Mouthguards for teeth whitening: nuances of use, pros and cons

There is no limit to perfection: all teeth are healthy, but you want more - a dazzling smile. To make your teeth sparkle like Hollywood stars, all sorts of whitening methods are used: enamel treatment with laser, ultrasound, photo-bleaching, special pastes, etc. All this allows you to lighten the natural color of your teeth by several tones.

One way to carry out the procedure yourself is teeth whitening with trays. We recommend using this whitening method only after consultation with a dentist, since due to individual characteristics and the condition of the teeth, everything may not go at all as it is written in the advertising text.

Content:

1. What are teeth whitening trays?
2. Treatment Options
3. Indications for aesthetic procedures
4. Features of the technique
5. What does the brightening gel contain?
6. Other features of the technique
7. Who is contraindicated for home lightening?
8. Pros and cons of the technique

You can make your smile beautiful at home using special whitening trays.
But before starting aesthetic activities, you must definitely visit a doctor. The specialist will examine the condition of the enamel, determine whether there are any contraindications to such therapy, and give useful recommendations. Without obtaining dental advice, you should not use whitening trays, as there is a risk of complications.

Comments

After whitening with trays, do I need to stick to a diet and not eat colored foods?

Kurnakova Gala (10/30/2019 at 01:38) Reply to comment

Gala, of course, sticking to a “white” diet is necessary after any teeth whitening method. This will help maintain the result. True, when whitening with aligners, you will have to adhere to dietary restrictions much longer than after professional methods of enamel lightening. After all, the doctor uses protocols that allow you to achieve results in 1 session, and mouth guards with gel must be used for at least 2 weeks, while the diet must be followed both during the procedure and for some time after.

Editorial staff of the portal UltraSmile.ru (04.11.2019 at 09:17) Reply to comment

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What are teeth whitening trays?

Plates do not lighten teeth on their own. They serve as a place for laying the whitening material and ensure its long-term contact with the enamel. For the devices to work, a solution based on hydrogen peroxide or urea is placed in them.

The first remedy is considered the most powerful. It removes yellowness faster and allows you to get the desired result in a short time. But it works more aggressively than carbamide peroxide, so it is not recommended to use it if the units are highly sensitive.

Is it possible to make dental trays yourself?

Many people are interested in the question of whether it is possible to make such an overlay yourself. So, for example, some athletes, including boxers, make protective mouth guards on their own, but in the case of dental devices it is not possible to do everything properly - to create a high-quality product, the use of specialized equipment is required. The success of home whitening largely depends on how tightly the overlay adheres to the teeth, and it will not be possible to achieve maximum contact with the enamel surface using amateur methods.

Treatment Options

Teeth whitening with trays can be carried out according to different programs:

• Standard (basic). Has the most affordable price. A person buys a universal device at a pharmacy and uses it according to the instructions. This therapy is the most risky. It is not suitable for all patients and often causes allergies. Because the plate does not fit perfectly into the rows, the bleach solution may leak out of the plate. Then irritation of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity occurs, and small ulcers appear.
• Thermoplastic. Involves the use of elements that, after heating, change their shape and size. You just need to dip the product in hot water and put it on immediately. It will “suck” tightly, and after cooling it will retain its new shape. Thermoplastic products are much safer than standard ones. When used correctly, the likelihood of irritation of the mucous membranes is minimized.
• Individual. An option that is suitable for patients who want to get the perfect result. Is the most expensive. Mouthguards are made based on a cast of the jaws. Due to this, they perfectly fit each unit, securely hold the lightening gel inside, and do not irritate the mucous membranes. It is very convenient to use individual products. True, their cost is not low.

Main types of dental guards:

• A standard type mouthguard is a mass-produced product that has standard parameters suitable for most people. Can be used immediately after purchase, without individual adjustment to the dentition.
• Thermoplastic mouth guard is made from a special material that tends to soften when exposed to water. When first put on, they take the shape of the dentition, thereby ensuring an exact fit to the enamel surface.
• A custom-designed mouthguard is an elite option, which is produced in special dental centers, corresponding to impressions of the patient’s teeth. Allows you to produce trays that most accurately fit the entire surface of the teeth being whitened.

Standard thermoplastic type mouthguards are used most often because they do not require large amounts of time and money, unlike custom development.

Features of the technique

The patient is offered products made from hypoallergenic and biocompatible materials, so wearing them does not harm his health. Most often, plates are made from:

• plastic;
• silicone;
• gel-like composite.

