What are Perio Protect Trays?
Your Dental Hygienist or Dentist at Lake Forest Smiles may recommend something called Perio Protect Trays if you are having issues with bleeding or infected gums.
Perio Protect trays are a simple, non-invasive, at-home method for improving gum disease. Gum disease can cause inflammation throughout the body and pathogens that cause it can be linked to other serious illnesses such as heart disease, type II diabetes, respiratory disease, dementia, or Alzheimer’s disease. Our mouth is between two very important organs, our brain and our heart. Having exceptional oral health will positively impact our overall health and longevity.
Each set of trays is custom designed and fabricated to fit each individual’s mouth based off their periodontal gum measurements. The tray is made of a soft but snug material that creates a unique suction using positive pressure to deliver medicated gel into the gum pocket where the toothbrush and floss fail to reach. The medicated gel works to rid the mouth of harmful bacteria that causes gums to be inflamed and bone to recede. For more severe bone loss, there is an antibiotic called Vibromycin that can be placed directly in the trays as well. Finally, patients can expect to see whiter teeth after using Perio Protect Trays due to the 1.7% hydrogen peroxide content!
Who Can Benefit from Perio Protect Trays?
The simple answer is: Anyone! Perio Protect trays can be used by anyone who is interested in having a healthier mouth. They can be used preventively, or they can be used to maintain and keep periodontal health stable. At Lake Forest Smiles, we recommend them for patients who have gone through periodontal surgery, scaling and root planning, implants, restorative treatment. They are also beneficial for anyone with a systemic illness to keep inflammation at a minimum.
How Can I Get Perio Protect Trays?
When you choose to have them made, one of our hygienists or assistants will use a digital 3D scanner to make an impression of your mouth – no goopy impression material! We then send your impressions to our Perio Protect Laboratory along with your periodontal measurements taken at your hygiene appointment, and they will fabricate one upper and one lower custom-made tray. When your trays return from the lab, we will set up an appointment to try them in and ensure the fit and go over how to use them. You will also receive your Perio Protect Gel at this appointment.
How Do I Use My Trays?
Perio Protect trays are meant to be used daily for a total of 15 minutes per day. The Perio Gel is only effective for 15 minutes, so no additional time is needed. However, depending on the severity of your gum disease, you may be instructed to use them up to 3 times per day. At Lake Forest Smiles, we believe in making the treatment fit your lifestyle, not the other way around. So, you can use your trays any time during the day! Most of our patients find it easiest to put their trays in before they shower and get ready for their day, but you can fit it to your schedule.
Ask your hygienist today how you can get your mouth healthier, breath fresher, and teeth whiter with Perio Protect!
