Cosmetic dentistry has taken the world by storm! In fact, according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the demand for cosmetic dental work has essentially doubled within the last five years—meaning more patients than ever before are turning toward options like teeth whitening to achieve their dream smiles. But when it comes to whitening teeth, are over-the-counter whitening products reliable, or is it better to trust your skilled cosmetic dentist? Here’s what you need to know.
Why You Shouldn’t Rely on OTC Whitening Products
These days, many stores have shelves lined with a wide variety of teeth-whitening products like gels, strips, trays, and more. These products boast promises to whiten smiles and boost overall happiness, but believe it or not, they often can’t keep these oaths. Here are a few examples of some popular store-bought products that don’t live up to their hype and can potentially even harm your pearly whites:
- Whitening toothpaste – These can prove somewhat effective after consistent use, but they still fall considerably short of what your dentist can accomplish. That said, you can still select one that’s clinically proven to whiten teeth if you’d like to enhance your dentist’s treatment.
- Whitening strips –These have the tendency to cause sores and sensitivity, and they might even lead to worsened results if you aren’t careful! Even though these items use similar components to what your dentist uses, they’re usually at much lower concentrations and can’t meet their expectations.
- Natural home remedies – Using lemon juice, activated charcoal, and turning toward many other social media fads can lead to enamel erosion, discoloration, and other issues.
- Products with hydrogen peroxide – Hydrogen peroxide should never be used to clean your teeth, period; it can harm your soft oral tissues!
Why You Should Trust Your Dentist to Whiten Your Smile
The bottom line is that when it comes to whitening teeth, visiting a skilled cosmetic dentist is the absolute best option for ensuring beautiful, lasting results. Dental professionals have access to the best possible whitening agents available, and these items vastly outperform store-bought whitening treatments. Plus, your dentist will supervise the whole process, meaning that if there is some type of snag or hiccup, they’ll be able to quickly remedy it, or they can make any alterations to your treatment plan if needed. It’s also worth mentioning that while the price of professional teeth whitening is typically greater than store-bought products, your results will correspond with your investment.
About the Author
Dr. Brandon Horton has proudly served patients and families in the Coppell, TX community for several years. Dr. Horton received his dental doctorate from the University of Tennessee and has taken countless hours of continuing education in a wide range of fields, including cosmetic dentistry. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule a visit for you or a loved one, feel free to contact the practice online or by phone for further information or assistance. Telephone: (972) 393-7348.