People spend millions of dollars every year on over-the-counter teeth whitening products. They certainly seem to be a quick and inexpensive solution for whitening your teeth. But are these products really effective when compared to a custom teeth whitening treatment by the
Manhattan Beach Cosmetic Dentist?
Professional Whitening vs. Store-Bought Products
Let’s start with one of the most popular whitening products being sold today. A home whitening tray kit purchased over-the-counter may claim to provide a custom fit. But a plastic tray from a kit purchased at your grocery store is simply not going to give you the same fit as a professional custom-made tray.
Why is the fit so important? If you’ve ever tried whitening your teeth and had the bleaching gel come in contact with your gums, you already know the answer. It’s very important to minimize the contact of any bleaching agent with sensitive gum tissue because that stinging sensation you feel is not your only problem. Sensitive gum tissue that is frequently exposed to the chemical agents in teeth whitening kits can be more prone to serious gum problems like periodontal disease and gingivitis.
Customized Care and Treatments
In order to provide a customized teeth whitening tray that fits your teeth perfectly, your
dentist will take an impression of your teeth. The resulting custom-made tray is trimmed to cover the entire surface stopping just short of the gumline. This special contouring not only protects the sensitive gum tissue but also eliminates irritation caused by tray edges rubbing against the gum line.
A custom-fit whitening tray can also provides full contact with the entire tooth surface. This results in a uniform whitening of the teeth since the bleaching agent stays in contact with the whole tooth for the duration of the treatment time. A tray that is designed by the
Manhattan Beach Cosmetic Dentist fits perfectly and is more comfortable for the wearer. This means it’s more likely to be worn for the recommended time needed to achieve desired results.
Contact our office if you’re interested in learning more about the ways in which a customized teeth whitening treatment can help you obtain a great, sparkling smile.