Gel tooth whitening is a popular and effective way to get brighter and whiter teeth through the application of peroxide bleach gel. This gel works to restore natural whiteness to teeth that have become discolored due to stains from foods and thinning of enamel. Coffee and nicotine are two stains commonly found on teeth that make them look dull or yellowish. Whitening gel can be an effective way to erase those stains and let your natural white teeth shine through.
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.
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 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.
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. - 30292
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.
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 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.
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. - 30292
About the Author:
If you want to save money, but still get great results, then home whitening could be just the answer! This type of gel tooth whitening can produce fantastic results, as long as you know where to find the best quality kits!
