Teeth Whitening Gel

There are two main types of teeth whitening get to be aware of: Over the counter gel and detist

Over-the-Counter Gel

Since the early 2000s, the do-it-yourself tooth whitening business has boomed for several reasons. Whitening your teeth on your own is significantly quicker and definitely cheaper than working with a dentist. On the other hand, not all over-the-counter whiteners may work for your teeth, and only a dentist can tell you that before you try out every kind. Also, when using teeth whiteners on your own, you’re taking your safety into your own hands in terms of tooth and gum sensitivity.

How Over-the-Counter Gel Works

Although the procedure is similar to chair-side whitening and gel whiteners with dental supervision, the main difference with over-the-counter gel is that you do everything at home. The most difficult part is getting a mouth guard that fits snugly around our teeth and seals off the gums. Instead of going to the dentist, some kits have mouthpieces made of a malleable material so that when you soak it in warm water, you can press it to your teeth for a close fit. Other kits still do offer custom-made trays in the form of mail-in impressions. Once you mail your impression, it usually takes about a week to receive your mold.

When opting for the do-it-yourself gel, you should know about other precautions that a dentist won’t be able to tell you about. For example, after bleaching, don’t use a mouthwash with alcohol (e.g. Scope or Listerine) because it can diminish the whitening effects. However, an oxygenating oral rinse (e.g. Therabreath and Orajel) may benefit the gel treatment. Be sure to read the instructions for further advice.

Over-the-Counter Gel Side Effects

Side effects for over-the-counter gels are similar to dentist-administered gel: primarily tooth and gum sensitivity. For further safety, over-the-counter gels generally have lower concentrations of peroxide (10% maximum) than gels dentists give. In addition to being cheaper to manufacture and requiring longer use, this lower potency level is also good if you have sensitive teeth. For some teeth, this level works fine, but if you have extremely yellow teeth, you may need more doses than if you used the dentist’s gel. Some people with extremely yellow teeth may need dentist’s gel to see the results they desire.

How Long Does Over-the-Counter Gel Last?

Over-the-counter gel will last at least a year, compared with a 3 years for dentist’s gel. However, the nice thing about the do-it-yourself method is when you need touch-ups. Instead of setting up additional dentist appointments, you can easily wear your mouth guard at home whenever you want.

Over-the-Counter Gel Cost

Compared with the treatments discussed so far, over-the-counter gels are a steal. You can try one out for as low as $10 and as high as $100 for a 30-day dose. More expensive products will probably have higher levels of peroxide, but make sure you get what your teeth actually require. If you’re just looking for a little whitening, it may be a good idea to start with the lower level, for both cost and minimal side effects.

Dental Supervision Gel

Teeth whitening procedures with dental supervision combines the ease and economy of do-it-yourself whitening with the expertise and guidance of a professional. For this reason, whitening with dental supervision is the most popular method of teeth whitening.

How Dental Supervision Gel Works

When whitening with dental supervision, you usually just visit your dentist once for an evaluation, possible x-ray and to create a mold of your teeth. Once you receive your custom-made mouth guard, the actual bleaching process takes place at home.

You can have a dentist to make a custom made
mold for your teeth, and do the remainder of the whitening process at home.

Very similar to chair-side bleaching, dental supervision whitening uses carbamide peroxide to bleach your tooth enamel. You will pour the peroxide gel provided by your doctor, into the mold they made of your teeth; then you’ll place it in your mouth for a set period of time (which your doctor will proscribe).

You will receive a gel in a plastic bottle or small syringe. Peroxide concentrations vary (usually about 10%, 16% or 22%), and you will work with your dentist to decide on a level that will best whiten your teeth without giving you extreme side effects. Take-home gels usually have lower peroxide concentrations because higher concentrations make teeth and gums more sensitive (although they’re usually offset somewhat with extra fluoride, which protects and strengthens teeth). Also, although these whitening agents are similar to those sold in stores, only dentist-dispensed gels carry the ADA Seal, likely because further research needs to be completed to satisfy ADA requirements.

Depending on your teeth shade and desired level of whiteness, your dentist will advise you how long and frequently to use the whitener. Some treatments consist of using twice daily for a couple weeks while others are used overnight for one to six weeks. According to your dentist’s recommendation, you’ll leave the mouth guard in for 30 minutes to all night. An average treatment time is 2 hours. When applying the mouth guard, be sure to wipe away excess gel near the gums, which can otherwise cause irritation.

How Long Does Dental Supervision Gel Last?

Whitening with dental supervision lasts about as long as chair-side bleaching – several years, although the whiteness does fade with time. However, you can easily touch up your teeth by wearing your own mouth guard occasionally to maintain your bright smile. Your doctor can supply you with additional gel when needed.

Dental Supervision Gel Side Effects

Tooth and gum sensitivity, similar to the chair-side bleaching, may cause irritation, but at about the same level. Wearing a mouth guard during the day could affect your speech, although usually only slightly because the guard is thin. Many people prefer to wear the mouth guard at night with no adverse effects.