While there is an overabundance of teeth whitening products available at almost any drugstore or online, it is almost always safer and more effective to seek care from a dental professional, such as a family dentistry Kansas City MO. Learn five possible disadvantages of over-the-counter teeth whitening products.
1. Ineffectiveness
While many professional whitening products use higher concentrations of peroxide to achieve results, readily available products may have little to no peroxide. Whitening toothpaste and rinses often include no bleaching agent and can only remove surface stains.
2. Enamel Damage
Since over-the-counter products are often used with dentist supervision, it is possible for people to overuse bleaching products. Extended use or keeping products on the teeth for too long can cause damage to the tooth’s enamel.
3. Uneven Whitening
If whitening products are applied incorrectly or a person bleaches their teeth with fillings, dental crowns, or veneers, the results may be uneven. It can be difficult to correct uneven shading once the mistake is made.
4. Gum Sensitivity
Some people are more susceptible to gum sensitivity than others, and dentists place a guard around the gums to help prevent discomfort. Since over-the-counter products are not customized for the particular patient, it possible for the bleaching product to seep onto the patient’s gums and cause sensitivity and burning pain. Some people may even get white spots on the gums from a chemical burn.
5. Long Treatment Time
Professional treatment can be completed in one day or a couple of weeks depending on the type of treatment chosen. Products found at a store often take months for results to be seen.
While the choice is ultimately yours, having teeth whitened by a dentist offers the quickest results and is often the safest. If you do decide to use an over-the-counter product, you should check with your dentist first.
