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 teeth whitening options widely available today. Gel whitening can be done at your dentist’s office. Your dentist is a trained professional that is skilled at achieving the best results. In-office whitening produces a significant color change in just a short time period. It is also the safest method for gel tooth whitening. Your dentist is able to control gum and tooth sensitivity due to the thicker tooth whitening gels available in the dental office.

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.

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 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.

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!

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