You want to brighten your teeth, but you aren’t sure if professional teeth whitening or one of the many store-bought brands is best. Although the kits found at the local drug store are significantly cheaper, you wonder if they might be damaging to your pearly whites, especially if used too often. Before you run out to buy one of these products, spend a few minutes learning why seeing a professional cosmetic dentist is best and how incorrect usage of any do-it-yourself solution can cause serious damage.
What Are Potential Side Effects of Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is typically a safe and effective cosmetic solution for individuals who want to get rid of stains and discoloration. However, if you’re unaware of how to go about brightening your smile, you could put yourself at risk for some unpleasant side effects, such as tooth sensitivity and gum and tooth damage.
Purchasing a store-bought product might seem like a good idea, but some are not approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA). Without taking the right steps, you can do more harm than good in the end. At-home whitening kits often do not contain the same type of professional, highly concentrated bleaching gel that is safe and effective at blasting away stains. As a result, you may discover that your teeth do not appear as bright as you hoped. This can cause you to purchase kit after kit in the hopes that you will achieve the shade you desire. However, in the process, your whitening frequency can begin to damage your tooth enamel and irritate soft oral tissues.
How to Avoid Damaging Your Teeth?
If you want to make sure you are not only protecting your smile but also achieving long-lasting results, it is better to consult with a cosmetic dentist who offers professional at-home whitening kits. With the help of a skilled expert, a personalized treatment plan can be created for your needs. These kits also typically include high-grade bleaching gel that produces results in as little as two weeks. Whether it is pre-loaded trays or individual syringes you’ll be instructed to dispense into specific trays, you can trust that your dentist will provide products that are safe to use and highly effective.
It is even possible to request customized trays that better fit your mouth, further reducing the potential risk for gum irritation.
Although timeframes may vary from patient to patient, you can expect your results to last for several months as long as you continue to take proper care of your smile. However, because it is not permanent, you’ll need to touch up your teeth once you notice any staining or discoloration.
Don’t take chances when it comes to your pearly whites. Trust your cosmetic dentist to help you achieve a brighter smile. It will prove to be safer than any over-the-counter whitening product you buy at your local drug store.
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.