Gel Tooth Whitening – What You Really Need to Know
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 in-office gel tooth whitening procedure begins with a thorough dental examination and cleaning to make sure your teeth are healthy and that you have no problems that would interfere with gel whitening. The dentist will then apply a rubber dam to your gums so they are protected during the procedure. Next comes the application of a thick peroxide gel. The gel is left in place for up to 20 minutes. Then it is washed off and your teeth are examined for results. If they need more whitening, the procedure is repeated up to a maximum peroxide contact time of one hour.
Each time the gel is washed off, your teeth will be examined to see how they are progressing and to determine which ones need another application of gel. If your teeth have not whitened to the degree that you want, your dentist may recommend that you return at a later time for another gel tooth whitening treatment as the maximum limit for the gel application is one hour per session.
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 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 to save money, but still get great results, then home whitening could be the option for you. 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!
