If you’re embarrassed to show your teeth on social media or even smile in public because of discoloration and stains, there are several whitening products on the market. They claim to provide drastic results, making them appear to be the cost-effective solution; however, OTC products don’t have professional-grade whitening agents. Not to mention, there are 3 risks of using them too much. Here’s what you need to know to avoid damaging your smile.
1. Ineffective Results
Social media sites are flooded with images and videos of DIY whitening methods, like charcoal toothpaste. Although you’ve likely seen amazing before and after results, they are greatly exaggerated. OTC products don’t contain highly concentrated whitening agents, so they can’t provide significant improvement. If any results do occur, they likely won’t last for more than a couple of weeks.
It’s easy to use the products more often than recommended in your effort to brighten your smile. Despite your good intention, it can cause irreversible damage to your teeth and gums. A professional treatment from your dentist provides a safe method to get your teeth as much as 8 shades whiter. You won’t need to worry about your results fading in a couple of months. Your smile can stay bright for several months to years with the proper aftercare, like maintaining your oral hygiene.
2. Untreated Dental Issues
The foundation of a beautiful smile starts with its health. Using whitening treatments with untreated dental issues is a recipe for disaster, like tooth decay. The whitening agents can aggravate underlying problems, which can cause serious discomfort.
It’s important to visit a dentist for a cleaning and checkup before using any at-home or in-office whitening treatments. They’ll ensure your teeth and gums are healthy to minimize any risks down the road. They will determine the cause of your stains to ensure a whitening treatment will help you reach your goals.
3. Inconsistent Results
It’s not uncommon for OTC whitening systems to provide inconsistent results. Not to mention, they won’t whiten any existing restorations, which can cause them to stick out like a sore thumb. The last thing you want to worry about is color differences between your teeth and restorations.
Your dentist can ensure consistent results using custom-fit whitening trays. If you’re concerned about any discrepancies between your enamel and restorations, they’ll create a plan to create seamless results.
Invest in a Bright, Beautiful Smile
Stop wasting money on ineffective and risky DIY whitening products. Invest in a stunning smile using a proven solution to safely treat stains and discoloration. You’ll enjoy lasting results, so you won’t think twice about smiling or taking a picture.
About Dr. Lance Timmerman
After earning his dental degree, Dr. Timmerman continued his training at the Las Vegas Institute, where he studied advanced treatments, like cosmetic dentistry. He holds many accreditations with various professional organizations, including the International Academy of Facial Aesthetics. He has the qualifications and experience you can trust for elective services. If you’re interested in teeth whitening, contact our office today to schedule your consultation.
