Almost everyone would love to have a whiter smile, but some ways of achieving a flashier grin are better than others. While it might be tempting to invest in at-home teeth whitening kits that you can find at your local grocery store or pharmacy, these products often deliver unimpressive or unnoticeable results and may even lead to oral injuries due to faulty manufacturing or user error. Here’s a brief guide to the risks of these store-bought kits and why professional teeth whitening treatments from your dentist can produce superior results.
One-Size-Fits-All May Not Fit All
A typical store-bought teeth whitening kit includes a tube of whitening gel and a set of one-size-fits-all dental trays. The patient is instructed to apply the gel to the trays and wear them for a certain amount of time for a number of days, and while this seems simple enough, the fact is that the sizes and shapes of human teeth vary wildly. Some patients may find that the trays do not fit all the way over their teeth, leading to uneven whitening, and others may experience the trays extending too far past their teeth, exposing their gums to the harsh whitening agent and leading to soft tissue injuries.
Store-Bought Whitening Gels May Be Too Weak
The bleaching agent in store-bought whitening gels is often not very concentrated, making it hard for a user to achieve their desired results. Some users report that the whitening effect is barely noticeable or nonexistent even after many months of using store-bought whitening products.
DIY Methods Can Damage Your Enamel
Some people opt to whiten their teeth with at-home do-it-yourself methods. While using household items like baking soda, charcoal powder, and lemon juice may whiten your teeth, this only happens because these products wear away stained enamel. Over time, these methods may leave your teeth sensitive and weakened due to enamel loss.
Professional Teeth Whitening Is the Way to Go
Luckily, your dentist can perform safe and effective teeth whitening treatments that can leave your teeth up to eight shades whiter. These treatments come in the form of either an in-office procedure that can be completed in about an hour or a take-home kit that can be finished in about two weeks. Since these procedures are administered by a qualified professional and customized to fit the patient’s needs, they can deliver stunning results while minimizing the risk of complications. Consulting with your dentist can put you on the path to a whiter and more gorgeous smile.
About the Practice
Salt Run Family Dentistry offers the finest oral healthcare in St. Augustine. Led by Drs. Mickey Leth, Bert Tavary, and Nicole Dunn, the staff takes pride in providing effective treatments and maintaining a comfortable and friendly environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry such as teeth whitening treatments. To book your consultation for teeth whitening, contact the practice online or dial (904) 824-3540.