Cosmetic Dentistry
Take-Home Whitening in Gladstone
Custom trays for whitening on your schedule.
Take-home whitening pairs trays made for your teeth with professional whitening gel you apply yourself. It lets you brighten your smile gradually, at home, with guidance from your dental team.
Exceptional Dentistry in Gladstone, MO
How take-home whitening works
Take-home whitening starts with an exam, because whitening works best on healthy teeth and gums. Your dentist records the shape of your teeth, often with a digital scan, and uses it to make trays that fit your smile closely. At home, you place a small amount of professional gel in the trays and wear them as directed, which keeps the gel against your teeth and away from your gums. Because the change happens gradually, you can stop once you reach a shade you like. The main teeth whitening page compares this option with the others.
Step by step
Getting started
- A check of your teeth and gums before any whitening
- A digital scan or impression for your custom trays
- A fitting visit, where you learn how much gel to use
- Clear instructions on how often to wear the trays
- A follow-up so your dentist can see how your shade is changing
Why custom trays
What sets professional trays apart
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A closer fit
Trays shaped to your teeth hold the gel evenly and help keep it off the gums.
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Professional gel
The gel comes from your dental office, with directions matched to your teeth.
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Your own pace
You whiten at home, at times that suit your routine.
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Reusable trays
Keep your trays, and your dentist can advise you on touch-up gel later.
Cosmetic consultation
Free
Explore your options for a brighter, more confident smile
Our complimentary cosmetic consultation includes:
- Professional smile assessment
- Discussion of your goals & concerns
- Personalized treatment recommendations
- Information on teeth whitening, veneers, dental bonding & more
Tips while you whiten
Some people notice temporary tooth sensitivity while whitening. Your dentist can suggest ways to manage it, such as a toothpaste for sensitive teeth or a short break between applications. Whitening gel does not change the color of fillings, crowns or dental bonding, so it makes sense to plan any tooth-colored repairs after you reach your new shade.
Another option
Prefer to whiten in the office?
If you would rather not manage the gel yourself, in-office teeth whitening is done in the chair with Zoom Whitening. Some people use both: an office session to begin and trays for touch-ups afterward.
Book your visit
Get started with take-home whitening
Schedule a cosmetic consultation, and we will check your teeth and gums and help you decide whether take-home trays fit your goals.
The short answer
Take-home whitening is a professional whitening method in which your dentist provides custom-fitted trays and whitening gel that you wear at home. After a check of your teeth and gums, a digital scan or impression is used to make trays that fit closely, and you learn how much gel to use and how often to wear them. The trays hold the gel evenly against your teeth and away from your gums, lightening them gradually so you can stop once you reach a shade you like.
Take-Home Whitening FAQ
- Is take-home whitening the same as store-bought strips?
- No, take-home whitening is not the same as store-bought strips. Store-bought products take a one-size-fits-all approach, while professional take-home whitening uses trays made from your own teeth and gel supplied by your dental office. The closer fit holds the gel evenly and helps keep it off the gums, and your dentist gives directions matched to your teeth.
- Will my teeth be sensitive?
- Some people notice mild, temporary tooth sensitivity while whitening. Tell your dentist if it happens, because they can suggest adjustments. That might mean a toothpaste for sensitive teeth or a short break between applications.
- Can I whiten if I have fillings or crowns?
- Yes, you can whiten with fillings or crowns, but the gel will not change their color. That can affect the match between those restorations and your natural teeth once the teeth are lighter. Your dentist can explain this, and it often makes sense to plan any tooth-colored repairs after you reach your new shade.
- How do I store my trays?
- Rinse your trays after each use, let them dry and keep them in their case, away from heat. Heat can warp plastic trays, so avoid leaving them anywhere hot. Kept well, the trays are reusable, and your dentist can advise you on touch-up gel later.
Your dentist
Meet Dr. Emily Marx
A skilled family dentist, Dr. Marx is passionate about helping patients feel comfortable while achieving their best smile. Meet Dr. Marx
