Over time, have you noticed your smile isn’t as bright as it used to be? You may start to see a yellow tint to them, so you might immediately look up teeth whitening online. As you dive into different methods, store-bought products might pop up as a reliable way to get professional-looking results. That said, do they really work? Here’s how they often fall short and a better way to get the transformation you want.
So, Why Doesn’t Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Work?
Over-the-counter teeth whitening products promise more than they can deliver, and you risk complications along the way. Here are a few reasons it’s best to simply avoid them:
- You’ll get slow results. Even if you use these items as directed for two weeks, you may only get a couple of shades difference. That’s because the bleaching agent in them is diluted and not concentrated.
- You risk damage. Since you won’t get the bright look you want, you might use them for longer or more often. This can harm your enamel and wear it down, so you may develop sensitivity or be more prone to cavities. Products with baking soda or charcoal are also abrasive, meaning there’s double the trouble.
- Stuff you buy is one-size-fits-all. Strips and other options might feel convenient, but they aren’t custom to you. The bleaching agent has a higher risk of coming into contact with your gums, leading to irritation.
How Can I Get the Results I Want from Teeth Whitening?
Since over-the-counter teeth whitening has several downsides, you might wonder whether there’s a better option. Thankfully, there is! Your dentist offers a professional treatment that can give you the noticeable results you want without harming your enamel. They use a high-quality bleaching gel that targets stains on and within the outer layer of your smile, giving you up to an eight-shade difference.
Throughout your service, your provider will ensure your grin isn’t harmed. That means you can enjoy your new look without sensitivity; that way, you aren’t in any discomfort afterward. This makes it a more reliable option than anything you can find in stores.
About the Practice
Want to transform your smile? Our team at Flenniken Family Dentistry is dedicated to helping patients in Carlisle correct chips, stains, and gaps with effective cosmetic dental treatments, like professional teeth whitening. Our skilled dentists will tailor a plan to your flaws, so you can get the results you’re looking for without complications. If you have stains you want to get rid of, schedule an appointment or call our office at 717-249-7777.
