Teeth come in endless shades and tones naturally, but you can’t put a price on the benefits of a bright, white smile. A recent study found that 33% of Americans are unhappy with the appearance of their teeth. Tooth discoloration is a leading concern. There’s a rising demand for OTC teeth whitening products because of their affordability and convenience. However, don’t expect to achieve any noticeable or lasting results. You can stop throwing money away and invest in dramatic, lasting improvement by visiting your dentist for professional teeth whitening.
Risks of OTC Teeth Whitening
Many OTC whitening products are safe when used according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, but there are some that can damage your teeth. It’s not always easy to determine which are safe and not everyone is a candidate for teeth whitening.
Besides the potential dangers to your dental health, no OTC product contains professional-strength whitening ingredients. Therefore, they can only produce minimal temporary results. It’s common to overuse whitening products to try to lift stains, which can cause irreversible damage to your smile.
Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening
You can reach your goals without the risk when visiting a cosmetic dentist. They will examine your mouth to ensure you are a candidate for teeth whitening. You must have healthy teeth and gums. They’ll create a personalized treatment plan to get your teeth significantly whiter. You have multiple options, including:
- In-Office Teeth Whitening: Your teeth can get up to 8 shades whiter in about 1 hour using an in-office whitening treatment. A protective barrier is placed over your gums and lips before applying a whitening gel, which is activated using a special light.
- At-Home Teeth Whitening: You can achieve in-office results from the comfort of your home with a take-home kit. Your dentist will give you everything you need to gradually whiten your teeth by using the kit every day for about 2 weeks.
No matter the method, your results can last for several months or years with the right care, like brushing and flossing. Your dentist can provide you with a touch-up kit to maintain your results.
About Yelena Obholz
Dr. Obholz earned her dental degree from the New York University College of Dentistry and has continued her education in periodontics, oral surgery, and cosmetic dentistry. She is a proud member of the American Dental Association and the District of Columbia Dental Society. If you’re ready for a brighter smile, request an appointment through her website or call her office at (301) 945-8182.