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: http://lbfamilydental.com or call Leila Zamiri DDS at (562) 453-1214 for an appointment in our Long Beach office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Teeth Whitening in Long Beach, CA.
Years of drinking coffee and tea can cause unsightly, stained teeth. Many people are looking for easy and affordable ways to brighten up their smile by whitening their teeth. There are so many products on the market it can be hard to know what will actually work. Also, do you know which products are safe…
Who is your style icon? Most people can clatter off the names of several celebrities whose look they adore and try to emulate. From makeup to clothes, people use celebrities as a model for what is good-looking. That said, some people hardly ever notice that the one thing most fashion stars and celebrities have alike…
An appointment with a family dentist will always be customized according to a patient’s unique needs, but there are still a few things that you can typically expect. Family dentists aim to identify problems early, before they become significant issues. They will strive to ensure that your teeth last as long as possible while giving…
Proper oral hygiene is an often-overlooked but important part of a person's dental health, as well as overall health. In general dentistry, routine dental exams are a crucial aspect of oral healthcare that maintains healthy teeth. However, there are many myths surrounding exams.The following are three of the most common myths about dental exams, as…
While there are a few popular myths regarding the dental exam procedure, it is vitally…
Family dentists aim to identify problems early, before they become significant issues.
Here are some tips for ensuring a lasting dental bridge.
Here are some care tips for your new dental crown.
Minor flaws in your teeth might make you hide your smile. If so, dental veneers…
Dentists do everything they can to save natural teeth, but sometimes, removing the tooth is…
