Gel tooth whitening is a method used to restore a tooth's surface color by the removal of dirt and debris. We start out with sparkly white teeth because of the tooth enamel that protects teeth from the effects of chewing, gnashing, trauma, and acid attacks caused by sugar. Over time the enamel becomes worn which allows the yellowish color of the tooth's core material to show. Bleaching also known as gel whitening can be an effective method to combat this problem.
There are three choices available when you want to use gel tooth whitening. You can get in-office treatment, buy a kit from your dentist, or buy a kit at the drugstore. Visiting your dentist can be the best option if you can afford it. A dentist is able to use the highest concentration of peroxide so you get several shades of whitening on just one visit. This is also the safest method. Your dentist has been trained in how to care for your teeth so he can minimize problems with tooth sensitivity and gum irritation.
Before beginning the gel tooth whitening procedure, your dentist will examine and clean your teeth to make sure they are healthy. Next, he will apply a rubber dam to your gums to protect them from the peroxide gel. He will then apply the thick peroxide whitening gel and leave it in place for 15 to 20 minutes. When the time is up, the gel is washed off and then reapplied until it has been in contact with your teeth for at least an hour.
The length of treatment will depend upon how well your teeth respond to the gel. All of your teeth may not need the reapplication, but stubborn stains may require the full 60 minutes of peroxide exposure. It is possible that you won't get the desired results in one hour and in that case, your dentist may ask you to return at a later time for follow up treatments, or it may be determined that is the maximum whitening level for your teeth.
Although gel tooth whitening in the dentist's office is effective, there are some disadvantages. The main one being the cost. In-office whitening is expensive and can cost up to $650. Another drawback is that the results can be unpredictable based upon age, the type of tooth stains, and heredity. Although it works for many, you may not get the results you want after paying a hefty fee. Also, in-office tooth whitening isn't permanent so your dentist will probably advise you to continue with some type of home maintenance.
You could opt to whiten your teeth at home. You can do this if you buy the gel tooth whitening kit from your dentist. This will save some money since you can buy the kit for under $400. This does not have as high a concentration of peroxide as an in-office treatment but it is higher than store bought gel treatments. You should be able to get results similar to the results you would get from an in-office treatment.
The gel tooth whitening kit you buy from your dentist can be customized for you for optimal results. He can make up a specific concentration of peroxide and preload the gel into the trays for you to use at home. The trays will be custom fitted to your mouth to allow maximum contact. Another benefit is that you will receive detailed instructions of the proper use of the kit as well as any safety precautions you need to take.
Gel tooth whitening kits can also be purchased over the counter at the store. This is the least expensive way to whiten your teeth. These kits can be purchased for under $100. The peroxide concentration in the store bought kits is lower than what you would get in a dentist supplied kit or from an in-office treatment. These kits also come with a standardized tray unlike the custom fitted one you would receive from a dentist. Even with those drawbacks, you can still get whiter teeth from store bought kits, just don't expect the same rapid results that you would get from a professional teeth whitening treatment. - 29879
There are three choices available when you want to use gel tooth whitening. You can get in-office treatment, buy a kit from your dentist, or buy a kit at the drugstore. Visiting your dentist can be the best option if you can afford it. A dentist is able to use the highest concentration of peroxide so you get several shades of whitening on just one visit. This is also the safest method. Your dentist has been trained in how to care for your teeth so he can minimize problems with tooth sensitivity and gum irritation.
Before beginning the gel tooth whitening procedure, your dentist will examine and clean your teeth to make sure they are healthy. Next, he will apply a rubber dam to your gums to protect them from the peroxide gel. He will then apply the thick peroxide whitening gel and leave it in place for 15 to 20 minutes. When the time is up, the gel is washed off and then reapplied until it has been in contact with your teeth for at least an hour.
The length of treatment will depend upon how well your teeth respond to the gel. All of your teeth may not need the reapplication, but stubborn stains may require the full 60 minutes of peroxide exposure. It is possible that you won't get the desired results in one hour and in that case, your dentist may ask you to return at a later time for follow up treatments, or it may be determined that is the maximum whitening level for your teeth.
Although gel tooth whitening in the dentist's office is effective, there are some disadvantages. The main one being the cost. In-office whitening is expensive and can cost up to $650. Another drawback is that the results can be unpredictable based upon age, the type of tooth stains, and heredity. Although it works for many, you may not get the results you want after paying a hefty fee. Also, in-office tooth whitening isn't permanent so your dentist will probably advise you to continue with some type of home maintenance.
You could opt to whiten your teeth at home. You can do this if you buy the gel tooth whitening kit from your dentist. This will save some money since you can buy the kit for under $400. This does not have as high a concentration of peroxide as an in-office treatment but it is higher than store bought gel treatments. You should be able to get results similar to the results you would get from an in-office treatment.
The gel tooth whitening kit you buy from your dentist can be customized for you for optimal results. He can make up a specific concentration of peroxide and preload the gel into the trays for you to use at home. The trays will be custom fitted to your mouth to allow maximum contact. Another benefit is that you will receive detailed instructions of the proper use of the kit as well as any safety precautions you need to take.
Gel tooth whitening kits can also be purchased over the counter at the store. This is the least expensive way to whiten your teeth. These kits can be purchased for under $100. The peroxide concentration in the store bought kits is lower than what you would get in a dentist supplied kit or from an in-office treatment. These kits also come with a standardized tray unlike the custom fitted one you would receive from a dentist. Even with those drawbacks, you can still get whiter teeth from store bought kits, just don't expect the same rapid results that you would get from a professional teeth whitening treatment. - 29879
About the Author:
If you want to save money, but still get great results, then home whitening could be just the answer! This method of gel tooth whitening can really produce a smile to be proud of, as long as you know where to find the best quality kits!
