Most people can think of a multitude of reasons for wanting whiter teeth. But all too often, attempts to improve a patient’s smile end in disappointment—or end before they even begin. While in-office and custom take-home whitening options can be quite effective, many patients rule them out as being too expensive and time-consuming. Patients who try more affordable over-the-counter options can be discouraged by-products that are messy or difficult to use, with less-than-ideal whitening results. And, expensive or not, products that cause hypersensitivity are more likely to end up in the trash than in a patient’s mouth.
Julia Shin can relate to the frustrations and difficulties of finding the ideal whitening solution—not just as a hygienist but also as a patient. In the past, she had stopped using whitening trays/gels after only a couple days because they caused hypersensitivity. Eager to find a way to whiten her teeth, Shin tried Patterson Dental’s Pre-Filled Whitening Trays for this DPS evaluation and discovered, “This product whitened my teeth and did not cause hypersensitivity.”
Shin began her treatment by using only the upper trays, so she could compare the results to her untreated lower teeth. “Without checking my shade, I could already see results in just 3 days, with my upper teeth whiter than my lowers,” she said. “And this product didn’t cause hypersensitivity on my upper teeth so that I could complete my treatment.” In addition, Shin noted, “The taste was mild and not bitter, and that was a bonus point!”
Ease of Use & Convenience
The Patterson Whitening Trays are preloaded with 15% hydrogen peroxide gel. The addition of potassium nitrate greatly reduces or eliminates sensitivity. The disposable, pre-filled trays are easy to use and convenient, containing a pre-measured 1-ml dose in a tray that requires no care or storage. Users simply place a tray on the upper and lower teeth and then bite firmly and suck on the trays for 2 seconds to keep it in place. After 15-20 minutes of wear, the trays are removed and discarded, with any remaining gel rinsed out of the mouth with water. This process is repeated once daily for up to 7 days.
Ease of use was a favorite feature of nearly all the evaluators, including Dr. Robert Milner, who shared, “The one-size-fits-all, disposable whitening trays that require no cleaning or storage make on-the-go teeth whitening a reality.” Pleased to find a simple, hassle-free, take-home whitening solution, hygienist Tara Cabral appreciated the pre-filled trays, which she found easy to place. Dr. Vladik Crutcher described the trays as “simple to use, even on the go,” and Dr. Lisa Klemes said whitening was easy because she did not need to fill a tray or make an impression for a custom bleaching tray. Calling the trays “easy to use with minimal time required for the result,” Cheri Lindstrom said, “The trays were more comfortable than other systems.” Naming the “one-size-fits-all, simple, comfortable design” as his favorite feature, Dr. Robert Albert suggested “increased coverage to the premolar area.”
Reduced Sensitivity
Describing herself as someone who is always sensitive to whitening, Cabral experienced “less sensitivity with the Patterson product than with other over-the-counter whitening products.” Shin added, “The trays were effective and didn’t cause hypersensitivity,” and Dr. Nicholas Vece reported “not much sensitivity” but suggested “a better fit of the tray.” Noting a bit of sensitivity on his lower anterior teeth, Dr. Milner said it was easily resolved by placing warm water in the mouth.
Whitening Results
Reporting that her teeth “whitened by 5 or 6 shade values” with the Patterson Whitening Trays, Dr. Klemes suggested more detailed instructions for patients. Noting that the “easy-to-use and effective trays work great,” Cabral explained that “a small front tooth defect that stains quickly was whitened with the first treatment to match the rest of the tooth surface.” With patients reporting moderate whitening results, Dr. Vece said he’s glad “to give patients a less expensive alternative that is better than over-the-counter strips.”
