It’s hard to miss all of the do-it-yourself videos and messages that social media influencers and big companies promote these days. This is especially true with anything having to do with oral and overall health. To save money, countless solutions are being pushed, promising whiter, brighter teeth in minutes or even seconds. But before you rush to order or try the “latest and greatest” thing, take a few moments to learn why teeth whitening is best left to the professionals.
What Kind of Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Options Are Available?
If you walk down the aisle of your local drugstore, you will find countless options for teeth whitening. Whether it is strips, pens, trays, whitening rinses, or toothpaste, many of them promise results that will capture the attention and intrigue of any interested buyer.
Unfortunately, there are a few things you may not realize when considering these products to whiten your smile. Not only do they contain less powerful whitening agents, but the strips and trays are unlikely to fit your teeth properly.
When put into place, you will notice that they do not cover all of your teeth, leaving some to remain yellow and stained. Also, the trays you might purchase are not customized to your smile, so if you’re not careful you might find that the whitening gel you use spills over onto your gums causing irritation.
Also, because over-the-counter whitening solutions do not produce the kind of results most patients desire, they can actually end up harming their teeth by continuing to try and brighten teeth.
What Makes Professional Teeth Whitening Worth the Investment?
Choosing professional take-home whitening kits from a qualified and skilled cosmetic dentist is going to leave you with beautiful, longer-lasting results. Here are a few reasons why:
- The whitening products used as part of a professional take-home whitening kit are more powerful. This means that they have the ability to remove more than just extrinsic stains. They can also penetrate the enamel and remove intrinsic stains.
- Your cosmetic dentist will oversee the process by making sure you do it correctly by providing clear instructions before you go home to begin the process.
- Your cosmetic dentist will make sure that you are a good candidate for teeth whitening by first addressing any signs of gum disease or tooth decay that may be evident.
- The customized trays you receive will fit your mouth perfectly, ensuring each tooth receives the benefits of the high-powered whitening gel that is used to brighten smiles.
While it might be enticing to purchase one of the many over-the-counter whitening kits at your local drugstore, remember to consider how much time and money you will spend to try and achieve the results you truly desire. Leaving it up to the professionals is the safest, most effective way to get a brighter smile in less time.
About the Authors
Dr. Aaron Swingdorf is a skilled and trusted cosmetic dentist in Chaska who desires to help patients enjoy life with whiter, brighter smiles. Offering at-home whitening kits, he can ensure safe and effective solutions that will enhance teeth in a matter of weeks, leaving smiles brighter and healthier for longer. If you’re interested in professional teeth whitening, contact us at (952) 448-4151 or visit our website to learn more.
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