Gel Tooth Whitening – What You Really Need to Know
Friday, November 27th, 2009
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 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 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 can save some money on gel tooth whitening when you buy the kit from your dentist and apply it at home yourself. You should be able to buy a kit for under $400, which is a substantial savings. These are more expensive than store bought kits because they have a higher percentage of peroxide in them and can only be obtained from a dentist. The results you get are just as good, or even better, than the results you get from in-office treatment. The results may be better because you can extend the treatments over a longer period of time.
The gel tooth whitening kits you get from the dentist are customized for your teeth. The tray is custom fitted for precise application and the gel is formulated to the concentration best for you. The dentist can preload the trays so using them is very convenient. You will have all of the supplies needed plus detailed instructions on the proper and safe use of the gel.
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.
If you want professional-looking results but can’t afford the cost then home whitening could be just the answer! This method of gel tooth whitening can really produce a smile to be proud of, if you know where to look for the right home kit!
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