A bright, vibrant, white smile can have a huge impact on your appearance and can give your self-confidence a major boost. It’s no surprise that teeth whitening is one of the most requested cosmetic dental procedures. If you’re looking to whiten your smile, a walk down the aisle of any drugstore will present you with a dizzying array of over-the-counter (OTC) whitening strips, gels, and toothpastes. While these kits may seem like a convenient and affordable option, a professional whitening treatment from your dentist will always provide a solution that is significantly safer, faster, and far more effective.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
The color of our teeth is naturally determined by our genetics, but it is also affected by age and the gradual accumulation of stains from the foods and drinks we consume. The main culprits are dark-colored substances like coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco, which can cause our teeth to become yellow or discolored over time. Teeth whitening products, both professional and OTC, use a bleaching agent—typically either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide—to penetrate the tooth’s enamel and break down these discolored molecules. The primary difference between the two options lies in the strength of the bleaching agent and the precision of the application method.
The Limitations and Risks of Over-the-Counter Whitening Kits
The whitening strips, gels, and trays you can buy at a store have several significant drawbacks.
- Much Lower Strength: For safety reasons, OTC products are legally allowed to contain only a very low concentration of the active bleaching agent. This means that the results are often very subtle and may require many weeks or even months of consistent use to become noticeable.
- Uneven and Splotchy Results: Whitening strips are a generic, one-size-fits-all product. They often don’t fit the unique curves of your smile or the shape of your teeth perfectly. This can lead to a very uneven, splotchy whitening effect, where the flat front surfaces of your teeth get lighter, but the curved areas in between the teeth remain dark.
- Increased Tooth and Gum Sensitivity: Without professional supervision, it is very easy to misuse these products. The bleaching gel from the ill-fitting strips or trays can easily ooze out and come into prolonged contact with your sensitive gum tissue, causing significant irritation, inflammation, and discomfort. Many people also experience increased tooth sensitivity with the prolonged use of these products.
The Advantages of Professional Teeth Whitening
A professional whitening treatment performed by your dentist is the gold standard for achieving a dramatically whiter, more even, and brilliant smile, both safely and quickly.
- Far More Powerful and Effective: A dentist is a licensed professional who is legally able to use a professional-strength bleaching gel that has a much higher concentration of the active ingredient. This allows for a much more significant and noticeable whitening effect in a much shorter period of time.
- Customized and Safe Application: For a take-home professional kit, your dentist will create a set of custom-fitted whitening trays that are made from a precise impression of your teeth. These trays fit your teeth perfectly, like a glove. This ensures that the whitening gel is held in even contact with every surface of every tooth, while also preventing the gel from leaking out and irritating your gums.
- Professional Supervision and Safety: Your dentist will first perform an exam to ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy enough for a whitening treatment. They can also advise you on how to manage any potential tooth sensitivity.
- Faster, More Dramatic Results: In addition to custom take-home kits, many dentists also offer in-office whitening treatments that can dramatically whiten your teeth by several shades in a single, comfortable appointment of about an hour.
As the American Dental Association (ADA) advises, it’s always a good idea to consult with your dentist before starting any whitening regimen to ensure it’s the right and safe choice for you.
Your Temecula and Riverside Teeth Whitening Experts
If you want to achieve a truly brilliant, beautiful, and evenly white smile, a professional treatment is the best investment. For patients in the Temecula and Riverside, CA areas who are ready to brighten their smile, the team at Dr. Parul Mehta and Associates offers safe and effective professional teeth whitening. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at the office of Dr. Parul Mehta and Associates.
