Bleaching Whitening Trays
WHITENING & BLEACHING
Which Tray Design Should I Chose?
There is always debate when discussing tooth whitening/bleaching. Tray design is very varied, below is a brief description of just a few available.
Night time or daytime, carbamide or hydrogen peroxide?
There is much confusion as to the ideal time period for tray wear and the efficacy of night time over daytime use and carbamide over hydrogen peroxide use. Carbamide has a slower break down than Hydrogen peroxide, so with reduced saliva flow while asleep, many suggest that night time tray wear is more efficient.
Others have also pointed out that many gels become inactive after a 2 hour period due to saliva contamination, therefore daytime bleaching with hydrogen peroxide over a 1 hour period maybe a preferred method. (Mochlis et al 2000)
Bleaching tray design
The design of the bleaching trays and the solubility, viscosity and composition of the gel are paramount in determining the length of time the gel remains active.
Reservoirs or Not?
Various studies have shown that reservoirs (Fischer 1992) make no difference to results in conventional trays (Javaheri et al 2000, Heyman 1999). If you scallop a tray then generally reservoirs are needed. Scalloping is only needed with higher concentration of
peroxide or patients/dentists concerns for tissue contact.
Ultra Seal Trays
Ultra Seal trays have become extremely popular, the use of reservoirs with a very tight seal gingivally limit the amount of saliva ingress and gel inactivation. The use of the sealed trays has shown to give a better overall shade reduction from incisal edge to necks of the teeth.
