If you’re like most people who are displeased with the look of their smile, you want a solution that will blast away stains and eliminate discoloration, right? While professional teeth whitening is a safe and effective option, you may be thinking there are cheaper ways to achieve the results you desire. Although you are right that there are less expensive methods available, DIY whitening in Tullahoma isn’t the best option. Here are 4 potential dangers you might experience if you choose to brighten your teeth at home without the help of a professional.
The Potential Pitfalls of DIY Whitening
DIY whitening might seem like a good idea because of its affordability; however, you could be putting your teeth, gums, and overall oral health at risk.
Here are 4 potential pitfalls that can occur when attempting to whiten your teeth by yourself:
- Enamel abrasion: Charcoal toothpaste can help to remove some stains and discoloration, but it can also cause your enamel to erode over time. Once the hardest substance in your body is gone, your teeth will not produce more. Activated charcoal may be a popular trend among individuals, but it’s not approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) or local dentists.
- Severe pain: You can experience intense pain if the bleaching gel enters through a cavity or chip, reaching the nerves of your inner tooth layers. You must have good general oral health before moving forward with any kind of cosmetic treatment; however, if you’re not evaluated by a professional beforehand, you could suffer extreme discomfort that can only be addressed by a dentist.
- Wearing of enamel: Similar to how charcoal causes enamel abrasion, using lemon juice or other citrus solutions can cause the outer layer of your teeth to wear away. This is why dentists strongly recommend that you avoid highly acidic beverages and foods because of the increased damaged that occurs to your tooth enamel. While whitening results may be temporary, you could be left with less protection from cavities and tooth decay because there is no longer an outer layer of protection.
- Gum irritation: If you choose to purchase a whitening kit that consists of strips or pens, there is a good chance that not only will you not see even results, but your soft oral tissues can become irritated. Because these products do not use a professional-grade bleaching gel, they often cause lackluster results but can also seep onto your gums and cause them to become irritated, making for an uncomfortable experience.
Why Professional Teeth Whitening is Best
Choosing to see a trusted professional will ensure that you receive a safe and effective whitening experience. Because your dentist is trained at performing this type of treatment, they can provide you with professional-grade solutions and equipment so that you can expect an even, beautiful, and healthy smile afterward. Whether you prefer your trays to be pre-filled, customized, or empty so that you can fill them with the appropriate amount of bleaching gel, the choice is ultimately yours. Your dentist will first make sure you’re healthy enough to receive teeth whitening in Tullahoma as well as provide detailed instructions, so you can expect to see dramatic results in as little as two weeks.
Give your smile the attention and boost it deserves by putting it in the hands of a dental professional, not a DIY solution. In the end, you’ll achieve results that are worth the time and money.
About the Author
Dr. John Petty graduated from the University of Alabama School of Dentistry in Birmingham with his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree before serving three years in the National Health Service Corps. After moving to Tennessee in 1984, he and his wife settled in Tullahoma and have since helped its residents achieve greater oral health. At Petty Dental, he and his team enjoy providing patients looking to eliminate stains and discoloration with at-home whitening kits that are safer and easier to use. Not to mention, they also produce effective results in just a few weeks. If you are looking to whiten your smile with the help of a professional, visit our website or call (931) 454-9499.