If you’ve noticed your teeth are looking a little lackluster these days, you may be thinking about trying an over-the-counter tooth whitening product. With a variety of options like pastes, gels, and strips, there is no shortage of products to try, but even though they claim to be safe, doing it yourself can often be dangerous.
Here’s why when it comes to your smile, you should leave the heavy (stain) lifting to your dentist with professional whitening!
Sensitivity and Teeth Whitening Products
If you’ve ever tried teeth whitening before, you may already know that it can sometimes cause sensitivity. Over-the-counter kits typically contain diluted ingredients, so patients often erroneously believe that these will be less likely to cause discomfort than professional treatments, but this isn’t typically true. That’s because when you use OTC products, your treatment will take longer than it would have with professional whitening, thereby extending your exposure to the active ingredients and making sensitivity last longer, too.
This happens because when the active ingredients enter the pores in your teeth, they can irritate the nerves. Thankfully this is temporary and should go away within a few days after treatment ends.
The Importance of the Teeth Whitening Consultation
One of the reasons some people don’t want to get professional whitening is because they feel it would take too long to have a consultation with the dentist, but the truth is that this is a very important step. Take cavities, for example. If you currently have them, your teeth are probably already sensitive. When you add whitening gel to an already uncomfortable tooth, you increase your risk of pain and can even make the cavity worse. Thus, your dentist needs to give you a clean bill of health before proceeding.
Why Professional Teeth Whitening is Better
In addition to getting faster results, professional teeth whitening is done under the care of your dentist, meaning that your treatment can be easily customized to your specific needs. Better still, your dentist will give you a pre-whitening exam to ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy enough to withstand treatment and protect you from causing permanent damage on already injured teeth.
Once you’ve been cleared for treatment, you can expect it to be completed faster than those OTC kits, meaning your will limit your exposure to chemicals, and have better looking results, too!
Remember, while those OTC products may cost less up front, you’ll save plenty in time, money, and sensitivity overall with professional whitening!
About Our Practice
At Harrisonburg Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we work together as a team to deliver safe, beautiful results to all our patients. Whether you need an exam and cleaning, dental implants, or cosmetic treatment like professional whitening, our dentists are here to ensure that your mouth is in excellent health no matter where your smile takes you!
To schedule a consultation for professional teeth whitening, please visit our website or call us today at 540-432-6616.