Under no circumstances should they be worn on a regular basis. Whitening should be carried out in short courses. Otherwise, the enamel will be damaged. Deep cracks will appear on its surface. Pathogenic microorganisms will begin to multiply in them, which will lead to caries and pulpitis.

How to maintain the results of whitening?

To keep your teeth white, you should stick to a “white” diet for several days. In other words, your diet should not contain the following foods:

• red wine and fruit drinks;
• tea and coffee;
• chocolate;
• sparkling water, which contains dyes;
• beets, carrots and other coloring vegetables, berries and fruits;
• soy sauce, adjika and ketchup.

If you unknowingly eat something from the above list, be sure to brush your teeth.

It is not recommended to smoke cigarettes for 2 weeks after the end of whitening. If you are unable to quit smoking even for 3-4 days, then it is better not to whiten your teeth, because the effect will not last long.

It is very important to maintain good hygiene. So, you need to brush your teeth at least in the morning and evening, and also use dental floss regularly.

What does the brightening gel contain?

Standard and thermoplastic fixtures are sold together with a universal gel. Its active substances are hydrogen peroxide or carbamide. The composition may also contain compounds that strengthen the upper layers of the dental crown, for example, calcium, fluorine, sodium.

In the case of individual products, the selection of whitening gel is carried out on a personal basis. The dentist takes into account:

• patient's age;
• mouth condition;
• desired result;
• tendency to specific dental diseases;
• presence of allergies to medications.

At his discretion, he may offer material with a higher or, conversely, lower content of the bleaching component. This will allow you to get the smile of your dreams quickly and without risks to your oral health.

What are the advantages?

Individual dental trays for teeth whitening have a lot of undeniable advantages. Among the advantages of the method, dental experts and patients highlight the following points:

• simplicity and ease of use at home or even at work,
• efficiency,
• almost completely invisible on the teeth,
• bleaching occurs both on the outside and on the inside of the row,
• the possibility of individual selection of products, based on the original color of the enamel and the current state of the dental tissues.

The photo shows teeth before and after whitening.
It is important to understand that any home whitening method can only be used after consultation with a specialist, strictly following the instructions. Otherwise, you can cause serious damage to the health of your teeth and oral cavity in general.

Other features of the technique

Thanks to the mouth guard, the gel material is distributed as evenly as possible over the teeth. Not a single part of it remains uncultivated. This guarantees a brilliant aesthetic result. Among other features of this whitening:

• Lasts about two to three weeks. Improvement in the appearance of teeth becomes noticeable after three to four procedures. Therefore, do not despair if after the first use of the solution nothing has changed.
• It can be carried out only if the condition of the oral cavity is satisfactory. If during the initial appointment the dentist discovers any diseases, they must be cured. It is unacceptable to apply a composition with carbamide or hydrogen peroxide to carious cavities or inflamed gums.
• You cannot start therapy without first carrying out professional hygiene. The latter is needed to clean the crowns from stone and plaque. If you do not go through it, the units will lighten unevenly, which will look strange and unsightly.
• Helps increase sensitivity. This is normal, since the enamel is exposed to quite serious damage every day. But, if the toothache becomes severe, you should stop aesthetic procedures and seek medical help again.
• You need to wear the devices for as long as the doctor says - and not a minute longer. Some people deliberately increase the duration of their sessions in an attempt to get faster results. This is unacceptable, since the whitening gel can destroy the enamel.
• Affordable price. Home whitening usually costs less than in-office whitening. We cannot ignore the fact that it takes place in comfortable and familiar conditions for a person. During the sessions, he can do any work or relax quietly.

But not everyone can use whitening trays, despite their advantages. This dental technique has certain limitations.

Features of product care

To ensure that the product does not lose its direct functions, you need to ensure proper care for it. There is nothing complicated here. Here are some basic recommendations that experts give in this regard:

• systematic washing and thorough drying will preserve the shape and integrity of the devices (disposable products cannot be washed or reused),
• It is better to store them in a special ventilated case - this way you will protect the product from the effects of temperature changes and mechanical damage,
• The activator gel should be applied carefully and in a minimal amount so that it does not come into contact with the oral mucosa. Excess product can be removed with a napkin.

You need to store the mouth guards in a special case, after washing and drying them.
Following these simple recommendations will maximize the service life of the product. To make sure that everything is fine with him, you can take him with you to your next dentist appointment and show him to a specialist.

