Using Teeth Bleaching Gel to Restore Your Smile

Teeth bleaching gel is the most common and cost effective way to restore the natural color of your teeth. As we age, the mineral make up of the enamel in our teeth changes…just like everything else on our bodies. It is a porous material and staining agents are able to make their way beneath the enamel to discolor teeth, creating shades of blue, gray and yellow instead of that pearly white. Many common things lead to these discolorations, such as hygiene habits, food and drink choices, smoking, tooth trauma and even certain medications. Teeth bleaching gel can work effectively on stains created by most of these situations.

Teeth bleaching gel works very simply. It doesn’t really contain true bleach, but instead an oxidizing agent (such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide) is used, forming a very weak acid. This solution is able to move through the porous enamel coating on a human tooth and can also eventually reach the dentin layer for deep staining. The weak acid serves to break down stains, just like regular bleach does on clothing. Stains are then lifted away by the teeth bleaching gel and the coloring of the tooth begins to change.

The application of teeth bleaching gels comes in a number of formats. It is very thick, so a whitening tray application seems to work the best. The thickness of the teeth bleaching gel stops it from flowing into the gum line and creating sores or irritation. However, it can also be applied directly to the tooth by placing the teeth bleaching gel on a strip or brush. Since it is so thick, it will stay in place reasonably well with the brushing method. The whitening tray, although more expensive, still seems to offer the most thorough and consistent results.

The time it takes to whiten teeth using teeth bleaching gel varies according to the concentration of the active ingredient. Higher concentrations are available only from your dentist, while lower grade teeth bleaching gels can be purchased at the drug store or many area super markets. While the dentist’s teeth bleaching gel is more powerful and less time consuming, it is also more expensive. Conversely, you will likely have to repeat an over-the-counter treatment with teeth bleaching gel numerous times before you attain the shade of white you are looking for. Some over-the-counter teeth bleaching gels are also simply not powerful enough to reach all types of stains.

Judged as an entire process, whitening your teeth with teeth bleaching gels is a healthy and beautiful thing to do for your smile. There are few (if any) side effects and the results can last for years with some simple maintenance. Toothpastes, mouthwashes and rinses can help to reinforce the job performed by teeth bleaching gel, and they are all simple and cost effective. Moreover, teeth bleaching gels are flexible, allowing you to select the strength of the compound, venue for application, and shade of teeth that are all right for you.