Teeth Bleaching with Custom Trays
Custom-fitted trays hold bleaching gel against the teeth to help lighten natural tooth colour, with guidance from your dentist.
About this treatment
Custom bleaching trays are removable trays made to fit your teeth. They hold bleaching gel against the teeth to help lighten natural tooth colour and are used at home with your dentist's guidance.
Before treatment, the dentist assesses your teeth and gums and discusses whether bleaching may suit your situation and what to expect. If you proceed, you receive instructions about the product and how to use it.
Who this may suit
This is not a diagnosis. Whether a treatment is appropriate in your situation can only be established during an in-person examination. A conversation may be worthwhile if you recognize the following:
- You would like to lighten the shade of your natural teeth.
- You want to discuss an at-home option with guidance and instructions from a dentist.
- You have crowns, veneers or fillings and want to understand beforehand how bleaching may affect the colour match.
For people who would like to discuss a lighter shade for their natural teeth. Suitability is confirmed after a dental assessment.
Examination and treatment process
The process differs from patient to patient. In broad terms it looks like this:
Examination and discussion
The dentist assesses your teeth and gums, discusses what you would like to change, and explains whether bleaching may be suitable for you.
Custom-fitted trays
If bleaching is appropriate, a scan or impression is used to have trays made to fit your teeth.
Instructions for home use
The dentist explains which bleaching product to use, how to wear the trays and how to care for them. Follow your personal instructions carefully.
Review if needed
At a follow-up, the dentist can discuss how your teeth are responding and whether any further guidance is needed.
Potential benefits
Custom-tray bleaching may:
- Help lighten the shade of natural teeth
- Offer an at-home option with instructions from a dentist
Results vary between people. Crowns, veneers, fillings and other tooth-coloured restorations do not whiten with the natural teeth.
Limitations and realistic expectations
- Only natural teeth change colour. Crowns, veneers, fillings and other tooth-coloured restorations do not lighten, so a difference in shade may become visible.
- Temporary tooth sensitivity or gum irritation may occur.
- The result and the time needed vary between people and by the type of discolouration.
- Whether bleaching is suitable can only be established after a dental assessment. Use the product only as instructed by your dentist.
Aftercare and maintenance
- Follow your dentist's personal instructions for the bleaching product and how long to wear the trays.
- Do not use more product or wear the trays for longer than instructed.
- Clean and store the trays as your dentist advises.
- Contact the practice if you experience sensitivity, irritation or discomfort that persists.
Frequently asked questions
This page is general information, not medical advice or a treatment plan. Whether a treatment is suitable and feasible depends on your oral health, the clinical situation and an examination at the practice. Outcomes, duration and cost differ from patient to patient. If you have acute symptoms, pain or a dental emergency, call the practice directly rather than using the contact form.
Not sure what to do next?
Answer a few questions about your concern, your gums or your smile. You will see which appointment fits and what you can discuss with us.
Severe pain, swelling or an accident? Call the practice straight away: 020 619 9397
About 2 minutes · no registration · free