Whitening Gels: Achieving Success with a Brighter Smile

Many factors affect personal success and self-esteem. One of those ranked most highly, however, is having a smile of which one can be proud. Teeth that are stained, yellowed, or grey are less attractive, and people with discolored teeth often express discomfort with smiling because of this issue. People value having a bright smile and are willing to pay for this privilege.

The field of cosmetic dentistry offers significantly whiter teeth with a significant cost. Other alternatives are slightly less expensive. Home teeth whitening kits range from $20 to $300. Whitening gels are a slightly less expensive alternative to these kits. Alternatively, many locations that sell the kits, such as Directwhite, an online business, also sell the gels as a maintenance treatment to repeat buyers.

Directwhite offers gels with two different strengths of carbamide peroxide, 22 percent and 35 percent. Made by a laboratory approved by the FDA, these products are available in 3ml syringes. The 22 percent solution can be used for 1-3 hours each day. In contrast, the 35 percent compound is only to be used for 30 minutes each day.

Another whitening gel available is Durabrite gel. Available at a similar cost, these syringes are also available in 22 and 35 percent solutions of carbamide peroxide. This gel, like many others, is a pure compounded blend without any artificial filling agents.

One of the most simple to use gels is Easy Comfort whitening gel. This gel is for use as a maintenance formula for those who have already invested significant amounts into their smiles and wish to keep them white and bright. Only a five minute period is required for application. The manufacturers warn, however, that persons with gum disease or orthodontics should not use this product.