The Last Argument for Custom Fit Teeth Whitening Trays

What should I do? Thermo or custom fit teeth whitening trays? There is always something that helps you make your final decision. The last argument that did it for me was: Gel Pockets.

What are gel pockets?

Custom fit trays do not fit perfectly. They have tiny reservoirs between the front of your teeth and the tray material. I call these gel pockets. These pockets are there to hold the gel while you are wearing the trays.

Without these pockets the gel would be squeezed out when you place the tray onto your teeth. That is exactly what happens with thermoforming trays.

How do they do that?

Custom fit teeth whitening trays are made that way. From your impressions they make a model of your teeth at dental lab. They use this model to make the whitening trays fit your teeth.

However before the technician molds the tray a thin layer of additional material is painted onto the teeth surface. This extra layer creates the tiny reservoirs I call gel pockets.

The result? The whitening gel will not be squeezed out. These gel pockets make sure your teeth stay in contact with the whitening gel during the entire treatment.

That is it

That is it! This is my last and probably the most compelling argument for custom fit teeth whitening trays. Thermoforming trays just cannot do this.

There is more

What else do these pockets mean? Let’s say you want to whiten a single tooth. What if your custom tray is made with a pocket in front of this tooth only? That would give you a chance to whiten a single tooth.

The only question is how to get trays with pockets in front of specific teeth. Some dentists have the equipment to make whitening trays in the office. Ask your dentist.

If I find a lab that does that I will update this page.

Until Then

I made my decision. Custom fit trays are much better. Until now comfort was the strongest argument for custom trays.

With gel pockets your teeth can be whitened faster and better with custom fit teeth whitening trays.

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