Who is contraindicated for home lightening?

The method cannot be used:

• in working with children under the age of eighteen, pregnant and breastfeeding women, people who had an extraction less than four weeks ago;
• if you have a piercing in your mouth;
• for untreated diseases of teeth and gums;
• when serving poorly disciplined patients who ignore medical prescriptions.

It is also prohibited to perform whitening if the patient is allergic to the dental material that needs to be used.

Read about contraindications for use

Whitening trays themselves for home use have no contraindications, but gels for lightening enamel have quite a lot of limitations: the presence of braces and tongue piercings, lactation and pregnancy in women, children under 18 years of age, respiratory diseases and asthma, intolerance to certain gel components and allergic reactions. A course of procedures cannot be carried out immediately after surgical interventions in the oral cavity (for example, after tooth extraction), in case of inflammation of the mucous membrane, in case of multiple caries, or in the presence of thin and brittle enamel.

Pros and cons of the technique

To make it easier to understand whether this dental program is right for you, we will list its main advantages and disadvantages. The first include:

• availability;
• the ability to independently carry out all procedures;
• high efficiency;
• bleaching occurs immediately from the outside and inside;
• possibility of personal selection of gel and production of individual plates.

Among the disadvantages:

• You will still have to visit the dentist’s office;
• while wearing a mouth guard, you cannot talk, eat, or drink;
• incorrect application of the gel and wearing the plates for too long cause irritation of the gums and mucous membranes;
• long term events.

In any case, you can only answer the question “to be or not to be” together with your dentist. Therefore, be sure to visit your doctor before purchasing the kit from the pharmacy.

Properties inherent in this method

A mouthguard is just a kind of case, a tool that allows you to evenly distribute the lightening composition and keep it on the enamel throughout the entire session. This method is characterized by the following properties:

• usually the course lasts 2-3 weeks, but the first results can be seen after 3-4 sessions,
• in formulations for self-use, the concentration of the active substance is minimal, so if the teeth are healthy, there is no need to worry about their condition and sensitivity,
• hyperesthesia - in this case it is a natural phenomenon that goes away on its own within a week from the start of the course (if sensitivity and discomfort increase, you should urgently see a dentist),
• The maximum duration of one procedure is half an hour. It all depends on the concentration of the gel, look for exact instructions on this in the instructions,
• One of the undoubted advantages of the method is its ease of use - while the gel is on the enamel, you can safely go about your daily activities.

This bleaching method is very convenient and easy to use.
It is worth noting that the cost of such bleaching will be several times lower than in-office bleaching. On the other hand, there is a higher risk of doing something wrong and causing undesirable consequences. In any case, before starting the course, you should definitely consult with your dentist.

Home teeth whiteningZOOM 4

Work examples

In 1991 Graduated with honors from Izhevsk State Medical Institute.

2016 — Certificate — Author’s course by Mauro Fradeani “Aesthetic rehabilitation: traditions and innovations”

2015 — Certificate — “Laser dentistry. The advantage of using a diode laser in the practice of a dental surgeon, orthopedist, periodontist and therapist"

2015 — Certificate — “From endodontics to restoration. Retreatment and rehabilitation"

2015 — Certificate — “Direct restoration of anterior tooth using an operating microscope”

2015 — advanced training in the “Therapeutic Dentistry” program at the Federal State Administrative Educational Institution “Russian Peoples’ Friendship University”

2015 — advanced training in the “Orthopedic Dentistry” program at the Federal State Administrative Educational Institution “Russian Peoples’ Friendship University”

2020 — advanced training at the ANO DPO “Central Multidisciplinary Institute” under the program: “Therapeutic Dentistry” 2022. — advanced training at the ANO DPO “Central Multidisciplinary Institute” under the program: “Orthopedic Dentistry”

Primary specialization – Therapeutic dentistry.

Internship in orthopedic dentistry.

Assigned the highest medical category.

Work experience: since 1991

Awarded the medal “Excellence in Dentistry, 1st degree”

Refresher courses:

“Teeth restoration with inlays, veneers, structures made of metal-free ceramics using the JPS Empress system” “Artistic restoration of teeth” Endodontic dental treatment using Ni Ti instruments.”

Diplom Dentisterie esthethigue" Medisch Centrum Nivone. Aalst, Belgium.

