Teeth Whitening: To Bleach or Not to Bleach

Looking to get your teeth pearly white for the holidays? At-home bleaching kits are becoming increasingly popular. Here’s what one Boise dentist has to say about this teeth whitening option:

What Are Bleaching Trays?

First, bleaching trays come in an at-home kit that you get from your Boise dentist. Teeth whitening this way starts with your Boise dentist making trays designed to perfectly fit your teeth before sending you home with the peroxide for whitening. Simply place a small amount of peroxide around the trays, and sleep with them in for 3-4 nights of the week. Your teeth will slowly brighten up in about 3-4 weeks.

The Benefits of Using Bleaching Trays for Teeth Whitening

That’s the process of using bleach trays. Here are the benefits:

• Affordability. Bleaching trays are kind of the middle ground of teeth whitening—it gives good results, but isn’t too expensive.
• Speed. All things considered, a month for white teeth isn’t asking very much.
• Comfort. Because the trays are specifically made for your mouth, you don’t get as much peroxide on the gums or other areas that could be irritated by, say, regular whitening strips.

The Disadvantages of Using Bleaching Trays for Teeth Whitening

While a good fit for many people, some people might find these problems:

• Teeth sensitivity. If you grind your teeth or just have sensitive teeth, using bleaching trays can be uncomfortable.
• Damage to tooth enamel. Bleaching trays do take away a little from your tooth enamel, so if you grind your teeth or know you are running low on tooth enamel, you may want to consider other options.
• Time. Other types of teeth whitening can be done in an hour, so there is a longer wait than, say, the in-office treatment.

So, should you use bleaching trays? It depends. For most people it is a resounding yes! But if you grind your teeth, have really sensitive teeth, or need them white fast, an in-office treatment is a better way to go.

Have more questions about teeth whitening? Stop in and ask a Boise dentist!