Teeth whitening is a popular concept in dentistry, allowing patients to match their smiles to their confidence levels. The processes are successfully achieved in dental clinics, given how thorough dental experts can be with dental works.

However, it is not every day that a teeth-whitening session happens in one dental visit. Some of the patients have more stubborn stains that others. This is where Take-home whitening kits are employed.

What Is Teeth Whitening?

It is a process of improving the color of natural teeth by bleaching them with whitening agents. It is used as a way to remove any discoloration of teeth.

What Are At-home Teeth Whitening Kits? 

They are teeth whitening materials that are provided by a dentist, for use at home. Ideally, they contain higher levels of concentration of either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide than the typical whitening kits you can buy over-the-counter. This is why they are professional kits, having that they are prescribed by the dentist. It also makes them slightly more expensive than other teeth whitening kits.

The kits contain whitening agents along with custom-fitted dental trays these trays are custom used for individuals so that they fit perfectly. Their role is to hold the whitening solution in place, on the surface of your teeth. This way, the whitening process is continual as is the intent. Another advantage of the dental trays is to limit the exposure of the whitening solution. Technically, the solution is only meant for your teeth, not your gums. To protect your gums, therefore, the dental trays hold the solution right above the gum line.

How to Get Them

Professional take-home teeth whitening kits are very different from the ones you get over-the-counter. For one, it is not easy to get a hold of the custom-fitted dental trays. To have them, your dentist will first take the impressions of your teeth. These will be used to mold a dental tray that fits perfectly to the contour of your teeth. Afterward, the initial shade of your natural teeth will be recorded in a dental chart for comparison after your treatment. From here, your dental trays have to be manufactured.

On a different dental visit, your dentist will have you collect your dental trays and whitening agents. This is where your dentist will show you how to use the tray effectively, for even results.

Do Take-home Teeth Whitening Kits Work? 

Professional in-home whitening kits work effectively. It depends on how well you use them, as well as whether you follow the instructions of your dentist about their use. For them to work, here are some basic tips to follow:

• Brush and floss your teeth first – plaque on teeth is already a reason for your teeth to be discolored. Brushing and flossing remove any plaque and loose food debris from your teeth. While at it, remember that proper oral hygiene will be paramount even after your teeth are as white as you would like them, to maintain the brightness thereof.

• Wear the dental trays for an hour – after filling it with the whitening solution, you need to wear the dental trays for an hour. This should happen once every day, for one or two weeks. It depends on the type of brands you are using, along with the recommendations of your dentist.

• Avoid smoking, eating, or drinking during the treatment – allow yourself an hour of proper treatment without interruptions from food, drinks, and tobacco. After your hour is up, you should still avoid putting anything in your mouth for another 30 minutes or so.

• Follow-up appointment – whether you like the results you realize after two weeks or not, you need to see your dentist. This is a great way to monitor progress. It also allows your dentist to check on the health of your gum tissue, ascertaining that you performed the treatment correctly. Other than that, your dentist will compare the shade recorded in your dental chart to your results, to check for progress. In the event that touch-up is needed to improve some areas, your dentist will guide you accordingly. Besides, in the case of tooth sensitivity, your dentist may recommend the application of the fluoride treatment during the follow-up checkup.