A bright, white smile can boost your confidence and make a lasting impression on everyone that you meet throughout life. That said, while there are countless over-the-counter whitening products available, they don’t always deliver the results you want, and in some cases, they can even harm your teeth! If you’re looking for a safe, effective way to achieve a whiter smile, professional teeth whitening from your trusted dentist is always going to be the best option. Here’s what you need to know.
The Risks Posed by Over-the-Counter Whitening Products
Many commercial whitening products found at drugstores, pharmacies, and online retailers claim that they’re capable of brightening your smile. However, they usually come with several potential downsides and can even put your oral health at risk.
For one, store-bought products may not whiten teeth uniformly, or even at all for that matter, leading to patchy or streaky results that look even worse than when you started. Not to mention, this can be coupled with tooth sensitivity and gum irritation due to the presence of abrasive ingredients in the products.
It’s also worth mentioning that it’s always going to be in your best interest to seek an oral evaluation before committing to any sort of dental treatment, even whitening. The logic is simple; by ensuring there are no underlying oral health issues present, your dentist can confirm that your intended whitening results will be set up for success and not threatened by any hidden dental issues.
Why Professional Teeth Whitening Is Superior
Your dentist is the go-to person for all of your teeth whitening needs – here are just a few of the many reasons why you should turn toward them instead of trusting DIY products and solutions:
- Your dentist uses high-quality whitening agents, not to mention, they’ve been trained specifically on how to use them. This ensures that your teeth or gums aren’t harmed or made sensitive while your enamel is being whitened.
- Not all teeth respond to whitening treatments the same way, so your dentist will consider factors like existing dental work and your natural tooth color to help ensure your comfort and promote consistent, normal-looking results.
- Professional teeth whitening treatments simply contain stronger bleaching agents than the diluted ones found in over-the-counter products, allowing you to achieve dramatically better and longer-lasting results.
If you’re looking for a safe, effective way to whiten your teeth, trust your dentist more than any advertisement you see on television or at the store – your teeth will thank you!
About the Author
Dr. Joseph Costa received his DMD from the Harvard University School of Dental Medicine and has proudly served the dental needs of patients and families in the Worcester, MA community for several years. Under his leadership, our office offers a wide range of cosmetic solutions, including teeth whitening. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with our team to set up an appointment for you or a loved one, please visit us online or call today for more information or assistance. Telephone: (508) 755-1980.