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TEETH WHITENING IN WINSTON SALEM
BLEACHING GEL
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more moderate solution, simple bleaching gel may be right for you. If you end up going in this direction, you have the choice of buying bleaching gel yourself over the counter to apply at home or going to a dentist for bleaching at the office. There’s no right or wrong answer here; it’s simply based on how quickly you want results, how much different you want your teeth to look.
Over the counter gel is intended for those who are only looking for small improvements, rather than those with severe discoloration or people who want drastic change. Additionally, this process can take much longer than the other options, especially compared to laser bleaching, which can give you whiter teeth in a single hour. By contrast, bleaching your own teeth at home can take multiple applications and be harder to manage than if you leave it to an experienced professional.
Generally, over the counter bleaching gel comes in strips which are applied to the top and bottom teeth multiple times over a short period. These work similarly to those found in a professional office, but they’re usually somewhat less effective, and they can be hard to secure on your own teeth. Therefore, this option is typically recommended for those with mild or moderate discoloration.
Those with experience using over the counter bleaching gel know how hard it can be to keep the strips tight against your teeth over the entire recommended period of use. While the top teeth are usually simple to work with, the bottom teeth usually have a more irregular shape and are harder to access given their position in the mouth. This is one of the main reasons professional treatment is known to be more effective than that applied at home, but it’s not the only one.
Bleaching gels provided by dentists generally have a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide (the active ingredient), meaning that they can be more effective in a shorter amount of time. Additionally, supervision from a professional means that any issues are likely to be resolved before they become problematic.
One of the most common side effects of bleaching gels—whether over the counter or professionally applied—is sensitivity and irritation in the teeth and gums. Hydrogen peroxide can cause pain, which is why the strips you see in stores have a lower concentration. If you apply the strips incorrectly or for longer than recommended, you can end up experiencing these side effects. The best way to avoid or at least reduce them is to have the process supervised by a dentist, who will be able to avoid causing any unnecessary issues.