Are your teeth starting to take on a yellowish or brownish tinge? If so, you are not alone. Our teeth tend to start to discolor as time passes. And it can occur for a lot of reasons. Poor oral hygiene, certain medications, tobacco use, and dark-colored foods and beverages (yes, red wine and caramel-colored sodas are common culprits), all contribute to not just wear and tear but tooth discoloration.

We have good news for you. You don’t have to live with discolored teeth. With custom whitening trays from Valley Dental Clinic, your dentist near Anchorage, AK, you can be on your way to that brighter, whiter smile that you had so many years ago in no time.

The Benefits of Tooth Whitening

Before we really dive in and talk to you about why custom whitening trays from your dentist are the best option over the ones you can buy at your local drugstore, let’s talk about the benefits of tooth whitening in the first place.

• Self-Confidence: A brighter smile can grow your confidence and help you look younger.
• Improved Oral Health: Whitening can motivate better oral hygiene habits.
• Safe and Effective: Professional whitening is a safe procedure that provides reliable results.

With these impressive benefits, you may now wonder why you can’t just head to your local supermarket or drugstore to buy an off-the-shelf tooth-whitening kit. And here’s the thing—you totally can. And, some of these products work. However, the results will take longer, won’t get your teeth as white and bright, and won’t last as long as custom whitening trays from your dentist.

Custom Whitening Trays

Tooth whitening is the most common procedure in cosmetic dentistry. And, its popular for good reason, as it is the least invasive treatment you can get to give you a happier, healthier, and younger-looking smile. That said, you have probably heard of those in-office whitening treatments that let you walk out of the office with a smile, sometimes as many as ten or more shades brighter. Well, at Valley Dental Clinic, we have taken this a step further. Our patients told us that they want to achieve those same professional teeth-whitening results but in the comfort of their own homes. And we listened.

Here is what you can expect from custom whitening trays at Valley Dental Clinic, your top dentist near me.

• Professional Fit: Custom whitening trays are made to fit your teeth perfectly. Dr. Rob creates a precise mold of your teeth, so the trays fit snugly and provide even coverage for optimal whitening results.
• Effectiveness: The professional-grade whitening gel used with our custom trays is more potent than over-the-counter products. This means you achieve superior whitening results, getting your teeth several shades whiter.
• Reduced Sensitivity: Many patients experience less sensitivity with custom trays than in-office whitening. At Valley Dental Clinic, we use high-quality materials and methods to minimize discomfort while delivering impressive results.
• Convenience: Custom whitening trays allow you to whiten your teeth at home at your own pace. Whether you prefer short daily sessions or longer treatments a few times a week, you can customize your whitening schedule to fit your lifestyle and expectations.
• Long-Lasting Results: With proper care and maintenance, the results from custom whitening trays can last longer than those from over-the-counter options. Regular follow-up appointments and touch-ups can help maintain your bright smile.

Over-the-Counter Whitening Products

Let’s talk a bit about those over-the-counter whitening products that you see on local retail store shelves. The first thing you have likely noticed is that there are a lot of options. This can make selecting the right one for you quite a challenge.

Do you want whitening strips? Whitening trays? Or how about a whitening toothpaste? And, of these choices, which ones will work best? Will they harm your teeth? Will the results last?

We hear these questions from patients all the time. And the answer is usually, it depends. And for many patients, they end up spending hundreds of dollars on over-the-counter products that don’t work, don’t last, or are extremely uncomfortable. That said, there are some benefits for you to consider.

• Types of Products: While for some it might seem overwhelming, other patients prefer the many options available to them. Over-the-counter (OTC) options include whitening strips, gels, toothpaste, and trays. Each type offers a different application method, giving you the flexibility to choose what is most convenient.
• Accessibility: OTC whitening products are easy to purchase at local stores or online without needing a dental visit. This makes them a convenient option for those looking to try whitening products without scheduling an appointment.
• Effectiveness: While generally less effective than professional treatments, OTC products can provide mild to moderate whitening results. However, achieving noticeable results often requires a longer period of consistent use.
• Potential for Sensitivity: Many OTC products are more likely to cause tooth sensitivity and gum irritation due to their one-size-fits-all approach and the lower quality of whitening agents used.

Comparison and Recommendations

So, what is the best option to try? It really depends on you—your expectations and the time you want to commit to the process. Here are some tips to help you decide.

• Customization: Custom trays provide a tailored fit so that the whitening gel covers your teeth evenly and reduces the risk of irritation. OTC products are one-size-fits-all, which can lead to uneven whitening and discomfort.
• Results: Custom trays deliver more consistent and professional-grade results, often achieving a significantly brighter smile in a shorter amount of time. OTC products generally take longer to show results and may be less effective.
• Safety: Custom trays minimize the risk of gum irritation and tooth sensitivity because they are designed specifically for your mouth. OTC products, on the other hand, can cause more sensitivity and irritation due to their generic fit and lower-quality materials.
• Professional Guidance: Custom trays come with dentist supervision, ensuring safe and effective use. Dr. Rob can provide personalized instructions and monitor your progress, which OTC products lack.
• Convenience: While OTC products are readily available and easy to use, custom trays offer the convenience of professional results at home. They allow you to whiten your teeth on your own schedule with the assurance of dentist-approved materials.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Although custom trays may have a higher upfront cost, they often provide longer-lasting results and reduce the need for frequent repurchasing of less effective OTC products, making them a more cost-effective option in the long run.

Schedule a tooth whitening consultation with your dentist near Anchorage, AK.

At Valley Dental Clinic, we’re in the business of providing the very best in cosmetic dental care for our patients. So, if you are thinking of cosmetic dentistry near Anchorage, AK, you’ve come to the right place.

Contact us today for a tooth whitening consultation, and see how we can help you achieve that whiter, brighter smile with custom take-home whitening trays.