Almost everyone can afford that dazzling smile, thanks to advanced and affordable teeth-whitening options. Individuals can opt for treatments performed at the dentist’s office or choose one of the over-the-counter solutions to take care of stained or darkened teeth.
There are several clinically proven products, including whitening methods and bleaching, that do not show any adverse effects on the teeth. Teeth whitening happens to be one out of the top ten most performed cosmetic procedures around the world. However, there are some dos and don’ts.
Using an ill-fitting whitening tray is not a good idea
If you opt for in-office treatment, the dentist uses custom-fitted trays for ensuring the gel does not leak out of the plate. However, when patients choose over-the-counter (do-it-yourself) kits, they often end up with one-size-fits-all trays that may prove unfit for the mouth. The patient might experience irritation of gums due to the gel leakage from unfit plates. Plus, the whitening results turn out to be awful.
Thus, rather than opting for over-the-counter trays, it is always better to visit your dentist’s office. Dental care experts examine the teeth for gum disease or tooth decay, perform professional cleaning procedures, and then take impressions for creating trays that fit perfectly.
Using quick-fix products that are not meant to be used on teeth
Surprisingly, several patients end up using products that are not supposed to be used for dental whitening. Some of them are not even safe to be used inside the mouth. Some people do not hesitate while using household bleach as a quick fix to get that pleasant smile.
Such products can damage the gum tissues, and even result in a hole in the enamel. Thus, experts recommend patients to opt for products that have FDA/ADA seal and are meant to be used inside the mouth.
The best option is to select a hydrogen peroxide solution containing formulas and other clinically tested products recommended by the dentist rather than dangerous home remedies. If the patient does not wish to visit the dental office multiple times, the dentist can also offer a custom-made tooth-whitening tray for use at home. Following proper instructions can ensure both safety and superb results.
The use of baking soda is a highly debatable subject
It is common knowledge that scrubbing baking soda on the tooth surface can help in getting rid of surface stains. However, studies have proved that baking soda may not be the best solution for whitening as its abrasiveness can damage the enamel. Plus, it does not help in removing older stains and can increase the sensitivity of teeth. So, rather than dipping your toothbrush in household baking soda, it is advisable to choose a toothpaste that consists of fluoride and baking soda.
Unsuitable candidates for teeth whitening
Dentists do not recommend whitening in some cases due to the low probability of success after treatment.
- The patient may end up with an uneven smile if he or she tries to lighten up dental bondings, crowns, and old fillings. That’s because some dental restorations cannot be whitened. So, dentists also often suggest patients with crowns, dental fillings, and other restorations to avoid opting for over-the-counter options.
- Besides lactating and pregnant women, dental care experts suggest children below the age of 16 should not whiten their teeth. The procedure can irritate the tooth pulp and make the child’s teeth more sensitive.
- Some patients are allergic to peroxide and other ingredients used in whitening products. Such individuals should not go for tooth whitening systems without consulting their dentist. The treatment is also not recommended for patients with receding gums, cavities, exposed roots, worn enamel, or sensitive teeth.
Some products may prove to be disastrous rather than amazing
The amount of color and whitening treatment required for the teeth may vary from one patient to the other. As mentioned earlier, your dentist will examine your gums, teeth for cavities, and treat the dental issues before whitening. Then, recommend the best whitening treatment for restoring your smile.
Some do-it-yourself (DIY) whiteners (those without FDA and ADA approval) claim to offer amazing results within a short period. It is better to avoid such products, as items with high concentrations of peroxide can result in blisters, painful chemical burns, along with severe problems for throat and overall mouth.
Choose a dental office and not beauty therapists
Whitening is a perfectly safe procedure when carried out by an experienced dental professional. If someone without proper knowledge and training tries to perform these processes, the patient may end up with permanent damage to the gums and teeth. If you wish to discuss and know about the best teeth whitening procedures suitable for you, TruCare Dentistry, Roswell (GA), can be the best option for you.