Gel Tooth Whitening – What You Really Need to Know
Gel tooth whitening is one method used to make the surface of your teeth whiter by removing surface debris. It works to restore the normal white color of the teeth which gradually becomes dull and discolored due to eating sugar or from coffee stains. Also, normal wear and tear from chewing breaks down the enamel which causes the core of the tooth to show through and dulls the color. Gel tooth whitening also known as bleaching, can help combat these problems.
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 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 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.
If you don’t want to spend as much money by going to your dentist they can dispense a take-home kit. The cost of the take-home kit ranges from $100 to $400. Many dentists agree that dentist-dispensed gel tooth whitening take-home kits provide the best results when used over extended periods of time. Such kits contain higher percentages of bleach than your average over-the-counter kits.
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.
The least expensive method of gel tooth whitening is the over-the-counter store bought whitening kit. Store bought gel tooth whitening kits range from $20 to $100. Store bought whitening kits contain bleaching gel that has a concentration that is lower than what a dentist would use for an in-office visit or what is contained in a dentist-dispensed take-home kit. The whitening gel is applied on the teeth with a standard tray unlike the dentist-dispensed kit that is custom fitted. You can achieve whiter teeth with store bought kits but you must not expect the results to be the same as with professional treatment.
If you want to save money, but still get great results, then home whitening could be the option for you. This type of gel tooth whitening can be highly effective, if you know where to look for the right home kit!
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