedures.
The products are transparent and practically invisible to outsiders.
You are guaranteed a decent effect.

Features of care

Whitening trays are easy to care for. They should be kept clean at all times, rinsed in cool running water after use, and when necessary, the outside of the elements should be cleaned with a regular toothbrush without toothpaste. To store them you will need a special case that will protect against mechanical stress, while the case has a small hole where air can penetrate

Without a doubt, teeth whitening trays will serve their owner for many years. However, we should not forget that in pursuit of a dazzling and so desired smile, you can lose your health; there must be moderation in everything!