Is over-the-counter teeth whitening safe?
Many patients ask whether professional whitening is worth the cost when many inexpensive over-the-counter (OTC) alternatives and “quick fixes” are available. Teeth whitening is the act of diminishing stains and discoloration on your teeth. At Annapolis Dental Care, we discuss the difference between professional whitening and over-the-counter options and additional remedies for our patients.
Do You Want Better Results? Choose Professional Whitening
When you receive a teeth whitening treatment at our office, you should know that every treatment is customized to every one of our patients. We will assist you in determining a suitable tooth whitening compound, and we will use custom trays that aid the spread the product evenly across your teeth. Therefore, you will have a shining, natural-looking smile.
Furthermore, you may be able to embellish your teeth by up to 5-10 shades in a single whitening treatment from Annapolis Dental Care. On the other hand, OTC whitening kits utilize a “one-size-fits-all” method. A custom tray is not included in the kit, and you’ll have to use any teeth whitening gel that came with the kit, regardless of the concentration of peroxide (whitener) it uses. Lastly, most take-home kits do not evenly whiten all your teeth, primarily the noticeable ones when you smile.
Do You Want to Save Money? Go with an OTC Option
Additionally, the primary advantage of DIY whitening is the inexpensive cost. Nonetheless, there are a couple of vital things to consider. Some OTC teeth whitening kits take longer to accomplish the same results that you would receive from a single office visit whitening treatment with a professional dentist. You might have to use several OTC kits for weeks or months to achieve the best possible results.
So, is Teeth Whitening Dangerous?
Finally, depending on the kit you use, some teeth whitening kits have a 5-10% concentration of peroxide that is not hazardous to your teeth. In contrast, some kits come with a potent concentration of peroxide (40% or higher) higher than what professional dentists use. If you improperly use these kits, they can cause your teeth to become brittle and chalky or damage your gums and provoke irritation.
KEEP YOUR MOUTH HAPPY WITH FAMILY DENTISTRY AT ANNAPOLIS DENTAL CARE!
Whether it’s a regular check-up you need or a tooth extracted, your dentist in Annapolis is here to serve! Annapolis Dental Care has the expertise and compassion to work with you on improving your oral health. Your comfort and health are our top priorities, and so we go above and beyond to make our patients happy and give them the highest quality care. To set up an appointment today, please give us a call at 410-571-5014 or visit us online. For more oral health tips for you and your family, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube! We are always looking for new patients, so if you live in Arnold, Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, MD, come on down!