Gel Tooth Whitening - What You Really Need to Know

By Julian Carl

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.

The gel whitening process will begin with your teeth being cleaned and then examined to make sure they are in good oral health. Next the dentist will protect your gums with a rubber dam before applying a high concentration of peroxide gel. The peroxide gel must remain on the teeth for 15-20 minutes at a time. At the end of each interval the gel will be washed off and fresh gel will be applied.

The whitening progress will also be monitored during each interval to see how well the teeth have whitened and which teeth if any may require more gel. The total treatment time will not exceed more than one hour. Once the process is complete your dentist may recommend follow-up in-office gel whitening if results are not satisfactory.

Although gel tooth whitening is recommended done in your dentist's office there are drawbacks to consider. In-office whitening is expensive and can cost on average up to $650. Also, depending upon certain factors such as heredity, age, and type of stain, results can be less than predictable. This means that you may not achieve your desired results and end up spending more to continue treatment. In-office whitening is also not permanent and your dentist may recommend 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.

You can also choose to buy get gel tooth whitening kits from the drugstore. These over-the-counter kits have the least amount of peroxide. Another drawback is they come with one size tray so you do not get a customized fit. Still, they are much more affordable being priced under $100, and they do a good job of whitening your teeth a few shades. Just don't expect the results to be as good as or as rapid as the results you get when you visit your dentist for a teeth whitening treatment. - 29879

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