Teeth Whitening Trays: All You Need To Know | The Teeth Blog (2024)

Disclosure: Links on this site may receive a commission, this does not affect the price you pay and help us cover the costs of running this website.

Having pearly white teeth is no longer considered a luxury but rather a necessity. Those with whiter teeth are more self-confident and generally feel better about their bodies. However, teeth whitening was for long considered a preserve for the wealthy. You would have to dig deep into your pockets to achieve brighter smiles due to the limited options.

Today, there are more than enough methods of whitening teeth, including some techniques that you can use at home. One of the most effective ways of whitening teeth is through whitening trays. These products are known to deliver results and, above all, are much more affordable than in-office whitening.

But what exactly are teeth whitening trays? What are some of their benefits and drawbacks over other methods? Let’s delve deeper and understand more about teeth whitening trays.

What Are Teeth Whitening Trays?

Teeth whitening (bleaching) trays are key players in DIY teeth whitening. They are products made from flexible, moldable material that fits on your teeth.

Teeth Whitening Trays: All You Need To Know | The Teeth Blog (1)

You can also get custom teeth whitening trays at the dentist’s or by the provider. Some of them can be easily purchased over the counter at your local dental store. You add a whitening gel or material to the trays before placing them over your teeth for a specified amount of time to make them whiter.

Custom-made teeth whitening trays that come directly from the provider or your dentist are generally considered more effective as they are made to fit your mouth properly. This means there’s no room for leakages or the tray slipping off. Check out one of these Hismile reviews if searching for a whitening product directly from the provider/manufacturer.

However, teeth whitening trays from dentist cost a lot more than your local store.

Even though most over-the-counter trays are not customized to fit your teeth, some are pretty good as they are flexible enough to fit your mouth.

How Do Teeth Whitening Trays Work?

Depending on the brand or model you opt for, some teeth whitening trays are pre-filled with a peroxide-based gel or whitening agent. Others come as a kit — you get the teeth whitening trays with syringes that contain the whitening gel. All you have to do during each whitening session is fill the trays with the required amount of peroxide-based whitening agent.

Unlike in-office whitening, you will have to use teeth whitening trays for longer. This is because the whitening agents have lower concentrations of hydrogen peroxide or other whitening agents.

The main reason behind this is that higher concentrations of the whitening product can be harmful to your teeth and surrounding tissues (gums and cheeks) if not used properly. This is why you can only get the dentists as the only people permitted to administer such concentrated levels of peroxides.

Depending on the product, you can use it for a few minutes for each session, while others may require you wear them longer (including throughout the night).

Teeth Whitening Trays Before and After

Teeth whitening trays are known to be quite effective, as long as you pick the right brand or product. It is also advisable to consult with your dentist before settling on any teeth whitening product, especially if you have sensitive teeth and (or) gums or, at least, choose a top teeth whitening for sensitive teeth product.

Here are a few teeth whitening trays before and after images to consider:

Teeth Whitening Trays: All You Need To Know | The Teeth Blog (2)
Teeth Whitening Trays: All You Need To Know | The Teeth Blog (3)
Teeth Whitening Trays: All You Need To Know | The Teeth Blog (4)

How to Use Teeth Whitening Trays

One of the biggest concerns people have is asking ‘is teeth whitening safe?’ Generally, it all depends on the methods you use, but technically, teeth whitening is safe.

Even if you’re using custom-made trays, whitening treatments are only effective when used correctly. Failure to follow the proper instructions to the letter may increase the risk of tooth sensitivity, pain, or even damage the enamel.

Here’s a general guideline for the correct way to use teeth whitening trays:

1. Prep the teeth beforehand

Thoroughly brush and floss your teeth before each whitening session. You can also use desensitizing products (like gel or toothpaste) if you have sensitive teeth to avoid irritations associated with the whitening agents.

2. Insert the gel as instructed

Always read the instructions on the product or follow your dentist’s instructions if custom-made. Failure to adhere to the instructions, especially how you apply the gel and how much should be used, can lead to unsatisfactory results, or worse, irritations.

3. Firmly push the trays into place

Ensure that the tray you use firmly fits into place and that no leakages can be noticed. Remember not to swallow any of the bleach, and you can either spit or wipe it off with a clean cloth.

4. Wear for the directed period

Only wear the trays for the allocated time limit. Do not exceed as the peroxide may start to wear out your enamel.

5. Rinse after use

Rinse your mouth with clean water to remove any remaining gel.

6. Clean the trays and store them properly

You need to clean and wipe out any remaining gel from the trays before storing them properly until the next use.

Teeth Whitening Trays: All You Need To Know | The Teeth Blog (5)

Teeth Whitening Trays: All You Need To Know | The Teeth Blog (6)

Teeth Whitening Trays: All You Need To Know | The Teeth Blog (7)

Why Are Custom Teeth Whitening Trays Preferred?

