If you don’t like how your smile looks due to years of discoloration, you may be considering teeth whitening using an over-the-counter kit. There are numerous products on the market that claim to remove stains from your pearly whites to give you a more gorgeous grin. Though some of them work as advertised, others may end up doing virtually nothing or causing more harm than good. To help you decide which teeth whitening method is the best option for your smile, read on to learn about the differences between store-bought and professional take-home kits.
3 Disadvantages of Over-the-Counter Whitening Kits
Store-bought teeth whitening kits are more readily available than professional ones, but they don’t usually deliver the results that most people hope for. This is because the whitening agent that these products contain isn’t nearly as powerful as the ones that are used in professional kits. There are a few other disadvantages of using over-the-counter products to whiten your smile, including:
- Harm to gum tissue –Store-bought whitening kits contain peroxide that can irritate your gum tissue in a few different ways. If the trays don’t fit properly, the peroxide can spill out and get onto your gums. Whitening strips can also have unnecessary contact with your gum tissue.
- Enamel damage – If you don’t use store-bought whitening kits properly, the sodium bicarbonate and hydrogen peroxide in them can cause enamel erosion and expose the dentin of your teeth. This can lead to additional discoloration, sensitivity, discomfort, and make you more susceptible to decay.
- Worsening dental problems – If you have dental issues like cracked teeth or cavities, over-the-counter whitening kits can make things worse. This is because the bleaching agents that they use can seep into the crevasses of your teeth, which will allow them to reach the root of the tooth. This can be incredibly painful and may require a root canal to fix the issue.
How Professional Take-Home Whitening Kits Work
Take-home whitening kits from your dentist are a much safer way to brighten your smile. They also offer more dramatic, longer-lasting results. First, your dentist will check your teeth and gums to ensure that you don’t have any oral health problems that need to be resolved before you proceed with treatment. They will then give you custom whitening trays and a potent whitening gel to use with them that can lift stains from your teeth more effectively than anything you could buy at the store. Additionally, since the trays are customized to perfectly fit your pearly whites, this will prevent gum irritation. Your dentist will explain the proper way to use the whitening kit as well as how long the trays need to be worn to provide you with the desired results.
If you’re interested in removing stains from your smile, speak with your dentist about their whitening options. Not only will this be safer than buying a kit from the store, but it is also much more likely to provide you with the results you’ve been dreaming of!
About the Author
Does your smile look dull and discolored? If so, the talented Scarborough team at Bal Dental Centre can help you brighten your beam with one of their teeth whitening services. They offer in-office whitening treatments that can be completed in just one appointment as well as two different kinds of take-home kits. Regardless of which option you go with, you’ll be sporting a more beautiful smile in no time! if you’re ready to make an appointment or want more information on their teeth whitening options, visit Bal Dental Centre’s website or call their office at (416) 267-6789.
