Take home whitening trays given by your dentist | Dental Treatment Guide


The best results from teeth whitening are achieved by using whitening trays that can be used at home over a prolonged period of time. These whitening trays use a higher percentage of bleach than can be purchased over the counter. An average whitening kit will contain:

  • A specially made tray that will be unique to the shape of your mouth. They ensure that the whitening bleach remains on the teeth for a long period of time and that salvia cannot mix with the bleach.
  • Bleach that is placed in the trays through a syringe. There are different concentrations of bleach and before you start teeth whitening your dentist should ensure that you have a suitable concentration.
  • The kit should contain enough bleach for a continuous 2 week treatment and then touch up treatments every 4 to 6 months.

What are the most common whitening treatments?

Discus Dental Nite White and Day White ACP:

This whitener contains amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) which helps to rebuild the tooth enamel and decreases sensitivity to potassium nitrate and fluoride.

Discus Dental Nite White Turbo:

This treatment works in the shortest amount of time and contains a 6% concentration of hydrogen peroxide that has a mint flavour. This treatment is meant to be used overnight.

Discus Dental Zoom! Weekender Kit:

This kit can produce the quickest results and works with a 6% hydrogen peroxide concentration that has a time release that increases the extent to which the bleach penetrates the teeth. This treatment is intended to be used overnight.

Opalescence by Ultradent:

This treatment contains a strong carbamide peroxide gel that lasts a long time. The gel is made up of potassium nitrate that helps to reduce sensitivity and fluoride. For the best results it is recommended to use opalescence whitening gel for at least 10 consecutive days. The gel can be bought in mint and melon flavours, or without a flavour.

Opalescence Treswhite Supreme:

This treatment is suitable for quick and effective results over a short period of time such as for a special occasion. The whitening trays are coated with a 10% concentration of hydrogen peroxide gel that is combined with potassium nitrate and fluoride. They can be worn for up to half an hour twice a day to achieve fast results.

Whitening Strips:

These are strips that once coated in whitening gel are placed into a membrane that takes the shape of the teeth. These are very convenient as the strips can be worn at any time, but they are less effective than whitening trays as these are proven to be more successful at removing stains from teeth. The strips do not prevent salvia from mixing with the whitening treatment and this can reduce the strength of the gel. Also the strips are not as easy to secure in the mouth as the trays and it is possible that they may slide around the mouth, especially with increased activity such as smiling and talking. On average the strips tend to only be wide enough to cover up to 6 teeth and most packages will contain around 84 strips that should last for 3 weeks.

Brush On Whiteners:

This is an instant method of whitening that involves using a pen like applicator for a quick and easy use. This type of whitening needs to be used frequently such as after meals and can provide a quick solution to removing stains such as red wine. These are a cheaper option for teeth whitening but often do not produce as effective results as the more expensive and prolonged treatments.

Whitening Toothpaste:

All toothpastes contain some element of whitening agents but toothpastes that specifically target the issue of whiteness will be better as they will help to improve the whiteness of your teeth to a greater degree.

Further Information about Teeth Whitening at Home

For more info visit the Guide to Tooth whitening