Teeth whitening trays are a preferred option in today’s cosmetic dentistry. But why is that the case? Here are a few reasons to back that claim:

  • They are effective: teeth whitening trays are quite effective and can be compared to in-office teeth whitening. The only downside here is that treatment may take longer.
  • They cost less: teeth whitening trays are relatively less costly compared to teeth whitening solutions, such as at the dentist’s clinic.
  • Highly convenient: you can use teeth whitening trays whenever you are comfortable and get to clean teeth in the comfort of your house.

The Best Teeth Whitening Trays in 2022

While there are many teeth whitening kits to consider, they all vary in efficiency, cost, durability, among other factors. Here are our top three picks for the best teeth whitening trays in 2022:

iSmile LED Light Teeth Whitening Trays

Teeth Whitening Trays: All You Need To Know | The Teeth Blog (8)

iSmile guarantees brighter teeth up to 8 shades whiter in 7 days. Through its light-activated technology, the product can remove stains on your teeth. You only need to wear it for about 10 minutes every day to achieve optimal results.

Product benefits:

  • 5x led light-activated whitening technology
  • Guarantees 8 shades brighter within 7 days
  • Patented comfort mouth tray
  • 100% customer satisfaction guarantee

Where to buy:

You can buy your iSmile LED Light Teeth Whitening Tray at only $29.99 in the button below.

The ConfiDental Moldable Teeth Whitening Trays

Teeth Whitening Trays: All You Need To Know | The Teeth Blog (9)

The ConfiDental Moldable Mouthguard is a versatile product that can be used to achieve various things like sports protection, teeth grinding, straightening, or whitening. Made with BPA-free and Phthalates-free premium grade material, these trays are easy to use and clean. The moldable material also makes it easy to custom-fit it to accommodate your mouth size.

When using it for teeth whitening, all you have to do is place a drop of the whitening agent inside the trays and wear it for the period indicated on the specific whitening agent’s instructions.

Product benefits:

  • Moldable to accommodate each patient’s mouth
  • Made with BPA-free and Phthalate-free materials
  • Highly durable
  • Easy to use and clean

Where to buy:

Buy the ConfiDental Moldable Teeth Whitening Trays in Amazon at only $16.95.

Opalescence Go Prefilled Teeth Whitening Trays

Teeth Whitening Trays: All You Need To Know | The Teeth Blog (10)

The Opalescence Go is a prefilled teeth whitening tray that makes the work easier for you — simply buy and wear it. You can get this product in two options: with 10% peroxide to be worn for 20 – 30 minutes every day for 5 – 10 days, or the 15% peroxide to be worn for 10 – 15 minutes every day for the same period.

Product benefits:

  • It’s ready to use right out of the box
  • The UltraFit tray conforms to any smile
  • Available in different flavors to suit individual needs
  • Vegan and gluten-free — no animal products used

Where to buy:

Get the Opalescence Go prefilled teeth whitening tray by clicking the button below at only $59.64.

Teeth Whitening Tray Tips from the Dentist

Here are a few dentist-approved instructions to guide you on your teeth whitening tray usage:

  • Follow all instructions (from the dentist or brand) to the letter
  • Ensure to clean and store the trays well after each session
  • Do not exceed the allocated time limit
  • The results may vary from one person to another

FAQ

Do teeth whitening trays work?

Teeth whitening trays are effective and are known to work just like in-office treatment, just that the treatment may take longer.

How much do teeth whitening trays cost?

The total cost of teeth whitening trays varies from the brand, the materials used, and where you get them from. On average, you should be ready to spend between $50 and $600 for the treatment.

How often should I use teeth whitening trays?

How often you use your teeth whitening trays depends on the brand and the concentration of its whitening agent. On average, you should be ready to wear them at least once, every day, for about 5 – 30 days.

Get our best Deals

Subscribe to our email list to get the lastest updates for your smile

(*) We promise we will never spam you

Written by The Teeth Blog Team

Choosing the best teeth aligners online, toothbrushes or whitening kits can be a confusing and difficult process, especially when there are so many options out there that you begin to lose your mind. That's why we have created this blog, to test all the different option and give users our honest opinion and try to help you with your decision.The Teeth Blog Team is joined by a group of teeth enthusiasts who loved to try and review all the dental products they find. So they thought it was a great idea to make a blog and share all their knowledge, making it easier for everyone looking for honest and objective reviews of dental products.

Related articles

Best Whitening Pens in 2024

A complete guide to Invisalign Cleaning Crystals

What‌ ‌to‌ ‌do‌ ‌if‌ ‌your‌ ‌retainer‌ ‌doesn’t‌ ‌fit‌ ‌anymore‌?

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Teeth Whitening Trays: All You Need To Know | The Teeth Blog (2024)

FAQs

How often should you whiten your teeth with whitening trays? ›

We advise whitening your teeth just once a year, whether professionally or at home. This should keep sensitivity from becoming a problem while helping you maintain a white, natural-looking smile. Typically, the professional-grade whitening kits available from our dental office last about a year.

