Two of the most popular ways to brighten yellow and discolored teeth are tooth whitening strips or whitening trays.

The strips are made of paper thin flexible plastic (polyethylene) and coated with a bleaching agent (hydrogen peroxide) on one side.

How Long Do Strips vs. Custom Bleaching Trays Take

Typically the length of time whitening strips are used will depend on the concentration and number provided. Using 28-56 strips treatment can last anywhere from 7-14 days.

For example, at 10% concentration of peroxide treatment extends over a 7 day period using 28 strips. Half of these will be used on lower teeth and the rest on uppers.

At 6% concentration the length of treatment would extend over a 14 day period with a total of 56 strips in all.

Each treatment last for about 30 minutes and for this reason some have found dental strips more convenient and less cumbersome when compared to bleaching trays.

Others have found difficulty in preventing the strips from coming off.

Another alternative would be quick dissolving whitening strips that melt in your mouth after about 15 minutes cutting waiting time in half.

Custom Bleaching Trays

Trays resemble a mouth guard. A small amount of gel is place into each impression. How long do you bleach? This depends on the strength of the solution. The bleaching gel

(carbamide peroxide) comes in strengths from 10% to 35%.

The stronger the solution the less time required for bleaching. Depending on tooth sensitivity; times vary from 15-30 minutes a day for 35% strength and approx. 1 to 3 hours for weaker concentrations. Some patients prefer to insert trays for overnight cleaning while they sleep.

Bleaching trays are considered more effective tooth whitening agent compared to strips. Strips often cover only the front teeth or roughly 6 upper and 6 lower.

Custom trays which allow for all the teeth to make contact with the bleaching gel obtaining more consistent results.

Treatment can be completed in approximately 2-3 weeks and can last for 6 months to 3 years. Results vary and periodic touch ups are often needed:

• Depending on the severity of staining.
• Exposure to cigar and cigarette smoking
• Drinking beverages like coffee, tea and cola

Side Effects And Concerns About Tooth Whiteners (Peroxide Based)

• Amalgam Filings (silver) may incur a greenish tint
• Some studies have suggested that peroxide based whiteners may increase the rate at which new amalgam filings release mercury. If true this would depend on concentration.
• May dissolve some dental cements (glass ionomer, zinc phosphate)
• Bleaching may cause a color mismatch (discoloration) between filings, porcelain veneers, other restorations and natural teeth. Resolving the issue may require dental work be replaced.
• Bleaching cannot remove stains or tooth discoloration due to decay
• Will not remove dental fluorosis
• Tooth staining caused by antibiotics like tetracycline and minocycline may be improved by bleaching if discoloration is light.
• Tingling
• Soft tissue irritation
• Temporary tooth sensitivity to heat and cold
• Tooth whiteners or bleaching gels are not regulated by the FDA because they are not considered a drug. For this reason it is possible some products may not have been subjected to stringent testing conditions.
   

Each system has its pros and cons. The best decision on which method is right for you will come from a consultation with your dental professional and accessing which method would benefit you and your lifestyle.

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This entry was posted on Sunday, January 31st, 2010 at 8:22 PM and is filed under Treatments. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.