Certificate “Clinical rationale and use of the Vektor device in the treatment of periodontal diseases.” – 2011 Certificate “Prosthetics on implants: planning, implementation of orthopedic structures.” – 2009 Certificate “Lumieers cerinate smale design” (USA). – 2012 Diagnosis and choice of treatment when planning smile design using lumineers, ceramic inlays, composite restorations. Certificate “ZOOM Whitening” - 2007, “KLOX”. – 2012

Winner of the final of the dental championship in the “teeth whitening” category.

Proficient in all modern methods of treatment, aesthetic restoration and dental prosthetics.

Scientific works: printed works: "Clinical and laboratory assessment of marginal adaptation of fillings in the treatment of non-carious lesions of teeth" materials of the X, XI All-Russian scientific and practical conference 2003, "Experience of using the Zimmer dental implantation system" in the journal "Maestro of Dentistry" 2008.

Methods and types of treatment: Proficient in all methods of removable and fixed prosthetics, aesthetic dental prosthetics with veneers, metal-free structures and prosthetics on implants, modern methods of restoration and endodontic dental treatment, Zoom whitening technologies.

Passed specialization in the “Lumineers” program LUMINEERS - pressed ceramics “Cerinate smile design”.

I grew up in a family of doctors, and from early childhood I was instilled with a love for this profession. Since my school years, I dreamed of restoring health and beauty to people. After graduating from school with a silver medal, I entered the medical institute at the Faculty of Dentistry. From the 3rd year I participated in scientific conferences of the Student Scientific Society and worked as a nurse in the department of maxillofacial surgery, because I believed and still believe that the medical profession requires enormous knowledge, experience and love for people. After graduating with honors from the institute, she completed an internship in orthopedic dentistry. Practical work began in Latvia, in Riga. I consider this experience of my first formation in medicine invaluable, as it gave me new opportunities, perspectives, knowledge in the field of aesthetic dentistry and work in a private clinic. Since 1998, I have been working in Moscow at the dental clinic “Dentistry on Smolenskaya” - the Innovation Center of the Russian Dental Association.

Constant improvement of professional skills, participation in international conferences, congresses and master classes gives me the opportunity to make decisions in clinically complex cases and achieve high aesthetic results.

From 2000 to 2004 she worked as a doctor at the Russian Embassy in Belgium. This was an important and responsible period in the profession, since it was necessary to provide dental care in related specialties: orthopedics, therapy, surgery and pediatric dentistry. She completed French language courses in Brussels in order to independently study scientific literature in her specialty, attend professional exhibitions and acquire necessary and often new, previously unknown materials for work. Thanks to this experience, in 2004 in Moscow I received a second specialization in therapeutic dentistry and since then I have been providing complete dental rehabilitation to patients to restore damaged teeth using veneers, metal-free ceramics, prosthetics on implants, endodontic treatment, artistic restoration of teeth, treatment using a dental microscope .

I believe that the most important thing is that contact and trust be formed between the doctor and the patient. It is important to take into account all aspects and symptoms that concern the patient and conduct a thorough examination. Experience, knowledge, continuous improvement and love for the medical profession are the key to successful patient treatment.

Chief Physician's Note:

Alla Semenovna has been working at the clinic since its foundation. During this time, highly professional dental care has been provided to thousands of patients and enormous experience in dental treatment and prosthetics has been accumulated. All works of Dr. Tsatsurina A.S. high quality, rational and serve for many years, proof of this is numerous reviews and gratitude from regular patients.

In 2022, Alla Semenovna was awarded the Order of the Dental Association of Russia - “For Services to Dentistry”, II degree, a few years earlier, the medal “Excellence in Dentistry”, won All-Russian professional competitions.

In her work, Alla Semyonovna adheres to the principle: “measure seven times, cut once.” Responsibly and competently approaches examination and diagnosis, clearly plans the future design of the prosthesis and always approves the treatment plan with the patient, taking into account all the pros and cons, according to the principle “do no harm.” Among the personal qualities, one cannot fail to note high erudition, intelligence, sociability, poise and a delicate sense of humor.

Gels for whitening tooth enamel

Teeth whitening gels can have several types of action. Some are prescribed by dentists, others have a cosmetic effect. Their effect is temporary. These include gel pencil. It can change the shade of enamel for several hours. The gel contains coloring pigments that brighten teeth. The substance does not last long - it is washed off with saliva and drinks.

There are gels used for home whitening. They have a clinical effect and are used together with drops and a UV lamp. When exposed to light, the components are activated.