Would you like to brighten up your smile? A walk through the dental care aisle at your local big box store will reveal dozens of different teeth whitening products, including gels, toothpastes, mouthwashes, whitening strips, and more. These items are often much cheaper than professional whitening services, so you might be tempted to try them. But do they actually work? This blog post explains what you should know.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Most teeth whitening products use a form of peroxide — either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide — to penetrate the tooth enamel. These bleaching agents break up unwanted pigment molecules and can make teeth appear brighter. Often, professional and over-the-counter teeth whitening products use similar active ingredients.
The Downsides of OTC Teeth Whitening
Even though OTC and professional teeth whitening products use similar active ingredients, that does not mean they are created equal. Sadly, OTC options have some significant downsides:
- Lower concentration of active ingredients: Over-the-counter whitening products generally contain weaker bleaching agents than professional treatments, which can result in less noticeable or slower whitening effects.
- Uneven results: Many OTC products may not be able to fully cover every tooth surface, leading to patchy or inconsistent whitening.
- Higher risk of misuse: Without guidance from a dental professional, many individuals use these products incorrectly, increasing the chances of tooth sensitivity and gum irritation.
- Limited stain removal: OTC whitening options are less effective at eliminating deeper or more stubborn stains, such as those caused by medication, trauma, or severe discoloration.
- No customization: OTC kits are designed for the general public and do not account for individual dental needs, potentially leading to unsatisfactory results or complications.
- Questionable ingredients. While many teeth whitening products use a form of peroxide, others use very harsh or abrasive ingredients, such as activated charcoal. Using them might damage your tooth enamel.
For the Best Results, Stick to Professional Whitening
If you are careful, using OTC whitening products is unlikely to harm you. However, if you truly want the best possible results, it is wise to entrust your smile to a dentist. Some advantages of professional teeth whitening include:
- Enhanced effectiveness: Professional treatments use stronger and more concentrated whitening agents for brighter, longer-lasting results.
- Greater safety: Dental supervision ensures proper application and minimizes side effects like sensitivity and gum irritation.
- Personalized customization: Dentists tailor whitening techniques and products to your unique dental needs and goals.
- Consistent results: In-office whitening delivers even coverage for a uniform, radiant smile.
- Comprehensive stain removal: Professional systems can target deep or stubborn discoloration more effectively than OTC options.
Over-the-counter teeth whitening products work — to a degree. But professional options are always superior! Talk to your dentist to learn more about how to safely and effectively brighten your smile.
Meet the Practice
At Willow Run Dental Association, we proudly offer top-quality teeth whitening from ZOOM! Both in-office and take-home treatments are available. If you are concerned about dental stains, we would be happy to consult with you. Contact our Auburn, ME, office at 207-352-2825.