If you’re looking for a simple and effective way to enhance your smile this summer, you might be considering whitening your teeth. Thankfully, many dentists offer in-office and take-home treatments that can help address stubborn stains to enhance your appearance.
But many patients feel tempted to try more cost-effective, over-the-counter solutions instead. Continue reading to learn about 3 things you might have heard about these products and why it’s usually recommended that you upgrade your grin with your dentist instead!
Myth #1: Commercial-Grade Gels Are Just as Strong
Whether you’re using products provided by your dentist or purchasing gels or strips at your local pharmacy or grocery store, teeth whiteners typically work similarly. Most options include bleach, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which undergo a chemical reaction when they come into contact with pigmented particles clinging to our enamel. This blasts them apart, reducing their size and concentration, which is what helps lighten your smile.
But many store-bought options contain diluted bleaches that can cause sensitivity. Not only that, but the weaker active ingredients are also less likely to produce consistent coloration. Meanwhile, your dentist uses ultra-concentrated gels specially designed to mitigate discomfort, which are more likely to provide the desired outcome.
Myth #2: I Can Rely on One-Size-Fits-All Whitening Trays
Not only do commercial-grade products contain less effective ingredients, but they typically also rely on one-size-fits-all trays. This can lead to errors in the application that may cause tenderness, especially if the bleach is smeared onto your sensitive connective tissues.
Thankfully, many dentists are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, such as digital impression systems and X-rays, that allow them to provide custom-fitted applicator trays for improved comfort and more accurate results. When combined with professional-strength gels, this can help you achieve quality results conveniently from your own home.
Myth #3: I’m Saving Money By Choosing Store-Bought Whiteners
Professional whitening services usually have a higher price point than boxes of strips or gels available at your local corner store. It’s easy to assume that you can save money by opting for these solutions rather than investing in cosmetic upgrades with your dentist, but that’s not always the case.
For instance, putting bleach over hidden cavities or gum disease can result in aches that require an emergency dental visit to address, incurring additional costs. Not only that, but if your teeth don’t respond to the product as intended, you might need to pay for professional services to correct any uneven coloration.
As you can see, there are several excellent reasons to upgrade your grin with your dentist rather than opt for over-the-counter teeth whitening options!
About the Practice
Patients at Healthy Smiles Dental Care of Muskegon benefit from a team of providers with decades of combined experience. Dr. Rodrigez, Dr. Sevener, and Dr. Ludkin collaborate to offer a comprehensive list of services, including in-office and take-home teeth whitening, to meet the unique needs of people of all ages. Then, they use state-of-the-art equipment to deliver comfortable, accurate outcomes intended to last. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (231) 563-6878.