Have you caught a glimpse of your smile in the mirror while getting ready to go to work or go out with friends, only to immediately feel dismayed by the fact that your teeth are noticeably stained? While your first thought might be to go to your local department store and pick up whitening toothpaste or strips, that may not be the best option for your oral health. Read on to learn some of the risks associated with using store-bought products that aren’t ADA-approved.
What’s the Difference Between Store-Bought & Professional Teeth Whitening?
Store-bought teeth whitening products come in a variety of different application methods, including whitening trays, toothpastes, and strips. In fact, there are so many options it can be overwhelming to decide which one to get!
Many of the packages make big claims that suggest that you’ll be able to enjoy stunning results in a small amount of time, and while it makes it tempting to splurge the $10-$40, the truth is that these products can sometimes cause more harm than good. In many cases, they contain ingredients that aren’t professional-grade or approved by the American Dental Association, which can be a big concern.
Professional teeth whitening, like customized take-home kits and in-office treatment applied by a skilled cosmetic dentist allows you the flexibility to choose the method that best fits your needs. Your dentist will only use products that have been clinically proven to be safe for your teeth, and in many cases, they contain ingredients like fluoride to prevent uncomfortable side-effects, including dental sensitivity.
The Risks of Store-Bought Teeth Whitening Products
While store-bought products may seem like the best value, in reality, they can cause costly problems and underwhelming results that cause many patients to simply turn to professional treatment anyways. With overuse, whitening strips, toothpaste, and gels can lead to enamel erosion and increase your risk of dental sensitivity, decay, and more. Plus, because the ingredients aren’t professional grade, they often don’t provide long-lasting or dramatic results, which is what many people are hoping for.
Making the Best Decision for Your Smile
Take-home or in-office teeth whitening administered by your cosmetic dentist allows you to enjoy predictable results using products that you know will be safe for your teeth. Not only this, but the treatment time only takes two weeks for take-home and one hour for in-office, and by the time it’s completed, you’ll be able to enjoy a smile that’s brighter by up to eight shades.
Ultimately, while making a higher up-front investment on professional teeth whitening may lead you to purchasing less expensive store-bought products, there are fewer risks involved. By spending only a small amount more, you’ll be able to enjoy tried-and-true results that you can count on.
About the Author
Dr. Milad Rabban has been a dentist for nearly a decade and is dedicated to providing patients with reliable cosmetic dental care. She uses high-quality brands and ingredients, like KöR and Zoom! teeth whitening systems to ensure her patients receive the best results possible. She’s proud to offer additional financing for patients as well, ensuring they’re able to invest in their smile with peace-of-mind knowing it won’t strain their wallets. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit Clinton Township Family Dental’s website or call 586-416-1444.