Gel Tooth Whitening - Know the Facts First

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 different types of gel whitening methods you can choose from. One is to have gel tooth whitening done at your dentist's office so you can achieve the best results. Being a trained professional, your dentist can give you the best results in the shortest amount of time, and in a way that is safe. This in-office whitening method is one of the quickest and safest methods you can use to brighten the color of your teeth. Your dentist is able to whiten your teeth while at the same time controlling gum exposure and tooth sensitivity.

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.

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.

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 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!