Should I brush my teeth with toothpaste before whitening trays? ›

Prior to Treatment: Brush and floss just prior to bleaching your teeth. The whitening gel is the most effective with clean teeth. Try the trays in first without any beach to check the fit and comfort. Make sure that the bleaching trays are clean and dry before applying the whitening gel.

Do whitening trays from dentists work? ›

Effectiveness. Your dentist is able to provide stronger whitening products than you can get over the counter, so you can expect much better results in a shorter space of time. Fit and Comfort. Custom trays are just that — custom.

Can I drink water with teeth whitening trays in? ›

Do not eat, drink or smoke whilst wearing the bleaching tray. Tooth whitening gel should not be exposed to heat, sunlight or extreme cold.

What happens if you leave whitening trays on too long? ›

If you've left your teeth whitening gel on for too long and are worried that it might have caused damage to your teeth, try not to fret. You may notice some slight sensitivity of the teeth, white spots on the gum or white flecks on teeth, or numbness on the gumline.

Can yellow teeth become white again? ›

Yellow teeth can be completely whitened with teeth whitening technologies at the dentist or at home. Depending on the status of your yellow teeth as well as your needs, the doctor will advise and prescribe the appropriate method.

Should I dry my teeth before whitening? ›

Part of the preparation of our in-office treatment is to dry the teeth before applying the whitening gel. If you are using a home kit, be sure to dry your teeth before you insert each tray. The best trays will make a seal at their edge to keep bleaching gel and saliva separate.

Should you whiten your teeth in the morning or night? ›

The pores in your teeth are slightly more open and can more easily allow stains in. Smile Brilliant and dentist professionals recommend whitening before bed as it reduces the opportunity for staining and gives your teeth the night to begin rehydrating and remineralizing.

What happens if you forget to put teeth whitening gel in the fridge? ›

The challenge with such instability, however, is that all whitening gels will begin degenerating immediately upon manufacture unless they are kept under constant refrigeration. If left at room temperature or exposed to warmer climates and hot shipping temperatures, the peroxide gel will lose potency.

What to use instead of whitening trays? ›

While there are many whitening options, some popular alternatives to whitening trays include: Whitening Strips: Instead of teeth whitening trays, you may want to consider using whitening strips, which are one of the easiest types of teeth bleaching kits to use.

Should teeth whitening trays be tight? ›

A good trays should not have any sharp edges that can discomforts your mouth in any way. It should not feel too tight or too loose while putting them on your mouth. A good whitening trays needs to fit the mouth like a Cinderella's lost shoe (hypothetically speaking), like it is only made for you.

Do I rinse after whitening trays? ›

After whitening, remove the tray, rinse twice until teeth are free of gel and avoid swallowing. Brush away any remaining gel if necessary.

Do bottom teeth take longer to whiten? ›

Also, the colour may appear too opaque (chalky). This will all even-out. You may find that your lower teeth do not lighten as quickly as the upper teeth. This is because the lower teeth are smaller, and the reservoirs of the tray will be smaller.

Do and don'ts of teeth whitening? ›

Don't Consume Foods that Can Stain Your Teeth

For both over-the-counter and professional teeth whitening, the first few days after treatment are the most critical. Avoid dark foods/liquids, drink through a straw when you can, don't smoke, brush/floss frequently and you should be looking great.

Can I swallow my saliva during teeth whitening? ›

Can I swallow saliva during teeth whitening? Yes, the teeth whitening gel is safe. The by-products when peroxide is broken down is largely oxygen (the byproduct that allows for the whitening process) and water.

How often can I safely whiten my teeth? ›

How often teeth whitening treatments are recommended by dentists. Professional teeth whitening performed in the dentist's office is recommended once every year to every 18 months, depending on how long the results last. At-home kits can be used as often as once every four to six months.

How long does teeth whitening last with trays? ›

If you drink lots of coffee, red wine, cola drinks your teeth may darken slightly. Once your teeth are whitened it usually lasts 1-3 years, however some people prefer to have touch ups every 6-12 months.

Can you over whiten your teeth? ›

Over whitening your teeth can cause them to become translucent, making the yellowish colour of your dentin more visible. It can also make your teeth look blue or grey. To avoid this occurrence, talk to your dentist about how often you should whiten your teeth and what concentration of bleaching agent is right for you.

How many days apart should you whiten your teeth? ›

The recommended number of days in between whitening sessions is two to three days. This interval allows your teeth to recover from the whitening process and prevents the enamel from being worn down. If you want to maintain a white smile without excessive whitening, there are alternative methods that you can use.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Catherine Tremblay

Last Updated:

Views: 6045

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (47 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Catherine Tremblay

Birthday: 1999-09-23

Address: Suite 461 73643 Sherril Loaf, Dickinsonland, AZ 47941-2379

Phone: +2678139151039

Job: International Administration Supervisor

Hobby: Dowsing, Snowboarding, Rowing, Beekeeping, Calligraphy, Shooting, Air sports

Introduction: My name is Catherine Tremblay, I am a precious, perfect, tasty, enthusiastic, inexpensive, vast, kind person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.