717 Newfield St. Middletown, CT 06457
Custom Dental Bleaching Trays in Middletown, CT
What are Take Home Trays?
Take-home trays are a convenient and affordable way to brighten your smile. This bleaching procedure involves using custom-made whitening trays that you can use at home. It is a cost-effective alternative to other cosmetic treatments.
While there are many over-the-counter options for teeth whitening, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) suggests that the most effective and safest method is using custom-fitted mouth trays provided by your dentist.
How Custom Bleaching Tray Middletown Works
At your teeth whitening appointment, we first examine your mouth to check for gum disease or cavities since optimal oral health is crucial before any treatments. Our dental office then creates custom-fitted trays based on impressions of your teeth. These bleaching trays, known as bleaching tray Middletown, perfectly conform to your natural teeth, protecting soft tissues and allowing precise delivery of whitening gel.
Most at-home whitening processes involve wearing the trays with professional-strength bleaching gel for two to four hours a day or overnight for one to two weeks. This approach targets not only surface stains from coffee or tea but also intrinsic stains caused by antibiotics or aging. After treatment, occasional home whitening is all that’s needed to maintain your beautiful white smile and prevent gradual staining.
Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening
Choosing professional teeth whitening over OTC alternatives offers reliable, visible results. In-office bleaching using higher-concentration hydrogen peroxide can deliver immediate results—often lightening teeth by several shades in just one session. Custom trays filled with 10–20 % carbamide peroxide or 6 % hydrogen peroxide have shown superior effectiveness compared with OTC products and maintain whiter, healthier teeth for longer periods.
This method treats both surface stains and deeper, intrinsic discoloration, resulting in a brighter smile through cosmetic dentistry tailored to your needs. It’s the only method clinically proven to alter intrinsic stains without damaging enamel when conducted under professional supervision.
In-Office Whitening vs. Home Whitening
Your teeth whitening appointment begins with a professional cleaning to remove plaque and surface stains, preparing your teeth for optimal whitening. During the chairside whitening session, we protect your gums, apply whitening gel, and may use LED lights to enhance results. This in-office professional teeth whitening procedure produces immediate results and sets the stage for at-home maintenance.
For home whitening, we provide custom bleaching trays and whitening gel with detailed usage instructions - typically involving daily wear for a couple of hours or overnight, depending on concentration. This two-step whitening process addresses intrinsic stains and ensures natural, dramatic improvements gradually achieved and easily maintained.
Aftercare & Maintaining Your White Smile
After your whitening process, it's essential to maintain a whiter healthy teeth whitening schedule. Avoid stain-causing foods and drinks, practice excellent oral hygiene, and schedule periodic home whitening touch-ups to prolong your white smile. Custom bleaching trays can be reused for maintenance, although it's recommended to wear them only a few times a month.
Sensitivity and gum irritation are possible side effects; using toothpaste for sensitive teeth and reducing whitening frequency can help. Regular dental check-ups also allow us to adjust your whitening plan and treat any issues early.
How Whitening Your Teeth with Take Home Trays Works
The take-home tray whitening process is a comfortable and convenient option that only requires a short visit to your dentist. Prior to starting the whitening process, your dentist will ensure that your teeth are clean and address any existing dental issues such as cavities or gum disease. The next step involves creating custom take-home whitening trays, also known as stents or custom bleach splints. Your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and use it to make the trays, which are durable, lightweight, and clear. This process typically takes a couple of days.
Once the trays are ready, you can take them home and follow the guidelines provided by your dentist in Middletown. For at-home use, you will be instructed to place a small amount of the bleaching solution into the clear trays and wear them for up to four hours a day for one to two weeks.
After each use, it is important to clean the trays by using a Q-tip or cloth and rinsing them. It is generally not recommended to use the whitening trays for consecutive days, but they can be reused over time to maintain a white smile. A good rule of thumb is to use them 2-3 times a week. It is worth noting that if your teeth have severe stains, it may take longer to achieve desired results with whitening trays compared to other treatments.
Overall, patients are often amazed by the significant whitening that occurs during this process, and occasional treatments are sufficient to keep your teeth looking their best. If you are interested in achieving a beautiful smile, Advanced Family & Cosmetic Dentistry offers take-home trays and other teeth whitening services. For more information, please call us at (860) 347-1227.