Everyone wants a bright, beautiful smile consisting of perfectly white teeth. These days, you don’t have to go to a dentist in order to whiten your teeth and several different at home options are available in local drug stores. While these whitening kits are easy to use and relatively affordable, there are still a few things one should keep in mind before jumping in.
There are many brands and options, such as whitening strips or gels, to choose from. While they may contain different descriptions, names and advertising images, they are all pretty much made from the same products containing hydrogen peroxide which removes dirt from the teeth and restores the enamel. What does vary from brand to brand is the percentage of the hydrogen peroxide. You can select a higher or lower strength whitener depending on how white you would like your teeth to be.
If you have sensitive teeth, it would be wise to consult the professional opinion of a dentist so that you don’t try a product that causes you pain, irritation or any other side effects you were not expecting. Everyone reacts differently when it comes to dental products and procedures so if you have any concerns, discuss them with a dentist prior to trying a whitener. Remember that your teeth may not respond to a product in the same way as another person using the same whitener. It is also very difficult to predict how sensitive you’ll be regarding a specific product but speaking to your dentist can help as they will know your history and can make recommendations based on previous appointments and reactions.
Following instructions is very important. While it’s highly unlikely that you’ll end up damaging your tooth enamel through the use of teeth whiteners, it is still best to follow the steps outlined and included with the product. Leaving the whitening strip on your teeth for longer than what is directed will not benefit you in any way and will not make your teeth any whiter.
The last thing to keep in mind is that while teeth whitening solutions may work and provide the user with whiter teeth, the results are not permanent and will fade over time. Depending on the procedure you go with, this can last months or even years but in the end, the effects of the product will wear off and a touch up or second procedure will be necessary. If you don’t mind repeating the process then you shouldn’t have any problems.
When it comes to dental inquiries, it is always a good idea to talk to a reputable dentist, especially if you are considering trying something new like a teeth whitening procedure. If you are in the Toronto area, Edward Street Dental can answer all of your questions and help you make an informed decision that you’ll be comfortable with in the long run!
