Over-the-counter teeth whitening products can cause teeth sensitivity, gum irritation, and undesirable results. Instead, it is best to visit a licensed dentist for teeth whitening treatment. They can ensure the safety and effectiveness of teeth whitening treatment.
While it may be tempting to try and save a few dollars on a store-bought whitening kit, it is not a recommended way to improve your smile due to the risks and potential side effects. The following are three disadvantages of using over-the-counter teeth whitening rather than visiting the dentist for professional treatment.
Perhaps most notably, over-the-counter teeth whitening is not nearly as effective as professional teeth whitening. This can be contributed to several factors. First, the bleaching gel used in over-the-counter products is typically not the same or as strong as those used in professional treatment.
In addition, they are applied with little to no professional guidance, so user error is much higher when using store-bought products. This not only affects the quality of the treatment but also the safety (see below). The treatment process is also more difficult with many store-bought products, leading many to give up treatment before it is finished. This is also largely due to the fact that many store-bought products require you to use them for a while before achieving noticeable results.
Over-the-counter teeth whitening products are also less safe. Many people use over-the-counter whitening products without a recommendation to do so from a dentist. This means they could have oral health concerns that cause side effects when the bleach is used, such as weakened or eroded teeth enamel. Most notably, this causes teeth sensitivity. If the whitening products are not applied correctly, then gum irritation can occur as well. The best-case scenario when this occurs is that the user experiences discomfort, and in more severe cases it causes an oral health concern that requires treatment from a dentist.
It takes a while to see the results from over-the-counter teeth whitening products. In addition, they do not provide quality results the same as professional whitening does. The results achieved also do not last nearly as long as professional, in-office teeth whitening. On average, the results of over-the-counter whitening products lasts from three to six months, whereas the results of in-office whitening typically last for over a year. Therefore, while you may save some money initially through over-the-counter whitening kits, you also have to purchase new kits more often, whereas you only need one whitening procedure per year with professional teeth whitening.
The best way to safely brighten your smile is with professional teeth whitening from a licensed dentist that offers treatment. Schedule a visit with our practice today to discuss teeth whitening and find out if it is the right option for your cosmetic goals.
Request an appointment here: https://www.johnbburgessdds.com or call John B. Burgess, DDS at (865) 321-9505 for an appointment in our Oak Ridge office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Teeth Whitening in Oak Ridge, TN.
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure offered by most general dentists. It targets and removes tough stains on teeth, brightening the patient’s smile. It is important to properly prepare and have realistic expectations before beginning teeth whitening treatment to ensure a successful treatment process. The teeth whitening treatment process involves a consultation visit with a licensed…
When it comes to teeth whitening, many people think that the actual whitening itself is the only thing that will give you a dazzling smile. However, the at-home care after your teeth whitening is just as important. One of the easiest ways to keep your teeth white is to avoid certain foods and beverages that…
Are you considering getting a smile makeover and looking into all the available options? While some people who want to makeover their smile know exactly what they want, not everyone does. This makes it a good idea for anyone interested in getting their smile made over to understand the options available, which often starts with…
A dental implant may impact your teeth straightening options and treatment itself. You likely have a dental implant because you have had a missing tooth and chose an implant as your tooth replacement option, along with a dental restoration such as a crown. A healthy mouth is one that has a full set of straight…
Are you considering getting a smile makeover and looking into all the available options? While some people who want to makeover their smile know exactly what they want, not everyone does. This makes it a good idea for anyone interested in getting their smile made over to understand the options available, which often starts with…
A dental implant may impact your teeth straightening options and treatment itself. You likely have a dental implant because you have had a missing tooth and chose an implant as your tooth replacement option, along with a dental restoration such as a crown. A healthy mouth is one that has a full set of straight…